table of contents research paper format

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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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• Dissertation
• Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Published on May 15, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on July 18, 2023.

The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis, dissertation , or research paper, alongside their page numbers. A clear and well-formatted table of contents is essential, as it demonstrates to your reader that a quality paper will follow.

The table of contents (TOC) should be placed between the abstract and the introduction . The maximum length should be two pages. Depending on the nature of your thesis , paper, or dissertation topic , there are a few formatting options you can choose from.

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Table of contents

What to include in your table of contents, what not to include in your table of contents, creating a table of contents in microsoft word, table of contents examples, updating a table of contents in microsoft word, other lists in your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the table of contents.

Depending on the length of your document, you can choose between a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

• A single-level table of contents only includes “level 1” headings , or chapters. This is the simplest option, but it may be too broad for a long document like a dissertation.
• A subdivided table of contents includes chapters as well as “level 2” headings, or sections. These show your reader what each chapter contains.
• A multi-level table of contents also further divides sections into “level 3” headings. This option can get messy quickly, so proceed with caution. Remember your table of contents should not be longer than 2 pages. A multi-level table is often a good choice for a shorter document like a research paper .

Examples of level 1 headings are Introduction, Literature Review , Methodology , and Bibliography. Subsections of each of these would be level 2 headings, further describing the contents of each chapter or large section. Any further subsections would be level 3.

In these introductory sections, less is often more. As you decide which sections to include, narrow it down to only the most essential.

Including appendices and tables

You should include all appendices in your table of contents. Whether or not you include tables and figures depends largely on how many there are in your document.

If there are more than three figures and tables, you might consider listing them on a separate page. Otherwise, you can include each one in the table of contents.

• Theses and dissertations often have a separate list of figures and tables.
• Research papers generally don’t have a separate list of figures and tables.

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All level 1 and level 2 headings should be included in your table of contents, with level 3 headings used very sparingly.

The following things should never be included in a table of contents:

• Your acknowledgements page
• Your abstract
• The table of contents itself

The acknowledgements and abstract always precede the table of contents, so there’s no need to include them. This goes for any sections that precede the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, be sure to first apply the correct heading styles throughout the document, as shown below.

• Choose which headings are heading 1 and which are heading 2 (or 3)!
• For example, if all level 1 headings should be Times New Roman, 12-point font, and bold, add this formatting to the first level 1 heading.
• Highlight the level 1 heading.
• Right-click the style that says “Heading 1.”
• Select “Update Heading 1 to Match Selection.”
• Allocate the formatting for each heading throughout your document by highlighting the heading in question and clicking the style you wish to apply.

Once that’s all set, follow these steps:

• Add a title to your table of contents. Be sure to check if your citation style or university has guidelines for this.
• Place your cursor where you would like your table of contents to go.
• In the “References” section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group.
• Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.
• When you are ready to insert the table of contents, click “OK” and it will be automatically generated, as shown below.

The key features of a table of contents are:

• Clear headings and subheadings
• Corresponding page numbers

Check with your educational institution to see if they have any specific formatting or design requirements.

Write yourself a reminder to update your table of contents as one of your final tasks before submitting your dissertation or paper. It’s normal for your text to shift a bit as you input your final edits, and it’s crucial that your page numbers correspond correctly.

It’s easy to update your page numbers automatically in Microsoft Word. Simply right-click the table of contents and select “Update Field.” You can choose either to update page numbers only or to update all information in your table of contents.

In addition to a table of contents, you might also want to include a list of figures and tables, a list of abbreviations, and a glossary in your thesis or dissertation. You can use the following guides to do so:

• List of figures and tables
• List of abbreviations

It is less common to include these lists in a research paper.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract in the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Apply heading styles throughout the document.
• In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
• Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
• Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, July 18). Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 19, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/table-of-contents/

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Home » APA Table of Contents – Format and Example

APA Table of Contents – Format and Example

Table of Contents

APA Table of Contents

The APA (American Psychological Association) Table of Contents is a structured outline that provides an overview of the content of a research paper or manuscript. It is typically included in the front matter of the document and lists the major sections and subsections of the paper, along with their page numbers. The Table of Contents is an important organizational tool that helps readers navigate the document and locate specific information quickly and easily.

