what is a header in an essay in apa format

what is a header in an essay in apa format

In an essay written in APA format, a header typically refers to the running head and page number that appear on the top right corner of each page. Here’s how to create a header in an APA-formatted essay:

1. Running Head: The running head is a shortened version of your essay’s title. It appears on the top left of each page, flush with the margin. It should be in all capital letters and not exceed 50 characters (including spaces).
2. Page Number: The page number appears on the top right corner of each page, aligned with the margin.

Here’s an example of how the header should appear on the first page:

And on subsequent pages:

The running head is not required on the title page if you’re using one, but it should be added from the second page onwards. The page number should be included on every page.

Please note that the “YOUR ABBREVIATED TITLE” placeholder should be replaced with the actual shortened title of your essay.

In Microsoft Word, you can set up the header and page number as follows:

1. Click on the “Insert” tab in the toolbar.
2. Select “Header” from the drop-down menu.
3. Choose “Blank” to create a blank header area.
4. Type your running head in all capital letters on the left side.
5. Click on the “Page Number” drop-down menu and select “Top of Page.”
6. Choose the appropriate page number format (usually “Plain Number 3” for right-aligned page numbers).

These steps will help you create a header in APA format for your 1000-word essay. Remember to maintain consistent formatting throughout your essay, including the header, as per APA style guidelines.