how to create a table of contents for a research paper

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How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper

4-minute read

• 16th July 2023

So you’ve made it to the important step of writing the table of contents for your paper. Congratulations on making it this far! Whether you’re writing a research paper or a dissertation , the table of contents not only provides the reader with guidance on where to find the sections of your paper, but it also signals that a quality piece of research is to follow. Here, we will provide detailed instructions on how to structure the table of contents for your research paper.

Steps to Create a Table of Contents

• Insert the table of contents after the title page.

Within the structure of your research paper , you should place the table of contents after the title page but before the introduction or the beginning of the content. If your research paper includes an abstract or an acknowledgements section , place the table of contents after it.

• List all the paper’s sections and subsections in chronological order.

Depending on the complexity of your paper, this list will include chapters (first-level headings), chapter sections (second-level headings), and perhaps subsections (third-level headings). If you have a chapter outline , it will come in handy during this step. You should include the bibliography and all appendices in your table of contents. If you have more than a few charts and figures (more often the case in a dissertation than in a research paper), you should add them to a separate list of charts and figures that immediately follows the table of contents. (Check out our FAQs below for additional guidance on items that should not be in your table of contents.)

• Paginate each section.

Label each section and subsection with the page number it begins on. Be sure to do a check after you’ve made your final edits to ensure that you don’t need to update the page numbers.

• Format your table of contents.

The way you format your table of contents will depend on the style guide you use for the rest of your paper. For example, there are table of contents formatting guidelines for Turabian/Chicago and MLA styles, and although the APA recommends checking with your instructor for formatting instructions (always a good rule of thumb), you can also create a table of contents for a research paper that follows APA style .

• Add hyperlinks if you like.

Depending on the word processing software you’re using, you may also be able to hyperlink the sections of your table of contents for easier navigation through your paper. (Instructions for this feature are available for both Microsoft Word and Google Docs .)

To summarize, the following steps will help you create a clear and concise table of contents to guide readers through your research paper:

1. Insert the table of contents after the title page.

2. List all the sections and subsections in chronological order.

3. Paginate each section.

4. Format the table of contents according to your style guide.

5. Add optional hyperlinks.

If you’d like help formatting and proofreading your research paper , check out some of our services. You can even submit a sample for free . Best of luck writing your research paper table of contents!

What is a table of contents?

A table of contents is a listing of each section of a document in chronological order, accompanied by the page number where the section begins. A table of contents gives the reader an overview of the contents of a document, as well as providing guidance on where to find each section.

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What should I include in my table of contents?

If your paper contains any of the following sections, they should be included in your table of contents:

●  Chapters, chapter sections, and subsections

●  Introduction

●  Conclusion

●  Appendices

●  Bibliography

Although recommendations may differ among institutions, you generally should not include the following in your table of contents:

●  Title page

●  Abstract

●  Acknowledgements

●  Forward or preface

If you have several charts, figures, or tables, consider creating a separate list for them that will immediately follow the table of contents. Also, you don’t need to include the table of contents itself in your table of contents.

Is there more than one way to format a table of contents?

Yes! In addition to following any recommendations from your instructor or institution, you should follow the stipulations of your style guide .

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Home » Table of Contents – Types, Formats, Examples

Table of Contents – Types, Formats, Examples

Table of contents.

A table of contents (TOC) is an essential component of any structured document, providing readers with an organized overview of its sections and subsections. Whether it’s a book, report, thesis, or manual, a well-crafted table of contents enhances readability and helps users navigate complex information efficiently. This article explores the types, formats, and examples of a table of contents, along with tips for creating one.

A table of contents is a list of the chapters, sections, and other subdivisions in a document, organized in sequential order and linked to their corresponding page numbers. It acts as a roadmap, giving readers a clear understanding of the document’s structure and making it easier to locate specific content.

For example, in a research thesis, the table of contents typically includes headings such as “Introduction,” “Literature Review,” “Methodology,” “Results,” “Discussion,” and “Conclusion,” along with subheadings and page numbers.

Types of Table of Contents

1. simple table of contents.

A simple TOC includes only the main headings or chapters of a document, without additional subheadings.

• Use Case: Suitable for short documents such as essays, brief reports, or manuals.
• Introduction – Page 1
• Body – Page 3
• Conclusion – Page 7

2. Detailed Table of Contents

A detailed TOC lists the main headings along with all subheadings, offering a more granular view of the document.

• Use Case: Commonly used in theses, dissertations, and books with multiple sections and subsections.
• Introduction – Page 1 1.1 Background – Page 2 1.2 Research Objectives – Page 3
• Literature Review – Page 5 2.1 Theoretical Framework – Page 6 2.2 Research Gaps – Page 7

3. Multi-Level Table of Contents

A multi-level TOC includes multiple levels of headings, such as chapters, sections, and subsections, offering a highly detailed breakdown.

• Use Case: Used in technical manuals, comprehensive reports, and academic documents with a hierarchical structure.
• Chapter 1: Introduction – Page 1 1.1 Section: Research Problem – Page 2 1.1.1 Subsection: Background – Page 3
• Chapter 2: Literature Review – Page 5 2.1 Section: Related Studies – Page 6

4. Interactive/Digital Table of Contents

An interactive TOC is hyperlinked, allowing readers to jump to specific sections with a click.

• Use Case: Digital documents like eBooks, PDFs, and online manuals.
• Chapter 1: Introduction – Page 1
• Chapter 2: Methods – Page 5

Formats for a Table of Contents

1. numeric format.

Uses numbered headings and subheadings, with page numbers aligned to the right.

• Introduction ………………………….. Page 1
• Literature Review ……………………. Page 5 2.1 Background ………………………… Page 6

2. Decimal Format

Uses a hierarchical numbering system, making it clear which subheadings belong to which main headings.

• Introduction – Page 1 1.1 Background – Page 2 1.2 Objectives – Page 3
• Methods – Page 5

3. Dot Leaders

Connects headings and page numbers with dotted lines, improving readability.

• Introduction ……………………………………… 1
• Literature Review ……………………………. 5

4. Hyperlinked Format

Commonly used in digital documents, where headings are linked to their respective sections.

• Introduction
• Literature Review

Examples of Table of Contents

Example 1: academic thesis toc.

• Title Page – Page i
• Abstract – Page ii
• Table of Contents – Page iii
• List of Figures – Page iv
• Introduction – Page 1 5.1 Research Objectives – Page 2 5.2 Scope and Limitations – Page 3
• Literature Review – Page 4
• Methodology – Page 8
• Results – Page 15
• Discussion – Page 20
• Conclusion and Recommendations – Page 25
• References – Page 28

Example 2: Technical Manual TOC

• Overview – Page 1
• System Requirements – Page 3
• Installation Process – Page 5 3.1 Step-by-Step Guide – Page 6 3.2 Troubleshooting – Page 8
• User Guide – Page 10 4.1 Features Overview – Page 11 4.2 Advanced Settings – Page 13
• FAQs – Page 15
• Contact Support – Page 18

Steps to Create a Table of Contents

• Outline the Document Structure: List all headings and subheadings in the order they appear in the document.
• Choose a TOC Format: Decide between simple, detailed, multi-level, or interactive, based on the document type.
• Use Word Processing Tools: Leverage built-in features in tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to automatically generate a TOC.
• Align Headings and Page Numbers: Ensure consistent formatting, such as dot leaders or hierarchical numbering.
• Review and Update: Verify accuracy and update the TOC as sections or page numbers change.

Tips for a Professional Table of Contents

• Consistency: Use uniform formatting for fonts, indentation, and spacing.
• Clarity: Keep headings concise and descriptive.
• Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of page numbers for readability.
• Automation: Use software tools to reduce manual errors and simplify updates.
• Hyperlinks: For digital documents, ensure all links work correctly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Omitting Subsections: Failing to include relevant subheadings can make the TOC incomplete.
• Inconsistent Formatting: Mismatched styles or alignment can reduce professionalism.
• Incorrect Page Numbers: Always update page numbers after finalizing the document.
• Excessive Detail: Overloading the TOC with unnecessary details can overwhelm readers.

A table of contents is a critical element of structured documents, aiding navigation and improving user experience. By understanding the types and formats of a TOC, along with practical examples, researchers, writers, and professionals can create clear and organized tables of contents for various document types. A well-designed TOC not only enhances readability but also reflects the professionalism and attention to detail of the document’s creator.

• Turabian, K. L. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.
• APA (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Chicago Manual of Style (2017). The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
• Microsoft. (2023). Create a Table of Contents in Word. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com
• Scribbr. (2023). Thesis and Dissertation Table of Contents Example. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Table of contents

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Today we are going to learn how to make a proper APA table of contents. However, let’s start with some backstory to understand the formatting standards according to the latest  APA 7th edition .

In an  APA style paper , a table of contents is commonly used in longer research papers or dissertations to provide an organized outline of the document's structure. It helps to increase readability and navigation greatly. Even though a table of contents is not officially required by the APA guide, you may be asked by the instructor to include one. That’s why we compiled this guide on how to format a table of contents in APA style. Read our detailed instructions to arrange a contents page. Or you can always ask StudyCrumb to " write my paper for me " and get comprehensive help with your work, including assistance with formatting.

Table of Contents APA: Basics

In the present APA table of contents guide, we will show the most convenient and recommendable format for an APA paper. The first thing that you need to remember — it can not exceed two pages in size. So if the table is a must according to the instructor, you may have to exclude some section headings to fit in. It is good to optimize your paper with subheadings, but don’t get obsessed with it. Here are some of the major formatting rules according to APA Style:  

• Include at least 2 levels of headings — level 1 and level 2.
• Use up to 5 levels of headings if it fits the structure.
• Apply indents to highlight different levels of headings.
• Locate it right after the abstract, before the intro part. (Read more information if you still wonder on how to write an abstract APA .)
• Use a 12 pt Times New Roman font.
• Keep the headings in the table left-aligned.
• Capitalize all the headlines.
• Make sure that margins from all sides are 1 inch long.

In all other regards, your formatting sticks to the plain text format. Don’t include any unnecessary formatting or highlighting. And don't be afraid to ask your instructor about it if you have any doubts or questions. At any time, you can  buy essay  quickly, remember about it.

APA Table of Contents Example

Nevertheless, there is nothing more representative than a proper APA table of contents sample. Pay attention to the length of indents for different heading levels. Check out our sample right below.

Note, there is no fixed standard for the length of indents that you make to highlight every level of headlines. Make sure that your headlines look readable and easy to distinguish.

Looking for annotated bibliography example APA ? We have got you covered! Open one more of our blogs.

How to Make APA Table of Contents in Word

Microsoft Word is the most likely software for formatting APA style tables of content. That’s why right now, we will learn how to generate automated ones. It is a very simple operation, and you only have to remember easy 3 steps:

• Format the headings first
• Apply an APA style format
• Keep your table updated.

And now, look closer at each individual step, so it will be much easier to remember. So, let’s go! Buy APA format paper entirely from scratch if you have troubles at this point.

Format Your Headings

Before starting working with headings, make sure that all of them are in line with the general formatting style. Normally, the table of contents is generated after the text is finished and proofread. So don’t be in a hurry, even though the contents are located in the very beginning of the text. Make sure that your piece is flawless and doesn’t contain misspellings. Try an  online typing test  to hone your typing skills quickly. Formatting headings is easy — just highlight the heading first. Then, find a top panel featuring heading styles and make a right click on the one you want to choose. After it, select Please update Heading X to match selection. Do it with every heading that you have. Assign each one with Heading 1 — Heading 5 roles.  

Create Table of Contents in APA Formats

One more step and our APA paper with table of contents is as good as ready. From the very beginning, type the page name, keep it centered and aligned to the top. Remember about 1-inch long indents. Make the heading bold to increase readability and navigation. Then choose the “ Table of Contents ” option from the “References” menu that is located on the top panel. In the new window, choose the number of heading levels that will be displayed. As you remember, you need at least 2 and not more than 5 levels of headings.  

Keep Table of Contents Consistent

From this point, all the highlighted headings will be automatically synchronized with your table of contents. In case if you make changes to the actual heading, you may also change it in your list in one click. Just make a right click on it and choose the “Update Field” option. In Microsoft Word, you can choose to update either one element or all elements at a time. We recommend updating all the elements to keep your paper consistent and good-looking. Hiring a bibliography writer to work on your table of contents might be helpful as well.

We hope our blog explained all those formatting tricks in a most understandable way. Check out other articles if you have any other questions about academic writing. Good luck with your writing!

