You can change the amount of space Word places between paragraphs of text. For example, you can use this technique to set double-spacing between paragraphs while maintaining single spacing within each paragraph.
Select the paragraph or paragraphs for which you want to define spacing.
Click Format.
Click Paragraph.
The Paragraph dialog box appears.
Click the spinner arrows () to increase or decrease the space.
Click to increase or decrease the space after the selected paragraph.
Click OK.
Word applies the spacing before and after the selected paragraph.
Click anywhere outside the selection to continue working.
What does “pt” mean?
It is an abbreviation for “point,” a measurement unit associated with vertical line spacing. A point is 1/72 of an inch. A 72-point line of text is approximately 1-inch high. Measure 1 inch of text vertically; in most cases, six lines of text fill 1 vertical inch of space. One line equals about 1/6 of an inch, and 1/6 of an inch equals 12 points of vertical line space.
How many points should I use before and after paragraphs to leave one blank line between paragraphs?
You assign the same paragraph spacing to all paragraphs. Assign 6 points before each paragraph and 6 points after each paragraph. The 6 points of space at the bottom of Paragraph 1 plus the 6 points of space at the top of Paragraph 2 equals 12 points, or one line space.