Formatting your essay in APA style involves specific guidelines for layout, presentation, and structure to ensure clarity and consistency.
APA (American Psychological Association) style provides a standardized framework for academic writing, particularly in social sciences. Proper APA formatting helps ensure your paper is professional, readable, and easy for readers to follow.
Based on the general guidelines, here are the fundamental formatting requirements for an APA essay:
General Layout and Appearance
The physical presentation of your paper follows strict specifications outlined in APA style. According to the General APA Guidelines reference:
- Your essay should be typed and double-spaced on standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11"), with 1" margins on all sides.
Here's a breakdown of these key layout elements:
| Formatting Element | APA Requirement |
|---|---|
| Typing | Must be typed. |
| Spacing | Double-spaced throughout the entire document (including title page, abstract, main body, references, etc.). |
| Paper Size | Use standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11 inches). |
| Margins | Set 1-inch margins on all four sides (top, bottom, left, and right). |
| Font | While not specified in the provided reference, common APA fonts include Times New Roman (12pt), Calibri (11pt), or Arial (11pt). |
Page Header (Running Head)
Every page of your essay needs a specific header at the top. According to the General APA Guidelines:
- Include a page header (also known as the “running head”) at the top of every page.
- For a professional paper, this includes your paper title and the page number.
For most student papers, the running head is simplified and typically only requires the page number in the upper right-hand corner. However, always double-check your instructor's requirements or the specific edition of the APA style guide being used.
How to Create the Header:
- Place the header within the top margin (usually 0.5 inches from the top).
- Page numbers should be right-aligned on every page.
- If a running head (shortened title) is required (primarily for professional papers), it appears to the left of the page number, in all capital letters.
Key Sections of an APA Paper
While the provided reference focuses on fundamental layout and headers, a complete APA essay typically includes several standard sections:
- Title Page: This is the first page and includes the paper title, author's name, institutional affiliation, course number, instructor's name, and assignment due date. The page number (1) is in the header.
- Abstract: (Optional, depending on assignment) A concise, one-paragraph summary (usually 150-250 words) of the paper's main points, research questions, methods, results, and conclusions. It starts on a new page after the title page, with "Abstract" centered at the top.
- Main Body: This is where you present your introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
- Starts on a new page after the title page (or abstract, if included).
- Organized with headings and subheadings to structure your arguments clearly.
- All paragraphs are double-spaced and the first line of each paragraph is indented 0.5 inches.
- References Page: A list of all sources cited within your paper.
- Starts on a new page after the main body.
- Titled "References" centered at the top.
- Entries are double-spaced.
- Each entry uses a hanging indent (the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches).
- List entries alphabetically by the author's last name.
Practical Formatting Tips
- Consistency: Apply all formatting rules consistently throughout the entire document.
- Use Word Processor Features: Utilize features like header/footer tools for page numbers, margin settings, and paragraph spacing/indentation features to save time and ensure accuracy.
- Proofread: Always proofread your final paper for formatting errors in addition to grammar and spelling mistakes.
- Check Specific Requirements: Your instructor or publisher may have specific formatting requirements that slightly modify standard APA guidelines. Always check the assignment prompt.
By following these guidelines, including the foundational requirements for typing, spacing, paper size, margins, and headers as outlined in the General APA Guidelines, you can effectively format your essay in APA style.