Whether it is an APA-style paper or an opinion essay, be sure it will be delivered timely and composed with skill and diligence. Check out the writing service and give yourself a little break from writing! Contact us when you are ready. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. is there a size limit for a table of contents in apa style.

Yes, your table of contents should not be bigger than two pages long. If it is larger, consider deleting it entirely or some of the headlines to fit in.

2. Where in the text is the table of contents located in APA style paper?

The table of contents is located after the Acknowledgment but before the Introduction paragraph.

3. How many heading levels is it required to have in a table of contents?

You need to include at least 2 levels and not more than 5 levels of headings. Just analyze the text and come up with the right format for your paper.

Emma Flores knows all about formatting standards. She shares with StudyCrumb readers tips on creating academic papers that will meet high-quality standards.

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• May 19, 2022

Table of contents for research papers

• By Max Dade

What’s a Table of Contents?

When writing a research paper, master’s thesis or PhD dissertation, the table of contents is one of the most important elements to include. Why? Because it provides a detailed and accurate list that examiners can use as a map, guiding through each respective chapter, including all relevant sections and subsections of material. Including a Table of Contents (or ToC for short), helps readers understand the general gist of the content. In this article, we will take a look at what goes into a table of contents, what the most important elements are, and how we can create automatically formatted ToCs.

For short articles, such as those published in a scientific journal, a table of contents is not usually required, and if an essay or article forms part of a larger body of writing by other authors, the publisher will generally compile the ToC at a later date before going to print.

Of course, while writing your research paper, it’s worth taking note of all the different heading levels required (e.g., Level 1, 2, 3, etc.).

Modifying the format of each heading level will help you to construct an accurate and professionally formatted table of contents. However, unlike the days before computers, ToCs no longer need to be constructed manually, since word processing programs the likes of Microsoft Word allow the user to create automatic ToCs tailored to specific styles and formats.

Fig 1. An example of heading levels in a typical Table of Contents in Microsoft Word.

So, how do we construct a table of contents? First, start with the title and main chapter headings of the research paper. List all relevant chapters and sub-headings in chronological order from first to last. Under each chapter heading, include any additional subheadings.

For other heading levels, consult the style guide or submission guidelines to note the format of all the heading levels. Then, modify each heading level in Microsoft Word to reflect those specific headings. In academic research papers, dissertations, and other manuscripts , level two and three headings are often indented and placed below chapter headings. In some of the cases, italics may be used, or otherwise a number system (e.g., 1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.2.2, etc.).

As is standard practice in all books, the table of contents is positioned after the acknowledgments section and before the introductory section. Depending on the format specified by the institution or publisher, some sections may be left out of the table of contents, such as the abstract and acknowledgment sections. However, concluding sections, such as the references/bibliography as well as any supplementary materials included in the appendix, should also be included.

Now, let’s talk about how to format an automatic table of contents in Microsoft Word. We can use the automatic ToC creator to not only build a list of headings, but also to record accurate page numbers; for example, if you insert material or make changes, the page numbers may not always line up correctly. To get around this, you can use heading levels to specify the importance of each subsection. For example, chapter headings generally fall under a level one heading, and smaller subsections under level 2.

Each heading style can be modified to taste in the ToC formation toolbar in MS Word to apply them automatically. As some headings may require bold for italic text, while some others may be indented, Word can customize each level accordingly.

A note of caution regarding level 3 headings when the main text body follows directly after the heading in the same paragraph. We might run into some problems here, given that automatic ToCs include the entire paragraph as a heading; however, there are ways to get around this, such as by turning on the special characters to see page breaks and line breaks, etc. There are many tools available online to help you with such issues, so there’s no need to worry.

Examples Now, let’s take a look at a few examples of different Table of Contents styles; namely, those used in academic dissertations and theses. Some of these ToCs use numeration to designate the heading level, whereas others are more traditional.

Fig 1. Example of a typical APA-style Table of Contents.

Fig 2. Example of a numerated Table of Contents.

Now, let’s summarize the advantages of creating an automatic table of contents.

• The table of contents forms an essential part of any academic paper.
• Through the use of headings, sub-headings, and page numbers, we can construct an accurate road map to assist reviewers, evaluators, tutors, and general readers.
• The table of contents shows how effective the writer is at dividing the thesis into relevant and manageable sections. Without sections and headings, there would just be a series of unlabeled paragraphs.
• A well-structured ToC allows readers to click on a section and go directly there. This is particularly useful when cross-referencing references and citations or jumping to illustrations and figures.

