APA 7th edition requires a page number in the top-right corner of every page, including the title page. Page numbers use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) starting from the title page, which is always page 1. There are no Roman numerals, no «p.» prefix, and no page numbers in the footer.
APA Page Number Rules at a Glance
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Position | Top-right corner (in the header) |
| Numeral type | Arabic (1, 2, 3 — not Roman numerals) |
| Starting page | Title page = page 1 |
| Prefix | None — do not write «p.» or «page» |
| Font | Same font as the paper body |
| Footer | Page numbers do NOT go in the footer |
| First page suppression | Do NOT suppress — page 1 appears on the title page |
Source: APA Publication Manual, 7th Edition, Section 2.18.
Page Numbers by Section
| Section | Page number |
|---|---|
| Title page | 1 |
| Abstract | 2 |
| Body (first page) | 3 |
| References | Continues from body |
| Appendices | Continues from references |
There is no page-number reset at any point in the document. The numbering runs sequentially from page 1 (title page) through to the last appendix.
How to Insert Page Numbers in Microsoft Word
For student papers (page number only, no running head)
- Go to Insert → Page Number → Top of Page → Plain Number 3 (this inserts a right-aligned number in the header).
- Word opens the header automatically. Close it by double-clicking in the document body.
- Confirm the page number on the title page reads «1».
If Word starts your page numbers at 0 or a wrong number
- Go to Insert → Page Number → Format Page Numbers.
- Set Start at: 1.
- Click OK.
For professional papers (running head + page number)
- Double-click at the top of any page to open the header.
- Type your running head in ALL CAPS on the left side.
- Press Tab twice to move to the right.
- Go to Insert → Page Number → Current Position → Plain Number.
- Close the header by double-clicking in the document body.
Critical: Never type page numbers manually. Use Word’s automatic page number field — it updates as you add or remove pages. Manual numbers become wrong the moment your content shifts.
How to Insert Page Numbers in Google Docs
- Go to Insert → Page numbers.
- In the dialog, select the option that shows numbers in the top-right corner, starting from page 1 (not page 0).
- Make sure «Show on first page» is checked — APA requires the page number on the title page.
- Click Apply.
If Google Docs shows «0» on the title page, go to the header, click on the page number, and adjust via Insert → Page numbers → More options → Start at 1.
APA 6 vs APA 7: Page Number Changes
Page number placement and format did not change between APA 6 and APA 7. Both editions require Arabic numerals in the top-right header starting from the title page. The only change relevant to the header area is that APA 7 removed the «Running head:» label from the title page and made running heads optional for student papers.
Common Page Number Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Page numbers in the footer | APA requires header placement (top-right) | Move to header using Insert → Page Number → Top of Page |
| Suppressing page 1 number | APA requires page number on the title page | Uncheck «Different First Page» in header settings |
| Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) | APA uses Arabic numerals only | Change number format in Format Page Numbers dialog |
| Writing «p. 1» or «Page 1» | No prefix allowed in APA | Use plain number only: just «1» |
| Page numbering starting at 2 | Title page should be page 1 | Set Start at: 1 in Format Page Numbers |
| Manually typed page numbers | Numbers go out of sync when content is edited | Delete manual numbers; use automatic field instead |
Page Numbers in Specific Paper Types
Theses and dissertations
Institutional requirements for theses often differ from APA defaults. Many universities require Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) for preliminary pages (table of contents, acknowledgements) and Arabic numerals starting at 1 for the introduction. Follow your institution’s thesis formatting guide — it takes precedence over APA.
Multi-study papers
Numbering runs continuously through the entire document regardless of how many studies or sections are included. Do not restart numbering at each new study or major section.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the title page get a page number in APA 7?
Yes — the title page is page 1 and the page number should appear in the top-right corner. This is the same requirement as in APA 6.
Should I include the page number on a blank page?
Blank pages are not part of standard APA formatting. If your document has an unintended blank page (often caused by a section break), remove it. APA papers do not use blank separator pages between sections.
Can I right-align the page number manually without using Word’s header tool?
Technically yes, but it is strongly inadvisable. Manual page numbers break as soon as content is added or removed. Always use Word’s automatic page number field to ensure accuracy through revisions.
Does the reference list page need a number?
Yes. Every page of an APA paper — including the reference list and appendices — carries a page number in the top-right corner. There are no unnumbered pages in a standard APA document.
For the complete APA formatting checklist — margins, fonts, line spacing, title page, and running heads — see the APA Format Guide.