How to Make APA Table of Contents

Here are the steps you can follow:

• Create a new page for the table of contents. The page number should be the Roman numeral “i”.
• Center the title “Table of Contents” at the top of the page.
• List all the headings and subheadings in your paper in order. Be sure to include all major sections and subsections.
• Align the page numbers to the right margin of the page.
• Use dot leaders to connect the headings to their respective page numbers. Dot leaders are a row of dots that help guide the reader’s eye from the heading to the page number.

I. Introduction ……………………………………………………… i

II. Literature Review ……………………………………………….. 1

A. Subheading ………………………………………………………… 2

B. Subheading ………………………………………………………… 3

III. Methodology ………………………………………………………….. 4

A. Participants ………………………………………………………… 5

B. Procedure …………………………………………………………… 6

IV. Results ……………………………………………………………………. 8

V. Discussion ……………………………………………………………… 10

VI. Conclusion …………………………………………………………….. 12

How to Make APA Table of Contents in MS Words

To create an APA table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Start by typing out your document in Microsoft Word.
• Once you have finished typing your document, place your cursor at the beginning of your document.
• Click on the “References” tab in the top menu bar.
• Click on the “Table of Contents” option on the left-hand side of the menu bar.
• Choose one of the APA table of contents styles from the drop-down menu that appears. There are two options for an APA table of contents: “APA 6th Edition” and “APA 7th Edition.”
• Once you have chosen your preferred APA table of contents style, click on it to insert it into your document.
• Now you need to format your headings to be included in the table of contents. Select the heading you want to include in your table of contents.
• Click on the “Styles” option in the top menu bar.
• Choose the appropriate heading style from the drop-down menu that appears. You can choose from “Heading 1,” “Heading 2,” “Heading 3,” etc.
• Repeat the previous two steps for each heading you want to include in the table of contents.
• Once you have formatted all the headings, go back to the “References” tab in the top menu bar.
• Select the “Update Table” option from the drop-down menu that appears.
• Choose whether you want to update the page numbers only or the entire table of contents.
• Click “OK” to update your table of contents.

Your APA table of contents is now complete!

APA Table of Contents Format

Here’s the general format for creating a table of contents in APA style:

• Start a new page after the title page and abstract.
• Type “Table of Contents” at the top of the page, centered.
• List all the major sections of your paper, including the introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Indent each level of subheading, using either the tab key or your word processor’s formatting tools.
• Use the same font and size for the table of contents as you did for the rest of the paper.
• Align page numbers on the right side of the page, directly after each section and sub-section.
• Include any appendices and references in the table of contents, if applicable.

Here is an example of an APA-formatted table of contents:

Table of Contents Format

Introduction ………………………………………. 1

Literature Review ………………………………… 2

Methods ………………………………………….. 6

Participants ……………………………………. 6

Procedure ……………………………………….. 8

Results ………………………………………….. 10

Discussion ………………………………………. 15

Appendices ………………………………………. 20

References ………………………………………. 21

APA Table of Contents Example

Here is an example of an APA-style table of contents:

I. Introduction ……………………………………………………………………. 1

II. Literature Review …………………………………………………………….. 3

A. Background………………………………………………………………… 3

B. Theoretical Framework ………………………………………………… 5

C. Empirical Studies………………………………………………………… 7

III. Methodology …………………………………………………………………. 10

A. Research Design ………………………………………………………… 10

B. Participants ……………………………………………………………….. 11

C. Materials ………………………………………………………………….. 12 ‘

D. Procedure …………………………………………………………………. 14

IV. Results …………………………………………………………………………. 16

V. Discussion ……………………………………………………………………… 19

A. Summary of Findings …………………………………………………. 19

B. Implications ………………………………………………………………. 21

C. Limitations and Future Directions ………………………………… 23

VI. Conclusion ……………………………………………………………………. 25

VII. References …………………………………………………………………… 27

VIII. Appendices ………………………………………………………………….. 31

When to use APA Table of Contents

You should use an APA TOC when:

