How to Write a Table of Contents in APA Style

The table of contents in a manuscript, thesis or book is an organized list in the order in which subject matter appears. Depth of detail depends upon the length of the work. To write a table of contents in APA style, follow their recommended five formatted levels of headings. Allocated levels have designated numbers according to importance. If the format style is difficult to follow, consider adhering to APA outline format, which uses a similar approach.

Instructions

1. Page through the manuscript and make a list of all lead topics with subtopics and subsections. Note that any lead topic with the same level of importance will have the same level of heading. Topics are assigned "level 5 heading," subtopics "level 1 heading" and subsections, "level 2 heading." Give any subject matter that falls below a subsection a "level 3 heading."

2. Type "table of contents" in capital letters in a word document, and center the phrase. Do not use underline or bold. Skip down three lines.

3. Pull down "Format" in the menu. Go to "Paragraphs," then "Indentations." Click "Clear All." Set indentations on your computer as follows: .05 with a left alignment; 1.0 with left alignment; 1.5 with left alignment; and 5.5 with right alignment. You will formulate two columns--one left-justified and one right-justified.

4. Jot down any categories that will precede the lead topics, and assign these items a page number that is a lowercase Roman numeral. Hit "Enter" three times.

5. Write the abstracts and place characters known as "leaders" (periods) from the right of the word to the opposite side where it will meet the Roman numeral. Align all topics and abstracts on right.

6. Type "Chapter," and assign the first lead topic a "1." Write the topic in all capitals. Allocate it a "level 5 heading." Tab to the right column and denote a page number using numbers. Hit "Enter" and indent the next line for the subtopic heading; a "level 1 heading."

7. Make certain that each subheading has more than one subsection, similar to an outline format. Each section of the table of contents starts with the highest level of heading and makes a downward progression. The subsections are given "level 2 subheadings."

8. Continue in this format until all topics are covered. At the end, add the epilogue, references cited, appendixes, any correspondences or data and index if applicable. Use the same format as in step 4.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep uniform margin lines of at least 1 inch at the top, sides and bottom. Depending on length of table of contents, leave 2 inches from the top if possible.

• Use the APA-preferred fonts: 12-point Times Roman or 12-point Courier.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• APA Style
• APA (Style) Lite for College Papers
• cnet: Student's Guide to APA Psychology 1.1