Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Professor Vellone, Homestead Campus

Are you new to APA? Start here.

The American Psychological Association (APA) Style is a method for formatting research papers and giving appropriate credit to the resources you use. APA also establishes writing standards and helps you prepare your work for possible publication. Following a common structure makes it easier for your readers to follow the ideas expressed in your paper. 

Profile Photo       APA Style Tutorial, Created by Carla Clark, Faculty Librarian at Medical Campus

Font

  • Use the same font throughout your paper.
  • A variety of font options are permitted. 

Margins

  • 1-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).

Line spacing

  • Double-space the entire paper. 

Page numbers

  • Insert page numbers in the top right corner of every page.  

Order of pages

  • Title page (page 1)
  • Text (starts on a new page after the title page)
  • References (start on a new page after the end of the text)
  • Check with your professor for additional requirements, such as tables, figures, or appendices. 

APA Style uses the author-date citation system. A brief in-text citation directs readers to your references page.

In-text citations can be:

You should use an in-text citation for any ideas or information that is not your own or not common knowledge. You can:

  • paraphrase - put information in your own words
  • quote - copy/paste directly from a source 

The References page provides full citations for all the sources you cited in your paper. 

The format of the citation will vary. In general, every citation includes:

Word Template
APA Style and Grammar Guidelines
Connect with a Librarian
Chat with a Librarian
Connect with a Writing Tutor