• You are writing a research paper or a thesis that is more than 5 pages in length.
• Your document has multiple headings and subheadings that require organization and clarification for the reader.
• You want to make it easy for readers to find specific sections or information within your document.
• You want to comply with the APA style guidelines for formatting and referencing.
• Your document contains complex information that requires a clear structure to make it more comprehensible for the reader.

Advantages of APA Table of Contents

The American Psychological Association (APA) style table of contents has several advantages, including:

• Easy navigation: A well-organized table of contents makes it easy for readers to find the information they need quickly and easily. This is especially important in longer documents such as academic papers, theses, and dissertations.
• Standardized formatting: The APA style table of contents follows a standardized formatting style that is familiar to many academic readers. This makes it easier for readers to understand the structure and organization of the document.
• Consistency : By using the APA style table of contents, authors can ensure that the document is consistent and follows a clear organizational structure. This can help readers to better understand the content and stay focused on the main points.
• Professional appearance : A well-formatted APA style table of contents can enhance the professional appearance of the document. This is particularly important in academic and research settings where a professional appearance can increase the credibility of the work.
• Compliance with academic standards : Many academic institutions require the use of the APA style for academic papers, theses, and dissertations. By using the APA style table of contents, authors can ensure that their work complies with these academic standards.

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Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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• Knowledge Base
• Dissertation
• Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Published on 15 May 2022 by Tegan George .

The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, alongside their page numbers. A clear and well-formatted table of contents is essential, as it demonstrates to your reader that a quality paper will follow.

The table of contents (TOC) should be placed between the abstract and the introduction. The maximum length should be two pages. Depending on the nature of your thesis, dissertation, or paper, there are a few formatting options you can choose from.

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Table of contents

What to include in your table of contents, what not to include in your table of contents, creating a table of contents in microsoft word, table of contents examples, updating a table of contents in microsoft word, other lists in your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, frequently asked questions about the table of contents.

Depending on the length of your document, you can choose between a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

• A single-level table of contents only includes ‘level 1’ headings, or chapters. This is the simplest option, but it may be too broad for a long document like a dissertation.
• A subdivided table of contents includes chapters as well as ‘level 2’ headings, or sections. These show your reader what each chapter contains.
• A multi-level table of contents also further divides sections into ‘level 3’ headings. This option can get messy quickly, so proceed with caution. Remember your table of contents should not be longer than 2 pages. A multi-level table is often a good choice for a shorter document like a research paper.

Examples of level 1 headings are Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, and Bibliography. Subsections of each of these would be level 2 headings, further describing the contents of each chapter or large section. Any further subsections would be level 3.

In these introductory sections, less is often more. As you decide which sections to include, narrow it down to only the most essential.

Including appendices and tables

You should include all appendices in your table of contents. Whether or not you include tables and figures depends largely on how many there are in your document.

If there are more than three figures and tables, you might consider listing them on a separate page. Otherwise, you can include each one in the table of contents.

• Theses and dissertations often have a separate list of figures and tables.
• Research papers generally don’t have a separate list of figures and tables.

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All level 1 and level 2 headings should be included in your table of contents, with level 3 headings used very sparingly.

The following things should never be included in a table of contents:

• Your acknowledgements page
• Your abstract
• The table of contents itself

The acknowledgements and abstract always precede the table of contents, so there’s no need to include them. This goes for any sections that precede the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, be sure to first apply the correct heading styles throughout the document, as shown below.

