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
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
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Note for instructors & students: This article follows APA 7 student paper conventions; course-specific requirements may replace these defaults.