Every page created in WordPress has a unique identification number called a Page ID.
Most regular website visitors never see these IDs, but they are extremely useful for:
- Plugins
- Custom code
- Theme settings
- CSS targeting
- Shortcodes
- Page-specific customization
At some point, many WordPress users encounter tutorials or plugin settings asking for:
“Enter the Page ID”
This often confuses beginners because WordPress does not always display page IDs clearly by default.
The good news is that finding a page ID is very easy once you know where to look.
In this guide, you’ll learn multiple ways to find page IDs in WordPress, including beginner-friendly methods and advanced options for developers.
What Is a Page ID in WordPress?
A Page ID is a unique number assigned automatically to every page created in WordPress.
Example
Your:
- Home page
might have ID: - 12
Another page:
- Contact Us
might have ID: - 47
Why Page IDs Matter
Page IDs are commonly used for:
- Plugin configurations
- Custom page targeting
- Theme customization
- CSS styling
- Conditional WordPress functions
Examples of Page ID Usage
You may need page IDs when:
- Excluding pages from menus
- Creating custom layouts
- Hiding titles
- Applying page-specific CSS
- Using advanced WordPress functions
Method 1: Find Page ID From the WordPress Dashboard
This is the easiest method for most users.
Step 1: Open WordPress Dashboard
Go to:
yourwebsite.com/wp-admin
Log into your account.
Step 2: Go to Pages
From the left sidebar:
- Click Pages
- Then select All Pages
You’ll now see a list of your website pages.
Step 3: Hover Over the Page Title
Move your mouse cursor over the page title.
Do not click yet.
Step 4: Check the Browser URL
At the bottom of your browser or inside the link preview, you’ll usually see a URL similar to:
post=25
The Number Is the Page ID
In this example:
- 25 = Page ID
Method 2: Open the Page Editor
Another simple method is viewing the page editing URL.
Step 1: Edit the Page
Click:
Edit
on the desired page.
Step 2: Check the URL
Look at your browser address bar.
You’ll see something like:
wp-admin/post.php?post=25&action=edit
The Page ID Is:
25
Method 3: Use a WordPress Plugin
If you prefer seeing IDs displayed directly in WordPress, plugins can help.
Popular Plugin Options
1. Reveal IDs
Displays IDs directly inside:
- Posts
- Pages
- Categories
- Media
2. Show IDs
Another lightweight option for displaying IDs in admin lists.
Benefits of Using Plugins
✔ Easier management
✔ Faster workflow
✔ Helpful for large websites
Method 4: Find Page ID Using Code
Advanced users can retrieve page IDs programmatically.
Example WordPress Function
get_the_ID();
This outputs the current page ID inside WordPress templates.
When Developers Use Page IDs
Developers often use page IDs for:
- Conditional layouts
- Custom templates
- Dynamic content targeting
- Special styling rules
Example Conditional Function
if ( is_page(25) ) {
// Custom code here
}
This targets only the page with ID 25.
Can Posts Also Have IDs?
Yes.
WordPress assigns IDs to:
- Posts
- Pages
- Media files
- Categories
- Comments
Difference Between Page ID and Slug
Many beginners confuse these.
Page ID
Numeric value:
25
Page Slug
Readable URL text:
about-us
Example URL
yourwebsite.com/about-us
Slug:
- about-us
Page ID:
- hidden internally
How Page IDs Help With Custom CSS
Some themes automatically add page IDs to the HTML body class.
Example:
.page-id-25 {
background: #fff;
}
This applies styling only to one page.
How to Find IDs for Other Content Types
The same methods work for:
- Posts
- Categories
- Tags
- Media attachments
Common Mistakes Beginners Make
❌ Confusing page ID with slug
❌ Looking for IDs on the live website frontend
❌ Installing unnecessary heavy plugins
❌ Editing code without backups
Do Page IDs Ever Change?
Normally no.
Once assigned, WordPress keeps the same page ID unless:
- The page is deleted
- A new page is recreated
Should You Expose Page IDs Publicly?
Usually harmless, but unnecessary exposure should still be avoided.
Pros of Knowing Page IDs
✔ Easier customization
✔ Better plugin configuration
✔ Helpful for troubleshooting
✔ Useful for developers
✔ Improves workflow efficiency
Cons
❌ Can confuse beginners initially
❌ Some tutorials assume technical knowledge
Tips for Managing WordPress Pages Efficiently
✔ Use descriptive page names
✔ Keep URLs organized
✔ Avoid duplicate pages
✔ Backup before major customization
✔ Document important page IDs for large sites
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I change a page ID manually?
No, WordPress automatically assigns page IDs.
2. Are page IDs important for SEO?
Not directly, but they help with internal customization and functionality.
3. Can two pages have the same ID?
No, each page ID is unique.
4. Do deleted pages keep their IDs?
Deleted pages lose their IDs permanently.
5. Is using a plugin necessary to view IDs?
No, WordPress URLs already display IDs during editing.
Final Thoughts
Finding a page ID in WordPress is a simple but essential skill for website owners, developers, and anyone working with advanced WordPress customization.
While most beginners may rarely need page IDs at first, they become increasingly useful as your website grows and you begin using:
- Plugins
- Custom layouts
- Advanced settings
- Conditional functionality
Fortunately, WordPress makes it easy to locate page IDs using the dashboard, editing URLs, plugins, or code methods.
Once you understand where to find them, managing and customizing your WordPress website becomes much easier.
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