• Choose which headings are heading 1 and which are heading 2 (or 3!
• For example, if all level 1 headings should be Times New Roman, 12-point font, and bold, add this formatting to the first level 1 heading.
• Highlight the level 1 heading.
• Right-click the style that says ‘Heading 1’.
• Select ‘Update Heading 1 to Match Selection’.
• Allocate the formatting for each heading throughout your document by highlighting the heading in question and clicking the style you wish to apply.

Once that’s all set, follow these steps:

• Add a title to your table of contents. Be sure to check if your citation style or university has guidelines for this.
• Place your cursor where you would like your table of contents to go.
• In the ‘References’ section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group.
• Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.
• When you are ready to insert the table of contents, click ‘OK’ and it will be automatically generated, as shown below.

The key features of a table of contents are:

• Clear headings and subheadings
• Corresponding page numbers

Check with your educational institution to see if they have any specific formatting or design requirements.

Prevent plagiarism, run a free check.

Write yourself a reminder to update your table of contents as one of your final tasks before submitting your dissertation or paper. It’s normal for your text to shift a bit as you input your final edits, and it’s crucial that your page numbers correspond correctly.

It’s easy to update your page numbers automatically in Microsoft Word. Simply right-click the table of contents and select ‘Update Field’. You can choose either to update page numbers only or to update all information in your table of contents.

In addition to a table of contents, you might also want to include a list of figures and tables, a list of abbreviations and a glossary in your thesis or dissertation. You can use the following guides to do so:

• List of figures and tables
• List of abbreviations

It is less common to include these lists in a research paper.

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract   in the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

• Apply heading styles throughout the document.
• In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
• Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
• Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, May 15). Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 19 August 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/contents-page/

Is this article helpful?

Tegan George

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A Table of Contents in APA Format

General guidelines.

• Table of Contents

APA style does not require a table of contents, but there are cases where you may need to include one. For example, your instructor may specify that your paper must be submitted with a table of contents. A table of contents can be particularly helpful in cases where your paper is lengthy or covers a lot of material, such as a thesis paper or dissertation. Research papers, in particular, may benefit from the addition of a table of contents.

APA style is the official publication style of the American Psychological Association. APA style is used in psychology courses as well as other social science classes including those in social science, behavioral sciences, and education.

The table of contents serves as a basic roadmap of your paper. It should list all of the major headings and subheadings within the body of your paper. For a standard psychology paper, it might include listings for the introduction, method, results, and discussion sections of your paper.

While the APA may not specify guidelines for a table of contents, you should use the basic APA format for formatting your table of contents:

• Use one-inch margins on all sides
• Use 12-point Times New Roman font
• Double-space

Since APA does not require a table of contents, you should always refer to your instructor’s guidelines when deciding whether or not to include one.

It is also important to note that the 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association was published in 2020, and included updated guidelines on many topics.

For example, while the previous edition of the style manual required a running head on each page of a paper, the 7th edition has eliminated that requirement on student papers unless your instructor specifies to include it. Always ask first.

If you are using a standard APA paper format, your table of contents should include the following sections:

• Introduction

The above format may work well for a standard lab report or research paper. However, your table of contents will look much different if you are writing something such as a critique, essay, or case study.

Notice, that the table of contents does not include the abstract or acknowledgments pages. When applicable, it should list the appendices and the lists of tables and figures.

The exact order of your paper depends largely on the type of paper you are writing. In general, your paper should be presented in the following order:

• Main Body of Paper

Table of Contents Format

Because there is no standard format for a table of contents in APA style, you should always defer to the provided guidelines for your assignment.

If your instructor does not have a preferred format, consider using the following:

• Title the page “Table of Contents” and center the title at the top of the page.
• Most papers should include at least two levels of headings, up to five levels.
• Level one headings will be for main topics, such as chapter titles like "Chapter One; Name of Chapter," or research sections like "Method," "Results," and "Discussion."
• All level-one headings should be flush-left and sub-headings should be indented five spaces deeper than the last. 
• All heading levels should be in title case, capitalizing the first letter of each word. The font type, style, and size stay the same for each level.
• The page number for each heading is formatted flush-right. Include dot leaders between the headings and the page number to improve readability.

