Yes, you number the APA title page as page 1 and place the numeral in the header unless your instructor says otherwise.
Many students search the same line right before hitting submit: do you number the title page in apa? The standard answer is yes, with the numeral in the header.
This article clears the rule for APA 7, shows the student versus professional split, and gives quick setup steps for Word and Google Docs so you can move on to the writing that earns the grade.
| Situation | Header On The Title Page | Notes You May See In Class |
|---|---|---|
| APA 7 student paper | Page number only, right aligned | No running head unless your course adds it |
| APA 7 professional paper | Page number right aligned plus running head left | Running head is an abbreviated title in all caps |
| Journal submission with owner rules | Follow journal template and header specs | Some journals auto-handle numbering in their system |
| Thesis or dissertation | Usually page number appears, but style may shift | Your graduate school may require Roman numerals in front matter |
| Short class essay | Page number 1 on the title page | Teachers may waive the title page for brief assignments |
| Group project | Page number 1, shared header | Confirm how to list multiple authors and affiliations |
| APA 6 legacy instructions | Page number plus running head wording rules | Some older rubrics still mention “Running head:” |
Do You Number The Title Page In APA? For Student Papers
For most college and university classes using APA 7, your title page is page 1. The page number sits in the header, aligned to the right margin. Student papers do not need a running head by default. The official APA Style guidance on headers spells out this student-professional split clearly. APA Style page header guidance
If your instructor gives a template that already has a header, keep their version. Course rules can override the general manual, especially for capstone projects, lab reports, or department-wide formats.
Why The Title Page Counts As Page 1
APA treats the title page as the first page of the paper, not a cover you can ignore. That approach keeps page references clean across the full document and fits how manuscripts move through review or grading workflows.
In grading terms, a numbered title page signals that you followed directions and used your word processor’s built-in pagination rather than typing numbers by hand. That tiny sign of care can prevent needless point loss.
Student Title Page Elements You Must Include
Once you confirm that the title page is numbered, the rest of the layout becomes easier. A standard APA 7 student title page includes the paper title, author name, affiliation, course number and name, instructor name, and due date. The overall layout is centered and double spaced. The APA Style site shows the expected order and spacing. APA title page setup
Most classes want a concise title that states what the paper is about. Keep it focused on your topic rather than a playful line. A clear title helps your reader and keeps your own argument on track as you draft.
Where The Page Number Sits
The page number goes in the upper right of the header. Use the automatic page-number feature. It should land about half an inch from the top edge with the default one-inch margins. You do not need your last name next to the number unless a course handout asks for it.
Running Head Rules In Plain Terms
Student papers usually skip the running head. Professional papers keep it. The running head is a shortened version of your title in all capital letters placed on the left side of the header. The page number stays on the right. If you are submitting to a journal, check their author instructions even when you are following APA 7.
Font And Header Consistency
APA allows several readable fonts. Your header should match the font used in the body text. If your class uses Times New Roman 12-point, keep your page number in that font. If you switch to another approved font, keep the header consistent so the first page does not look like it came from a different file.
APA 6 Versus APA 7 Title Page Numbering
Older online tutorials can still cause confusion. APA 6 required a running head for student papers and asked you to label it with the words “Running head:” on the title page. APA 7 removed that label and removed the running head requirement for most student work.
If you are working from a department handout written years ago, check the edition it names. If it says seventh edition, you can drop the extra running head label unless your instructor kept the older layout for course consistency.
Common Cases Where Your Class Might Differ
APA rules work as a baseline. Many schools layer their own style sheet on top. These changes are often tied to local assessment needs.
- No title page required. Some instructors start the paper with the title at the top of page 1. In that case, the first page of text is still page 1.
- Running head required for students. Some departments keep this older practice to match professional writing habits.
- Different front matter numbering. Graduate programs may require Roman numerals for preliminary pages, then switch to Arabic numerals at the introduction.
- Extra identification lines. A few classes ask for a student ID, section, or campus. Place these where the instructor tells you, even when they do not appear in the manual.
When the rubric and the manual point in different directions, follow the rubric. Treat the manual as your default only when the course is silent.
How To Set Up The Title Page Number In Microsoft Word
You can set up the header in under a minute once you know where to click. The steps below assume a blank document and APA 7 student rules.
- Open the Insert tab and choose Page Number.
- Select Top Of Page and pick the plain number on the right.
- Double-click the header area to check that only the number appears.
- Type your title page text in the body area, not inside the header.
- Save the file as a template if you write several papers each term.
If you need a running head, click into the left side of the header and type the shortened title in all caps. Keep it short so it does not collide with the page number.
Fixing A Header That Starts On Page 2
Word has a setting called “Different First Page.” It is useful for styles that need an unnumbered cover. APA does not use that setup for standard student or professional papers. If your title page is missing a number, open the header options and make sure that setting is unchecked.
On a shared template, check that the page-number field is not an image or text box. If you can’t click into it, the header may be static. Replace it with the built-in page number so later edits do not break the sequence.
How To Set Up The Title Page Number In Google Docs
Google Docs makes this easy once you turn on headers. The flow is similar to Word, just in a different menu.
- Go to Insert > Headers & Footers > Header.
- Place your cursor on the right side of the header line.
- Select Insert > Page numbers and choose the option that starts on the first page.
- Confirm that the number appears as 1 on the title page preview.
If you are using a class template, check whether the header is locked or prefilled. Editing the template is fine as long as you keep the required fields intact.
Working With Section Breaks In Docs
Section breaks can reset numbering. If you used one to change page orientation for a table or figure, check that the page-number menu still shows continuous numbering. This is a common cause of a title page that shows 1 while later pages unexpectedly restart at 1 again.
Quick Checks Before You Submit
Page numbering errors usually show up with other small format slips. A short sweep can save you irritation later.
- Scroll to the title page and confirm the number reads 1.
- Jump to page 2 to confirm the numbering continues automatically.
- Check that the header text for student papers contains only the page number.
- Confirm margins and double spacing across the document.
- Open print view or PDF preview to ensure the header exports correctly.
If you still catch yourself wondering “do you number the title page in apa?” right before submission, treat that as your cue to run this short list again. It takes less time than reformatting after a deduction.
| What You See | Why It Happens | Fast Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No page number on the title page | Header not inserted or first-page setting turned off | Insert page numbers and select the option that starts at 1 |
| Typed “1” instead of an auto number | Manual entry used to save time | Remove the typed number and insert automatic pagination |
| Running head in a student paper | Old template or mixed edition rules | Delete the running head text unless your course asks for it |
| Running head missing in a professional paper | Student template reused for publication draft | Add a shortened title on the left side of the header |
| Page numbers restart mid-paper | Section breaks added without linking headers | Open header settings and choose continuous numbering |
| Header text overlaps the page number | Running head too long | Shorten the running head to a tight phrase |
| Title page text appears in the header | Cursor placed in header while typing the title | Cut the text and paste it into the body area |
Title Page Checklist For A Clean APA Submission
Use this list as your last pass. It keeps you aligned with APA 7 norms while leaving room for course-specific rules.
- Title page is numbered as page 1.
- Page number is placed in the upper right header.
- Student papers show only the page number in the header.
- Professional papers show a running head on the left and the page number on the right.
- Title is bold, centered, and placed a few lines below the top margin.
- Author name and affiliation are listed below the title.
- Course, instructor, and due date lines follow the affiliation for student papers.
- Running head text, when required, uses a shortened title that fits on one line.
If you keep this checklist next to your draft, you can format the first page once and reuse the pattern for the rest of the term. The rule is simple: treat the title page as page 1, and let your software handle the numbering for every page after it.