APA Format - General Rules for APA Format

What is APA Format?

APA format is the official style of the American Psychological Association (APA) and is commonly used to cite sources in psychology, education, and the social sciences. APA format originated in a 1929 article published in Psychological Bulletin that laid out the basic guidelines. These guidelines were eventually expanded into the APA Publication Manual.

Title Page and Abstract in APA Format

Your title page should contain a running head, title, author name, and school affiliation. Learn more about writing an APA format title page: How to Write a Title Page

An abstract is a brief summary of your paper that immediately follows your title page. According to APA format, your abstract should be no more than 120 words. Learn more about writing an APA format abstract: How to Write an Abstract

In-Text Citations in APA Format

When citing references in the text of your paper, use the author's name followed by the date of publication. For example, if you were to cite Sigmund Freud book The Interpretation of Dreams, you would use the following format: (Freud, 1900). The extended information on the source should then appear in your reference section.

Reference Page in APA Format

• Your references should begin on a new page. Title the new page "References" and center the title text at the top of the page.


• All entries should be in alphabetical order.


• The first line of a reference should be flush with the left margin. Each additional line should be indented (usually accomplished by using the TAB key.)


• Do not press the space bar twice after a period or other punctuation. APA style requires only one space after any form of punctuation.


• Each reference should be single-spaced, but be sure to double space between references.


• All sources cited should appear both in-text and on the reference page. Any reference that appears in the text of your report or article must be cited on the references page, and any item appearing on your reference page must be also incuded somewhere in the body of your text.


• Titles of books, journals, magazines, and newspapers should appear in italics.

While APA format may seem complex, it will become easier once you familiarize yourself with the rules and format. Explore other articles and links in this category to learn more about APA format.