Headings are used to help guide the reader through a document. There are five levels of headings in APA. Always use the headings in order, beginning with level 1. Only use as may headings as are needed to differentiate between sections of a paper. Headings are not necessary if your paper doesn't have separate sections.
See more guidance below.
| Level | Format |
|---|---|
| 1 |
Centered, Bold, Title Case Heading Text begins as a new paragraph. |
| 2 |
Flush Left, Bold, Title Case Heading Text begins as a new paragraph. |
| 3 |
Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading Text begins as a new paragraph. |
| 4 |
Indented, Bold, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. Text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph. |
| 5 |
Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case Heading, Ending With a Period. Text begins on the same line and continues as a regular paragraph |
Note. In title case, most words are capitalized.
Chapter 7 of the APA manual provides guidance about creating tables and figures. Please consult the manual or the abbreviated guidance located on the APA Style website.
Table and figures can be presented either in the text of the paper or after the reference list on separate pages.
©2024 St. Catherine University Library, St. Paul, Minnesota, USA
