Published on MuseScore (https://musescore.org)

Measure numbering

    Showing and hiding measure numbers

    Showing measure numbers automatically

    By default, MuseScore shows measure numbers at the start of each system except the first one in a section. Numbering starts at the first complete measure in a section.

    if you wish to change measure numbering:

    1. From the menu bar, select Format→Style→Measure numbers.
    2. Edit the following properties as required:
      • Measure numbers: This is ON by default. Uncheck to turn off measure numbering.
      • Show first: Check to show measure number on the first system of a section.
      • All staves: Check to show measure numbers on every staff.
      • Every system / Interval: If "Every system" is selected, measure numbers are shown at the start of each system. If "Interval" is selected, you can choose a measure interval at which to display measures.
    3. Make changes to positioning using the controls on the right.
    4. Edit the display of multimeasure numbers in the section below:
      • Show measure number range at multimeasure rests. If checked, you can also customize the appearance and position of the numbering. Unchecked (the default setting), only the count of multimeasure rests is displayed.

    Showing measure numbers manually

    To always show the number of a particular measure, regardless of style settings, open Measure properties and select "Always show" from the Measure number mode dropdown.

    Hiding measure numbers

    To hide all measure numbers, uncheck "Measure numbers" in Format→Style→Measure numbers.

    To hide the number of a particular measure, regardless of style settings, open Measure properties and select "Always hide" from the Measure number mode dropdown.

    Changing the measure number sequence

    Excluding a measure from the count

    In Measure properties, check "Exclude from measure count" (in the Other pane).

    Altering the numbering of a measure

    In Measure properties, edit "Add to measure number". Both positive and negative numbers are accepted.

    Resetting measure numbering for a new section

    By default, numbering of measures always restarts at the beginning of a new section. To prevent this, and make numbering continuous, select the break and in the Properties panel uncheck "Reset measure numbers for new section".

    Changing the position of measure numbers

    To adjust the position of all measure numbers, edit the X and Y offsets of "Position above" and "Position below" in Format→Style→Measure numbers.

    Measure number properties

    Note that any changes made to a measure number in the Properties panel may be lost if the layout changes.

    Measure number style

    Various properties for all measure numbers in the score can be adjusted in Format→Style→Measure numbers. Most are dealt with in the sections above.

    Measure number style settings

    See also

    Other measure-related pages: