Updated
The five levels
Level 1: Centered, Bold, Title Case
Level 2: Flush Left, Bold, Title Case
Level 3: Flush Left, Bold Italic, Title Case
Level 4: Indented, Bold, Title Case, Ending With a Period. The paragraph starts here.
Level 5: Indented, Bold Italic, Title Case, Ending With a Period. The paragraph starts here.
Levels 1 to 3 sit on their own line, and the paragraph starts below with its usual indent. Levels 4 and 5 are indented half an inch and end with a period, and the text continues on the same line (APA 7, 2.27).
How to use them
- Use levels in order. A Level 2 heading goes under a Level 1, never on its own.
- Two or more per level in a section, or none: one subsection is not a subsection.
- No “Introduction” heading. The first paragraphs are understood to be the introduction; the paper title at the top of page 2 does the job.
- The References title is formatted like a Level 1 heading but is not part of the outline.
- Short papers often need no headings at all. Ask whether your instructor expects them.
A paper outline
Sleep Is Part of Studying
The opening paragraphs, with no heading.
Why Students Cut Sleep
Deadlines
Screens at Night
What Sleep Loss Costs
Common mistakes
- Numbered headings. APA does not number headings.
- Underlining or larger type. Bold, with italics where the level calls for it, at the paper’s size.
- An “Introduction” heading. Leave it off.
Questions
Are APA headings bold?
Yes, all five levels.
Do APA headings use title case?
Yes. Capitalize major words and words of four letters or more.
How many heading levels does a student paper need?
Usually one or two. Use more only for long papers with nested sections.