The following information is an abridged version of the style and formatting guidelines found in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. (2019). This sheet is to serve as a ready-reference; more in-depth descriptions can be found in the handbook.
What Are Headings?
- Headings organize and introduce the subheadings (levels) of a paper.
- APA Format recommends that various topics and subtopics be divided into subheadings to help readers navigate a paper.
Level Breakdown
Remember, not all papers will require the same number of headings, and you should organize and format your paper according to
Level One
Centered, Boldface, Title Case Heading
Text begins on the following line, with the first line indented.
Level Two
Flush Left, Boldface, Title Case Heading
Text begins on the following line, with the first line indented.
Level Three
Flush Left, Boldface Italic, Title Case Heading
Text begins on the following line, with the first line indented.
Level Four
Indented, Boldface, Title Case Heading, Ends with a period. Text begins on the same line.
Level Five
Indented, Boldface Italic, Title Case Heading, Ends with a period. Text begins on the same line.
Sample
Title (Centered, bolded)
Second Heading Level (flushed left, bolded)
Third Heading Level (flushed left, bolded, italicized)
Fourth Heading Level (flushed left, bolded, indented)
Fifth Heading Level (flushed left, bolded, italicized, indented)
A Second Instance of the Third Heading Level (flushed left, bolded, italicized)
A Third Instance of the Third Heading Level (flushed left, bolded, italicized)
A Second Instance of the Fourth Heading Level (flushed left, bolded, indented)