Skip to Main Content

APA Style & Citation 7th edition

How to format your paper and cite your sources using 7th ed. APA style.

Headings

HEADINGS should not be confused with HEADERS. Headers include the page number and your abbreviated title that run along the top margin of each page of your paper (abbreviated title may or may not be used--check with your instructor).

Headings divide the body of your paper up into smaller, more manageable sections for your reader.  Headings are usually only necessary for longer papers--confirm with your instructor if they want you to use headings.  Although there are 5 levels of headings, you might only need to use 2 or 3 levels, depending on length and especially complexity of the paper.

Some instructors might provide specific headings for you to use--always follow your instructor's directions (even if it conflicts with what APA requires).

Visit the APA Style website for more detailed instructions on using headings, and/or the APA Style Manual, p. 47-49.

Level Format
Level 1

Centered, Bold, and Title Case

     The body of your paragraph begins on the next line and is indented by half an inch.
Level 2

Flush Left, Bold, and Title Case

     The body of your paragraph begins on the next line and is indented by half an inch.
Level 3

Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case

     The body of your paragraph begins on the next line and is indented by half an inch.
Level 4

     Indented, Bold, Title Case, Ending with a Period.  Text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph.
Level 5

     Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case, Ending with a Period.  Text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph.