11/06/2026
🔢 Arabic vs Bates numbering explained simply.
This causes more confusion (and errors) than it should.
Arabic numbering
➡️ Pages run continuously: 1, 2, 3, 4…
➡️ Never resets
➡️ One page number per page
Bates numbering
➡️ Pages reset within sections
➡️ Uses letters + numbers
➡️ A1, A2… then B1, B2…
The biggest mistake we see with Court bundles?
❌ Mixing both systems in one bundle
❌ PDF numbering not matching visible page numbers
❌ Blank or divider pages left unnumbered
Simple rule: pick the correct system and apply it consistently.
This is one of the most common issues flagged in court feedback and exactly why we covered it clearly in our UK Court Bundle Compliance Checklist (2026).
👉 https://zurl.co/0jvI3