Formatting headings (APA, 7th edition)

💡 See also How to format Word for academic paper APA style.

Format headings according to APA

(Publication manual of the American Psychological Association, 2020, p. 48)

When writing a shorter academic text like a five-paragraph essay, usually only one level heading is required: a level one heading that represents the title of the essay and a second level one heading for the references page, called, “References”. If your instructor requires more headings, then consider a level II heading to include subsections throughout the text.

When writing longer academic texts like a 5,000 to 6,000-word thesis paper, then usually on three types of headings are required: a level one heading, a level two heading, and a level three heading.

Formatting level one, two, and three headings

💡Levels one, two, and three follow title case (See Sentence Case vs. Title Case).

• A level one heading is centered to the page, in bold, and uses a (title case heading). The text begins as a new paragraph.

• A level two heading is flush left to the page, in bold, and uses a title case heading. Text begins as a new paragraph.

• A level three heading is flush left to the page, in bold italics, and uses a title case heading. Text begins as a new paragraph.

💡 Always check with your instructor if you feel you need more than three levels of headings.