The default number of lines to drop for a drop cap (in MS Word and in typical exam/MCQ contexts) is 3 lines.

Quick Scoop

  • The drop cap feature creates a large initial letter at the start of a paragraph that spans multiple lines of text.
  • In standard office applications like MS Word, the default setting makes that letter drop across three lines of the surrounding text.
  • This default can usually be customized so you can increase or decrease the number of lines if needed.

In many computer and competitive exam questions, when they ask “What is the default number of lines to drop for Drop Cap?” the expected answer is: 3.

TL;DR: The default number of lines to drop for a drop cap is 3. ✅

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