Starting a paper is easier when the document is set up correctly. This up-front work saves time later and prevents small mistakes from spreading across the paper.
Many word processors choose defaults that do not match the APA 7 style rules. A few quick fixes to those settings will make a solid foundation for clean formatting in your paper.
This guide focuses on APA 7 student papers. It explains margins, fonts, spacing, alignment, and page numbers.
FYI: instructor requirements always come first, so adjust when a course asks for something different from the APA 7 guidelines.
What This Article Covers
- Paper size and margins
- Fonts and line spacing
- Paragraph indents and alignment
- Header and page numbers (student papers don't have a running head)
Step-by-Step
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Paper size
Set the page size to 8.5″ × 11″. Luckily, this is the default for almost all word processors. -
Margins
Set 1″ margins on all four sides. Keep the gutter at 0″. -
Font
Use an APA-approved, easy-to-read font such as 12-pt Times New Roman or 11-pt Calibri. Whichever font you use, use the same font throughout the entire paper. -
Line spacing
Use double spacing throughout the entire paper – title page, body text, headings, block quotes, and the References page. -
Paragraph indents
Set a first-line indent of 0.5″ in paragraph settings. This helps avoid tapping the Tab key by hand multiple times. -
Text Alignment
Use left alignment so the right edge is ragged. Do not justify the text. -
Header and page numbers
Insert a page number in the header, top-right. For student papers in APA 7, this header is the same on every page – no running head.
Tip: A template that locks in these settings can prevent formatting drift when a paper grows.
Quick Checklist
▢ 8.5″ × 11″ page size
▢ 1″ margins on all sides
▢ Approved font applied consistently (e.g., Times New Roman, 12-pt)
▢ Double spacing everywhere
▢ First-line indent 0.5″
▢ Left-aligned text (not justified)
▢ Page number top-right in the header
Using PERRLA
PERRLA creates an APA 7 student research paper that is pre-formatted from the start – margins, fonts, spacing, and the page number appear in the correct places. This removes guesswork and prevents hidden formatting issues later.
Check out how it works with our Microsoft Word Add-in below:
Download PERRLA's APA 7 Checklist
It's a lot to remember all the rules, and if you aren't letting PERRLA do the formatting for you, use our brief checklist for your next APA 7 paper. Click here to get your copy now!
Next Article: APA 7 Title Page
Related Articles
- APA 7 Title Page (Student Papers)
- APA 7 Body Pages (Student Papers)
- APA 7 References Page (Student Papers)
Note for instructors & students: This article follows APA 7 student paper conventions; course-specific requirements may replace these defaults.