APA Format
Complete guide to APA 7th edition formatting requirements for academic papers
APA 7th Edition Paper Format
APA format provides specific guidelines for formatting academic papers in psychology and social sciences. The 7th edition, published in 2020, includes updated guidelines for digital sources and modern academic writing.
Quick Format ChecklistAPA 7th
- ✓ 12-point Times New Roman font
- ✓ Double-spaced throughout
- ✓ 1-inch margins on all sides
- ✓ Page numbers in top-right corner
- ✓ Title page with paper title, author(s), and institutional affiliation
Paper Setup
Font and Spacing
Use 12-point Times New Roman font throughout your paper. Double-space the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, main text, and reference list.
Margins and Alignment
Set 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right). Left-align all text except for specific elements like tables and figures.
Page Numbers
Include page numbers in the top-right corner of every page, starting with the title page as page 1.
Title Page
The title page should include:
- Paper title: Centered, bold, positioned in the upper half of the page
- Author name(s): Centered below the title
- Institutional affiliation: Centered below author name(s)
- Author note: At the bottom of the page (if required)
Example Title Page:
Headings
APA uses five levels of headings to organize content:
Running Head (Professional Papers Only)
Student papers typically do not require a running head unless specifically requested by the instructor. For professional papers, include a running head on every page.
Running Head Format
Title page: "Running head: SHORTENED TITLE"
Other pages: "SHORTENED TITLE"