If you're wondering what a running head in APA is and how to create one, this article will answer all your questions.
What is a running head in APA style?
The running head, also called page header, is an abbreviated version of your paper's title. It appears at the top of every page of a document to identify it for readers, especially readers of a print copy of the article. The information in this blog post is based on the 7th edition of the APA Manual. There are small differences in the usage of running heads in the 6th edition.
Note: Running heads are required only for manuscripts being submitted for publication. They are not required for regular student papers according to the APA 7th edition. They can, however, still be used or requested by your instructor since the APA style only provides guidelines that can be used as needed and your school can choose whether to require running heads or not.
How to create a running head in APA style
The running head doesn't need to consist of the same words in the same order as the title. Rather, it is an abbreviated version of the title. For example, if the title of your thesis is "The relationship between sleep deprivation and student performance", your running head could simply be "SLEEP DEPRIVATION AND STUDENT PERFORMANCE".
The running head can be up to 50 characters, counting letters, punctuation, and spaces between words as characters. If the original title is already 50 characters or fewer, it can also be used as a running head.
Note: In the APA 6 version, it was necessary to write "Running head: TITLE" as a header. APA 7th does not require you to put the label "Running head" in front of the title.
Format the running head in Microsoft Word or Google Docs as follows:
- The running head goes into the page header, flush left, in all-capital letters, across from the right-aligned page number.
- Use the same running head on every page. That includes the title page.
- For APA 6 you write "Running head: TITLE" and for APA 7 only the title (omitting the phrase running head).
Frequently Asked Questions about running heads
🐝 Do APA papers need a running head?
Student papers do not need a running head in APA 7 unless the instructor requires it. In APA 6, a running head is needed for all papers.
🚛 Is the running head the same as the title?
The running head is a shortened form of your title that appears on the top left side of each page of your manuscript. If your original title is already 50 characters or fewer, it can be used as a running head.
👁️ What is a running head in APA 7 style?
The running head in APA 7 style is an abbreviated version of your paper's title. It appears at the top of every page of a document to identify it for readers, especially readers of a print copy of the article.
🎽 Is the running head all caps?
The running head is in all caps in APA 7. In APA 6, you write "Running head: TITLE", so the title is in all caps, but the designation "Running head" is not.
📌 How do you make a running head?
To make a running head in Microsoft Word, click on “Insert” > “Header”. The running head goes into the page header, flush left, in all-capital letters, across from the right-aligned page number. Use the same running head on every page, including the title page.