While you might not think that following APA format is important, it is one of those areas where students can lose points for making small errors. It pays to spend a little extra time and attention making sure that your paper is formatted in proper APA style.

• If you need help, you can get assistance from your school's writing lab.
• Getting your own copy of the latest edition of the APA publication manual can be very helpful.
• Always refer to any instructions or guidelines that were provided by your course instructor.
• There is a helpful feature in most word processors that you can use to pre-format your paper in APA style. It takes a little effort to set it up, but well worth it in the end, especially for longer documents. You can save the style to apply to your future papers saving you the effort next time.

For those writing a paper to submit for publication, check with the publisher for any specific formatting requirements that they may have.

American Psychological Association. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.) ; 2020.

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Table of Contents: Guidelines for an A+ Dissertation

• Icon Calendar 19 June 2024
• Icon Page 984 words
• Icon Clock 6 min read

Rules that guide academic writing are specific to each paper format. However, some rules apply to all styles – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Basically, one of these rules is the inclusion of a table of contents (TOC) in an academic text, particularly long ones, like theses, dissertations, and research papers. Before starting a TOC, students or researchers should observe some practices regardless of different paper formats. Moreover, the process includes putting a particular TOC on a new page after the title page, numbering the first-level and corresponding second-level headings, and indicating the page number of each entry. Hence, scholars need to learn how to write a good table of contents in APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard styles.

General Guidelines

When organizing academic texts, such as theses, dissertations, and other research papers, students observe academic writing rules as applicable. Generally, the different paper formats – APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard – have specific standards that students must follow strictly. In this case, one of the rules is the inclusion of a table of contents (TOC) in the document. By definition, a TOC is a roadmap that scholars provide in their composition, outlining each portion of a paper. In other words, it enables readers to locate specific information in documents or revisit favorite parts within completed texts. To make a good table of contents, writers ensure it is accurate, consistently formatted, clearly organized with proper headings and subheadings, and includes correct page numbers for all major sections and subsections. Moreover, this part of academic papers provides readers with a preview of the document’s text.

What Is a Table of Contents and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a table of contents (TOC) is a structured list that can be found at the beginning of books, reports, or other documents and provides key details on their chapters, sections, and major topics, along with their corresponding page numbers. The main purpose of writing a table of contents is to provide a clear and organized overview of a document’s text and help readers to understand its organization and flow of a material, making it easy to navigate (Heard, 2022). In this case, writers place their table of contents immediately after the title page and acknowledgments but before the main body of an entire work. Moreover, in lengthy or complex compositions, such as essays, research papers, theses, or dissertations, scholars often need to reference only specific information without reading them (Lewis et al., 2021). To achieve this purpose, they review a TOC page of a particular work under analysis and efficiently access the parts they need. Overall, a well-designed table of contents significantly improves the reader’s experience by providing a valid roadmap to a particular document’s text (Stadtlander, 2022). Besides, a dissertation table of contents should include all major sections, such as the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, conclusion, references, and appendices, along with their respective subsections and corresponding page numbers. In turn, here is an example template for writing a dissertation table of contents:

Difference Between a Table of Contents and an Outline

In essence, a TOC is a description of first-level headings (topics) and second-level headings (subtopics) within the paper’s body. For a longer document, writers may also include third-level titles to make the text good to read. To create a table of contents in Word, writers use the “References” tab to select “Table of Contents” and choose a style, ensuring that their document’s headings are formatted with the appropriate heading styles. Ideally, the length of papers determines the depth that authors go into detailing their writing in TOCs. For example, popular table of contents designs include hierarchical lists with indented subsections, dot leaders connecting titles to page numbers, and clear, consistent formatting with bold or italicized headings to distinguish different levels (Fitzpatrick, 2021). Basically, this feature means that shorter texts may not require third-level headings. In contrast, an essay outline is a summary of the paper’s main ideas with a hierarchical or logical structuring of the text. Unlike a TOC that only lists headings and subheadings, outlines capture these headings and then describe a written composition briefly under each one. As such, an outline provides a more in-depth summary of essay papers compared to a TOC.

• Easing a Document Navigation: Allows readers to quickly locate specific sections or chapters without having to search through an entire work.
• Providing an Overview: Offers a clear and structured outline of a paper’s text, helping readers understand the scope and organization at first glance.
• Improving Readability: Breaks down a written document into manageable sections, helping readers to follow and comprehend its content.
• Promoting Easy Reference: Enables readers to reference specific parts of a document easily, which is particularly useful for lengthy works, like dissertations, reports, or manuals.
• Making a Professional Presentation: Adds a level of professionalism and polish to a completed work, demonstrating attention to detail and careful organization.
• Aiding in Document Structuring: Helps writers to organize their thoughts and structure their papers logically, ensuring a coherent flow of information.
• Saving Time: Saves readers time by providing direct access to the sections they are interested in, improving overall efficiency.
• Supporting Academic and Technical Standards: Meets the requirements of academic and technical writing standards, which often mandate a TOC for comprehensive documents.
• Facilitating Review and Editing: Assists reviewers and editors in navigating a completed paper quickly, making the review and editing process more efficient.
• Enhancing Accessibility: Makes an entire document more accessible to a wider audience, including those who may need to find information quickly for research or reference purposes.

General Format

How to Write a Table of Contents in APA

When writing a TOC in the APA format, writers should capture all the headings in the paper – first-level, second-level, and even third-level. Besides this information, they should also include an abstract, references, and appendices. The correct way to format a table of contents is to list all main sections and subsections in a logical order, use clear and consistent headings, indent subsections, align page numbers to the right with dot leaders connecting the titles to them, and ensure it matches the overall document style and layout (Lang, 2017). Notably, while a TOC in the APA style has an abstract, this section is not necessary for the other formats, like MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Hence, an example of a TOC written in APA format is indicated below:

How to Write a Table of Contents in MLA

Unlike papers written in the APA style, MLA papers do not require a table of contents unless they are long enough. In this case, documents, like theses, dissertations, and books organized in the MLA format should have a TOC. For example, a table of contents in a book is a list of the chapters and major sections, along with their corresponding page numbers, providing an organized overview of its structure and text (Silvia, 2015). Even where a TOC is necessary, there is no specific method that a writer should use when writing it, and its structure is left to the writer’s discretion. To write a table of contents, writers list the main sections and subsections of their documents in the order they appear, using consistent formatting and including corresponding page numbers for each entry. However, when they have to include a TOC in their compositions, the information they capture should be much more than what would appear in the APA paper. Hence, an example of writing a TOC in MLA format is:

To create a good table of contents, writers ensure it is well-organized, accurately lists all sections and subsections with corresponding page numbers, and is formatted consistently for clarity and ease of navigation. In the case of writing a research paper, an example of an MLA TOC should be:

How to Write a Table of Contents in Chicago/Turabian

Like the MLA style, a Chicago/Turabian paper does not require writing a table of contents unless it is long enough. When a TOC is necessary, writers should capitalize on major headings. In this case, authors do not need to add a row of periods (. . . . . . . .) between the heading entry and the page number. Writers should use a table of contents format that lists all main sections and subsections in proper order, with clear headings, correct indentation for hierarchy, dot leaders connecting titles to right-aligned page numbers, and consistent formatting throughout (Stadtlander, 2022). Then, the arrangement of the text should start with the first-level heading, then the second-level heading, and, finally, the third-level title, just like in the APA paper. In turn, all the information that precedes the introduction part should have lowercase Roman numerals. Besides, the row of periods is only used for major headings. Therefore, an example of writing a TOC in Chicago/Turabian format is:

How to Write a Table of Contents in Harvard

Like in the other formats, writing a table of contents in the Harvard style is captured by having the title “Table of Contents” at the center of the page, in the first line. Basically, it comes after the title page and captures all the sections and subsections of Harvard papers. In other words, writers must indicate first-level headings in a numbered list. For example, to create a good table of contents, writers list the document’s main sections and subsections in the order they appear, apply consistent formatting, and include corresponding page numbers for each heading (Heard, 2022). Further on, scholars should align titles to the left side and capitalize them. In turn, if there is a need to show second-level headings, authors should list them under corresponding first-level headings by using bullet points. However, it is essential for students not to disrupt the numbering of first-level headings. Besides, writers should align second-level headings to the left side and indent them by half an inch and capitalize on a choosen piece. As a result, an example of writing a TOC in Harvard format should appear as below:

Common Mistakes

• Inconsistent Formatting: Using different fonts, sizes, or styles within a single TOC.
• Incorrect Page Numbers: Page numbers in a TOC do not match actual text pages.
• Missing Sections: Omitting important sections or subsections from a TOC.
• Overly Detailed Entries: Including too much detail makes a particular TOC hard to read.
• Lack of Subheadings: Not breaking down major sections into subheadings for clarity.
• Unclear Section Titles: Using vague or unclear titles does not reflect a completed text accurately.
• Improper Indentation: Incorrectly indenting headings and subheadings makes their hierarchy unclear.
• Inconsistent Capitalization: Using different capitalization styles for headings and subheadings.
• Failure to Update: Not updating a completed TOC after making changes to some sections of a final work.
• Missing List of Figures/Tables: Not including lists for figures and tables if they are present in a research paper.
• Ignoring Styles/Templates: Not using document styles or templates for doing a good TOC leads to inconsistency.
• Overly Long Titles: Including overly long section titles makes an entire TOC difficult to read.

Any TOC is an essential component of any academic paper, particularly for long documents, like theses, dissertations, and research papers. When students are writing a TOC, they should be careful to follow the applicable format’s rules and standards. Regardless of the format, writers should master the following tips when doing a TOC page:

• Write a TOC on a new page after the title page.
• Indicate first-level headings of the document in a numbered list.
• Indicate second-level headings under the corresponding first-level heading.
• If applicable, indicate third-level headings under the corresponding second-level heading.
• Write a specific page number for each heading.
• Put the provided content in a two-column table.
• Title the page with “Table of Contents.”

Fitzpatrick, R. (2021). Write useful books: A modern approach to designing and refining recommendable nonfiction . Useful Books Ltd.

Heard, S. B. (2022). The scientist’s guide to writing: How to write more easily and effectively throughout your scientific career . Princeton University Press.

Lang, T. A. (2017). Writing a better research article. Journal of Public Health and Emergency , 1 , 1–13. https://doi.org/10.21037/jphe.2017.11.06

Lewis, K. B., Graham, I. D., Boland, L., & Stacey, D. (2021). Writing a compelling integrated discussion: A guide for integrated discussions in article-based theses and dissertations. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship , 18 (1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1515/ijnes-2020-0057

Silvia, P. J. (2015). Write it up: Practical strategies for writing and publishing journal articles . American Psychological Association.

