APA format 7th edition: margins, font, spacing, title page, headings
Quick answer
APA 7 format calls for 1-inch margins, double spacing with no extra space between paragraphs, a 0.5-inch first-line indent, left-aligned text and a page number in the top right corner. Use a permitted font such as 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri, Arial or Georgia.
In short
Set up the document once: margins, font, spacing and indent. Then add the title page, headings by level and page numbers. This section has one guide for each setting.
What is APA 7 format at a glance?
| Setting | Value |
|---|---|
| Paper | Letter, 8.5 × 11 in |
| Margins | 1 inch on all sides |
| Line spacing | Double |
| Paragraph indent | 0.5 inch |
| Alignment | Left |
| Font | A permitted one |
| Page numbers | Top right |
Which guides are in this section?
- Title page: what goes on it and in what order
- Margins
- Line spacing
- Indentation: first line and hanging indent
- Font: permitted fonts and sizes
- Page numbers
- Headings: the five levels
- Tables and figures
- Table of contents
- Reference page
How do I set everything up at once?
Configure a blank document and save it as a template. The Word guide does it in six steps, and the Google Docs guide does the same there.
Checklist
- Paper size and margins correct
- One permitted font
- Double spacing throughout
- Indent on each paragraph
- Title page with the details your school asks for
- Headings at the right level
- Pages numbered
Guides in this section
- APA title page 7th edition: student format with example: How to format an APA 7 student title page: the six elements, their order and spacing, and a full example. Includes Word tips and professional paper differences.
- APA margins: 1 inch on all sides and how to set them: APA 7th edition margins are 1 inch on all four sides. How to set them in Word and Google Docs, and what to do for theses, binding and different paper sizes.
- APA line spacing: double spacing and the exceptions: APA 7 line spacing is double for the whole paper, with no extra space between paragraphs. See the exceptions for tables and footnotes and how to set it in Word.
- APA indentation: first line, hanging indent and block quotes: APA 7 indentation is 0.5 inch on each paragraph's first line. Learn when to use a hanging indent or a block-quote indent, and how to set each one in Word.
- APA font and size: permitted fonts in the 7th edition: Permitted APA 7th edition fonts: Times New Roman 12 pt, Calibri 11 pt, Arial 11 pt, Georgia 11 pt and more. How to choose one and keep it consistent throughout.
- APA page numbers: where they go and how to insert them: APA 7 page numbers go at the top right of every page, from the title page on. See how to insert them in Word and Google Docs and when a running head applies.
- APA headings and subheadings: the five levels explained: APA 7th edition has five heading levels, each with its own format. A table shows bold, italics, alignment and indent for each level, plus tips for Word.
- APA tables and figures: format, title and note: How to format tables and figures in APA 7: number, title, body and note, with an example table, rules for crediting adapted material and common mistakes.
- APA table of contents: is it required and how to format it: APA 7 does not require a table of contents in student papers, but many schools do. Learn how to format one, which levels to include and how to make it in Word.
- APA reference page: how to format your reference list: How to format an APA 7 reference page: new page, centered bold title, alphabetical order, hanging indent and double spacing, with an example and common errors.
Frequently asked questions
What is the general format of an APA 7 paper?
Letter-size paper, 1-inch margins, a permitted font, double spacing, a 0.5-inch paragraph indent, left alignment and a page number at the top right. The title page and the reference list follow the same measurements.
In what order do the parts of an APA paper go?
Title page, abstract if required, the text with its headings, references and then tables, figures or appendices if you have them. A table of contents is added only when your school requires one.
What format does APA use for handwritten work?
APA does not set rules for handwritten papers. Instructors who accept them usually adapt the measurements: legible writing, wide margins and alternate lines. Ask your instructor, since that is a local rule.