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The extent of using the different levels depends on the length and complexity of the paper. Click here for the instructions for Microsoft Word and Google Docs.Īn added benefit of using the “Styles” feature is that you can automatically generate a table of contents.Levels indicate the hierarchy of importance and scope of each heading and subheading. The first time you use APA Style, you need to update the default heading styles to reflect the APA heading guidelines.

This allows you to save the styling and apply it with just a click. Instead of formatting every heading individually, you can use the “Styles” feature in Word or Google Docs. Using heading styles in Word or Google Docs Use section labels for the following sections in an APA formatted paper:

Section labels are placed on a separate line at the top of a new page in bold and centered. They’re similar to headings but are formatted differently. In addition to regular headings, APA works with “section labels” for specific parts of the paper. If there is just one subheading, the top-level heading is sufficient. This continues all the way down to heading level 5.Īlways use at least two subheadings or none at all. For example, under “Methods” (level 1) you may have subsections for “Sampling Method” and “Data Analysis” (level 2). Heading level 2 is used for subsections under level 1. There is no “ Introduction” heading at the beginning of your paper because the first paragraphs are understood to be introductory. Heading level 1 is used for main sections like “ Methods”, “ Results”, and “ Discussion”. It’s also perfectly fine for some sections in your paper to go as deep as five levels, where others use only heading level 1. In fact, shorter student papers may have no headings at all. How many heading levels should you use?ĭepending on the length and complexity of your paper, you may not use all five heading levels. Instructions from your supervisor or university always overrule the APA guidelines. Note: In longer documents, such as dissertations, you might be required to number your headings.