Fixing text position indent in the Table of Contents in word

Question

Please refer to screenshot. When the Table of Contents displays Heading 1 style, number 10, the text indent increases and no longer aligns with numbers 1 to 9. If this were a numbered list, it would be easy to increase the text indentation so numbers 1 to 9 align with 10. However, I can find no option to do so when modifying the Table of Contents from the reference tab. It says there is no numbered list applied. Changing the text indent of the Heading 1 style does not affect how the Table of Contents is displayed. If anyone knows how to fix this vexing issue, I'd appreciate it.

Answer 1

This is due to the default tab stop being set at .5" to accommodate a single digit. The number 10 extends further to the right so the text for that entry is moved to the next [1.0"] tab stop.

The Heading styles determine which headings are included in the TOC but how they display is determined by the TOC Styles. Edit the TOC Style to set a tab stop further to the right... If no more than 99 setting at no more than .75" should be sufficient but if it goes into 3 digits a higher tab stop may be needed.

Answer 2

Thank you! I didn't realize the alignment was based on tabs, not indents as used by the numbered lists.