APA formatting considerations:
Table of Contents
1. Margins ............................................................................................................... 1
2. Spacing ............................................................................................................... 1
3. Table of Contents ................................................................................................. 1
4. Headings ............................................................................................................. 1
5. Title Page ............................................................................................................ 1
6. Preliminary Pages ................................................................................................ 2
7. Page Numbering .................................................................................................. 2
8. Tables and Figures ............................................................................................... 2
9. Alignment ............................................................................................................ 2
1. Margins
Use 1-inch margins on all sides of the page (top, bottom, left, and right).
2. Spacing
• Double-space all text, including the title page, abstract, main body, references,
footnotes, and appendices.
• Do not add extra space before or after paragraphs.
3. Table of Contents
• The APA 7th edition does not require a table of contents. However, if your instructor
or institution requires one, it should be formatted consistently with the rest of the
document. Please see how to add a table of contents using the “References” tab.
Check the YouTube video.
4. Headings
APA 7th edition has five levels of headings:
• Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case
• Level 2: Left-aligned, Bold, Title Case
• Level 3: Left-aligned, Bold Italic, Title Case
• Level 4: Indented, Bold, Title Case, Ending with a Period.
• Level 5: Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case, Ending with a Period.
5. Title Page
• Title: Center the title in the upper half of the page. Use bold font and title case
(capitalize major words).
• Author's Name: Center the author's name below the title. Use the same font and size
as the rest of the text.
• Institutional AZiliation: Center the institutional aZiliation below the author's name.
• Course Number and Name: Center the course number and name below the
institutional aZiliation.
• Instructor's Name: Center the instructor's name below the course number and name.
• Due Date: Center the due date below the instructor's name.
• Page Number: Include a page number in the top right corner of the title page.
6. Preliminary Pages
• Abstract: Start on a new page after the title page. Center the word "Abstract" at the
top of the page in bold. Write a concise summary of the key points of your research
(150-250 words). Do not indent the first line.
• Table of Contents: If required, include a table of contents. Center the title "Table of
Contents" at the top of the page in bold. List the headings and subheadings along with
their page numbers.
• List of Tables and Figures: If your paper includes tables and figures, provide a list of
them. Center the title "List of Tables" or "List of Figures" at the top of the page in bold.
List the tables or figures along with their page numbers.
7. Page Numbering
• Page numbers should be placed in the top right corner of each page, including the
title page.
• Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.).
8. Tables and Figures
• Tables: Label tables with "Table" followed by the number (e.g., Table 1). The title
should be italicized and placed below the table number.
• Figures: Label figures with "Figure" followed by the number (e.g., Figure 1). The title
should be italicized and placed below the figure number.
• Include a note below the table or figure if necessary, providing additional information.
9. Alignment
In APA 7th edition formatting, the text alignment guidelines are as follows:
• General Text: Align the text to the left margin, leaving the right margin uneven (ragged
right). This is known as left-aligned text.
• Title Page: Center the title, author's name, and institution name on the title page.
• Headings: Headings should be left-aligned, except for Level 1 headings, which are
centered.
• Tables and Figures: Center tables and figures on the page.
