Oldalszám

Oldalszám is the Hungarian term for the page number, the numeric label printed on a page of a book or document. It serves as a navigational aid and a reference point in quotations, footnotes, and bibliographic citations, helping readers locate content and verify statements.

In traditional print, pagination often uses a two-tier system. Front matter and other preliminary pages are usually numbered with Roman numerals (i, ii, iii), while the main text uses Arabic numerals starting at 1. Some editions restart numbering at the beginning of each chapter or section, while others use continuous pagination throughout the work. Page numbers are typically placed in the header or footer, commonly on the outer margin; on right-hand pages they may appear on the outer edge, and on left-hand pages on the inner edge.

Page numbers also support indexing and cross-referencing. In a Hungarian citation or note, a reference such as "12. oldal" indicates the exact page where the information can be found. Some pages may be left unnumbered, such as blank leaves or certain front-matter pages.

Digital formats affect pagination. E-books and other reflowable texts often do not have fixed page numbers because the layout depends on font size and device. Some readers use location numbers or percentages instead. PDFs preserve fixed page numbers that correspond to the printed layout, aiding direct comparison with print editions.

Overall, oldalszám remains a key element of document structure, facilitating navigation, citation, and readability across both print and digital contexts.