Resume Margins ATS Guide: Optimal Spacing for Parsing and Readability
Resume margins affect both ATS parsing accuracy and human readability. Too narrow and text may be cut off during parsing or printing; too wide and you waste valuable space. This guide provides specific margin recommendations that optimize for both ATS compatibility and professional appearance.
Recommended Margin Settings
The ideal resume margins are 0.5 to 1 inch on all sides. This range provides sufficient white space for readability while maximizing content area. The standard default in most word processors is 1 inch, which is a safe starting point.
For candidates who need more space, 0.5-inch margins are acceptable and still parse correctly. Going below 0.5 inches risks text being cut off when the resume is printed or when some ATS platforms render the document.
Maintain equal margins on left and right sides for visual balance. Top and bottom margins can be slightly adjusted (e.g., 0.5 inch top, 0.75 inch bottom) without issues.
| Margin Size | Pros | Cons | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 inch (default) | Maximum readability, safe for all systems | Less content space | Best for short resumes |
| 0.75 inch | Good balance of space and content | None significant | Recommended for most resumes |
| 0.5 inch | Maximum content area | Tight appearance, risk of print cutoff | Only when space is critical |
| Less than 0.5 inch | Maximum content | May be cut off, looks cramped | Not recommended |
How Margins Affect ATS Parsing
ATS parsing is not directly affected by margin settings because the parser reads the document's text content rather than its visual layout. Whether your margins are 0.5 or 1 inch, the extracted text is the same.
However, extremely narrow margins can cause problems in some edge cases. If the ATS renders your resume as a preview for the recruiter, very narrow margins may cause text to be clipped at the edges. Additionally, some ATS platforms convert resumes to PDF for internal use, and narrow margins may result in text cutoff during conversion.
Line spacing (the space between lines of text) has a similar consideration. Single spacing is standard for resumes. 1.15 spacing is also acceptable and improves readability. Avoid double spacing, which wastes space and looks unusual.
White Space Best Practices
Beyond margins, effective use of white space between sections, entries, and elements improves both parsing accuracy and human readability. Add a blank line between major sections (Experience, Education, Skills) to give the parser clear section break signals.
Within sections, use consistent spacing between entries. A half-line or full-line space between job entries helps the parser distinguish between different roles.
Avoid large blocks of unbroken text. Break content into bullet points and keep paragraphs short (2-3 sentences maximum). This improves both scannability for human readers and parsing accuracy for ATS.
Pro Tips
Set margins to 0.75 inches for the optimal balance of content space and readability
Use single or 1.15 line spacing for body text
Add a blank line between major sections to signal section breaks to the parser
Maintain equal left and right margins for visual balance
Never go below 0.5-inch margins to avoid text cutoff in printing or ATS rendering
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Shrinking margins below 0.5 inches to cram in more content, risking text cutoff
Using inconsistent spacing between sections, confusing the parser's section detection
Having no space between job entries, making it hard for the parser to distinguish different roles
Using double spacing, which wastes space and looks unprofessional