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The Ultimate Guide to Double Spacing in Google Docs

The Ultimate Guide to Double Spacing in Google Docs

businessfieldNovember 7, 2025 1:14 am

Double Space in Google Docs

When American universities and businesses require double-spaced documents, they’re not just being picky—they’re following standards that separate amateur work from professional submissions. Whether you’re a student at an American university wrestling with APA 7th edition formatting or a professional preparing reports for US clients, getting spacing right is non-negotiable.

Recent analysis of Google search patterns shows American users specifically search for “double spacing Google Docs MLA,” “APA format Google Docs spacing,” and “how to double space for college papers.” This guide is tailored to meet those exact needs with American academic and professional standards in mind.

How​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ to Double Space in Google Docs

This is the main thing. If you don’t remember anything else, remember these steps. I personally do it every single day.

Highlight Your Text: Put your mouse pointer over the text that you want to change and press and hold the left mouse button. What if you want to select the whole document? Nothing could be simpler.

Find the Magic Button: Look at your toolbar at the top. Do you see a button with three horizontal lines and an up-and-down arrow next to it? That is your “Line spacing” button. Click it once.

Click “Double”: The options will be displayed in a drop-down menu that comes out. Simply click “Double.” That is all. Really.

Your document changes right away. If you are a visual learner, it is the icon between the “Align” buttons and the bullet list button. Can’t be mistaken for ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌it.

Why American Institutions Demand Double Spacing

Understanding the “why” behind formatting rules helps you apply them correctly:

For US Academic Success:

  • MLA Style (Modern Language Association): Required by most American humanities departments. Double spacing applies to the entire paper, including quotations and Works Cited.

  • APA Style (American Psychological Association): Standard for social sciences. The 7th edition mandates double spacing throughout, including reference lists.

  • Chicago/Turabian: Common in history and some business programs. Requires double spacing in manuscript preparation.

For US Business Standards:

  • Legal Documents: Many US legal filings require specific line spacing for readability and page counting.

  • Manuscript Submission: Literary agents and American publishers expect double-spaced submissions.

  • Grant Proposals & Reports: Federal and state funding applications often specify double spacing requirements.

How to Double Space in Google Docs

The Standard American Academic Approach

  1. Select all text with Ctrl + A (Windows) or Cmd + A (Mac)

  2. Click the Line & paragraph spacing icon (⋮ˑ in toolbar)

  3. Select “Double” from the dropdown

  4. Critical for US papers: Go back to the same menu and select “Remove space after paragraph” to ensure proper academic formatting

 The Power User Shortcut (Save Time on US Deadlines)

  • Windows/ChromeOS: Ctrl + 5 (This is the correct shortcut—not Ctrl+2 as in legacy Word)

  • Mac: Cmd + 5

  • Pro American tip: Create a custom shortcut through Tools > Preferences if you’re transitioning from Microsoft Word formatting habits.

Custom Spacing for Specific US Requirements

  1. Select text

  2. Go to Format > Line & paragraph spacing > Custom spacing

  3. Enter 2.0 in the line spacing field

  4. Set “Before” and “After” to 0 pt for strict academic compliance

Solving Double Spacing Problems for American Users

Problem: “My Professor Says My APA Paper Isn’t Spaced Correctly”

American Solution: APA 7th edition requires double spacing in these specific areas:

  • Entire manuscript text

  • Reference list entries (within and between)

  • Table body and notes

  • Figure images and notes

Fix: Select entire document (Ctrl + A), apply double spacing, then check Format > Align & indent > Indentation options to ensure no special indents are interfering.

Problem: “My Community College Requires Different Spacing”

American Reality: Many US community colleges and state universities use modified MLA. Contact your specific institution’s writing center, but generally:

  • Most require strict double spacing (2.0)

  • Some accept 1.5 spacing for draft submissions

  • Always check your course syllabus first

Problem: “Works Cited Page Formatting for US Universities”

MLA Standard Solution:

  1. Your entire Works Cited should be double spaced

  2. Use “hanging indent” for each entry (Format > Align & indent > Indentation options > Special: Hanging)

  3. Do NOT add extra spaces between entries—the double spacing provides adequate separation

State-by-State Formatting Insights (Based on US Search Data)

California & New York Universities: Often require strict adherence to latest MLA/APA editions. Use Ctrl + 5 and verify spacing is exactly 2.0.

Texas & Florida Colleges: Many institutions provide specific formatting templates. Double check if they want spacing before or after paragraphs set to specific values.

Midwest Universities (Big Ten Schools): Often emphasize consistency. Use Google Docs’ “Styles” feature to ensure headings and body text maintain consistent spacing.

American Business Formatting Standards

For US Corporate Documents:

  • Reports: Typically 1.5-2.0 spacing for draft review

  • Legal Filings: Exactly 2.0 spacing, often with specific margin requirements

  • Government Submissions: Follow GSA (General Services Administration) guidelines, usually double spaced

Tools for American Users

Google Docs Add-ons for US Formatting:

  1. Paperpile Citations: Perfect for MLA/APA citation formatting

  2. EasyBib: Generates properly spaced Works Cited pages

  3. Format Factory: Helps maintain consistent spacing across long documents

Mobile Formatting for American Students on the Go:

  • iOS/Android: Tap Format (A icon) > Paragraph > Line height > Set to 2.0

  • iPad with Keyboard: Use Cmd + 5 just like on desktop

Checklist for American Academic Perfection

Before submitting to any US institution, verify:

  • Entire document is exactly 2.0 line spaced

  • No extra spaces before/after paragraphs (unless required)

  • Works Cited/References follow same spacing rules

  • Headings maintain consistent spacing with body text

  • Document meets specific departmental requirements (check syllabus!)

  • Page numbers and headers are included in spacing considerations

Why American Users Prefer Google Docs for Formatting

  1. Real-time Collaboration: Perfect for US study groups and team projects

  2. Automatic Saving: Never lose work during all-night study sessions

  3. Free Access: Critical for American students managing education costs

  4. Cloud-Based: Access from campus labs, home computers, or mobile devices

  5. MLA/APA Templates: Built-in templates that automatically handle spacing

The Economic Impact of Proper Formatting

In the US education system, formatting errors can cost letter grades. In business, they can delay contracts or reject proposals. Taking 60 seconds to ensure proper double spacing demonstrates:

  • Attention to detail valued by American employers

  • Respect for institutional standards

  • Professionalism in communication

  • Ability to follow specific guidelines