How to format headings according to APA

💡 See also How to format your academic paper in APA style (7th edition) using Microsoft Word.

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

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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.