• Frequently Asked Questions

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How to Make a Table of Contents in APA Format in Your Word Document

A table of contents in APA format can be easily inserted into your Word document. Just follow the APA style rules to create the TOC.

There are no official APA guidelines for a table of contents in APA format. So follow existing APA style rules as follows:

• Use the same font type and size as used in the rest of the paper, for example, Times New Roman 12.
• Double line space the entries.

To create a table of contents using Microsoft Word, you must:

• Give your headings an outline level if they do not have one.
• Prepare the table of contents in APA format.
• Create the table of contents.

Microsoft Word will easily create the table of contents in APA format for you.

Also, the table of contents can be updated automatically whenever you make changes, such as page numbers changing because text and/or images have been added (or deleted) that affect the page numbers.

You can manually create a table of contents using Microsoft Word supplied template.

This should only be in special cases where the automatically generated table of contents does not satisfy your requirements.

See how to create a manual table of contents in a word document .

Preparation for the Table of Contents

Set outline levels for your headings in microsoft word .

• APA Level 1 headings to Outline level 1
• APA Level 2 headings to Outline level 2
• APA Level 3 headings to Outline level 3

The outline levels can be set up any time before the table of contents is generated, for example, you could do this as you write your paper.

For example, Figures 2 and 3 show an APA Level 2 heading being set to Outline level 2 in Microsoft Word.

• Select the heading.
• Open the Paragraph dialog box.

• Set the Outline level as follows: - APA Level 1 heading to Outline level 1 - APA Level 2 heading to Outline level 2 (example in Figure 3) - APA Level 3 heading to Outline level 3

Set Up the Table of Contents in APA Format

• Select the References tab.
• Select Table of Contents from the Table of Contents group.
• Select Custom Table of Contents to open the Table of Contents dialog box (see Figure 5).

• Select Modify .

Note: Figure 6 shows the APA Level 1 Heading being selected for modification.

If the APA Level 2 Heading is being selected for formatting, select TOC 2.

If the APA Level 3 Heading is being selected for formatting, select TOC 3.

• Select the font type and size for your APA format. The font type and size will already be in APA format if it is the default in your Word document.
• Select Format .

• Select Paragraph . This will let you style the Paragraph (see Figure 9) in APA format.

• Select Double Line spacing . Make sure all other settings are as shown, in particular, Before and After spacing is set to zero. The paragraph style will now be in APA format.
• Select OK . Select OK in all other open dialog boxes.

Creating a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word in APA Format

Four different formats are shown:

• page number in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3...) on every page including the title page ( see Figure 10 )
• page number in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3...) starting at 1 on the table of contents page ( see Figure 11 )
• page number in Arabic numerals starting at 1 after the table of contents ( see Figure 12 )
• Roman numerals (i, ii, iii...) for the table of contents, and Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3...) for the main body of work ( see Figure 13 )

Table of Contents with a Page Number on Every Page

The most obvious way to create a table of contents in APA format is to treat the table of contents as another page (or pages) of text.

Therefore, the table of contents in APA format (as shown in Figure 10) will:

• have a page number in APA format on every page of the table of contents
• be double line spaced
• have the same font type and size as the rest of the paper

See how to build a table of contents with a page number on every page .

Page Number Starting at 1 in the Table of Contents

See how to build a table of contents starting with page number 1 .

Page Number Starting at 1 in the Main Text

See how to build a table of contents with the page number starting at the main text .

Roman Numerals in the Table of Contents and Arabic Numerals in the Main Text

See how to build a table of contents with page numbers in Roman numeral format .

The APA style says nothing about creating a table of contents in APA format. The  APA blog will explain why.

However, this does not mean you cannot have one. A table of contents is often required.

Follow the guidelines above and your instructor's guidelines to create a table of contents in APA format.

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Note : The version of Microsoft Word used is the latest Word for Microsoft 365. The functions should also work in the 2021, 2019, 2016 and 2013 versions .

© Copyright www.apaword.com    Privacy Policy     About Me Microsoft Word screenshots used with permission from Microsoft. APA style has been developed and maintained by the American Psychological Association.