Stadtlander, L. (2022). Editorial: Rewriting a social science dissertation into a journal article and getting it published. Journal of Social, Behavioral, and Health Sciences , 16 (1), 94–102. https://doi.org/10.5590/jsbhs.2022.16.1.07

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Microsoft Word for Dissertations

• Table of Contents
• Introduction, Template, & Resources
• Formatting for All Readers
• Applying a Style
• Modifying a Style
• Setting up a Heading 1 Example
• Images, Charts, Other Objects
• Footnotes, Endnotes, & Citations
• Cross-References
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• List of Figures/Tables
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• Commenting and Reviewing
• Tips & Tricks
• The Two-inch Top Margin
• Troubleshooting
• Finalizing Without Styles
• Preparing Your Final Document
• Take a break

Automatic Table of Contents

An automatic Table of Contents relies on Styles to keep track of page numbers and section titles for you automatically. Microsoft Word can scan your document and find everything in the Heading 1 style and put that on the first level of your table of contents, put any Heading 2’s on the second level of your table of contents, and so on.

If you want an automatic table of contents you need to apply the Heading 1 style to all of your chapter titles and front matter headings (like “Dedication” and “Acknowledgements”).  All section headings within your chapters should use the Heading 2  style.  All sub-section headings should use  Heading 3 , etc....

If you have used Heading styles in your document, creating an automatic table of contents is easy.

• Place your cursor where you want your table of contents to be.
• On the References Ribbon, in the Table of Contents Group , click on the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon, and select  Custom Table of Contents .
• We suggest that you set each level (Chapters, sections, sub-sections, aka TOC 1, TOC 2, TOC 3) to be single-spaced, with 12 points of space afterwards.  This makes each item in your ToC clump together if they're long enough to wrap to a second line, with the equivalent of a double space between each item, and makes the ToC easier to read and understand than if every line were double-spaced. See the video below for details.
• If you want to change which headings appear in your Table of Contents, you can do so by changing the number in the Show levels: field. Select "1" to just include the major sections (Acknowledgements, List of Figures, Chapters, etc...).  Select "4" to include Chapters, sections, sub-sections, and sub-sub-sections.
• Click OK to insert your table of contents.  

The table of contents is a snapshot of the headings and page numbers in your document, and does not automatically update itself as you make changes. At any time, you can update it by right-clicking on it and selecting Update field .  Notice that once the table of contents is in your document, it will turn gray if you click on it. This just reminds you that it is a special field managed by Word, and is getting information from somewhere else.

Modifying the format of your Table of Contents

The video below shows how to make your Table of Contents a little easier to read by formatting the spacing between items in your Table of Contents. You may recognize the "Modify Style" window that appears, which can serve as a reminder that you can use this window to modify more than just paragraph settings in the ToC. You can modify the indent distance, or font, or tab settings for your ToC, just the same as you may have modified it for Styles. 

By default, the Table of Contents tool creates the ToC by pulling in Headings 1 through 3. If you'd like to modify that -- to only show H1's, or to show Headings 1 through 4 -- then go to the References tab and select Custom Table of Contents .  In the window that appears, set Show Levels to "1" to only show Heading 1's in the Table of Contents, or set it to "4" to show Headings 1 through 4.

Bonus tip for updating fields like the Table of Contents

You'll quickly realize that all of the automatic Lists and Tables need to be updated occasionally to reflect any changes you've made elsewhere in the document -- they do not dynamically update by themselves. Normally, this means going to each field, right-clicking on it and selecting "Update Field". 

Alternatively, to update all fields throughout your document (Figure/Table numbers & Lists, cross-references, Table of Contents, etc...), just select "Print". This will usually cause Word to update everything in anticipation of printing. Once the print preview window appears, just cancel and double-check that it updated things.

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Table of contents

The Table of Contents should follow these guidelines:

• ​All sections of the manuscript are listed in the Table of Contents except the Title Page, the Copyright Page, the Dedication Page, and the Table of Contents.
• You may list subsections within chapters
• Creative works are not exempt from the requirement to include a Table of Contents

Table of contents example

Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the Template. Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page.

• << Previous: Dedication Page
• Next: List of Figures (etc.) >>
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Home » Blog » Table of Contents - Definition, Types, Formats & Examples

Table of Contents – Definition, Types, Formats & Examples

Table of contents.

The Table of Contents (TOC) is very important in the academic world, especially for research projects and final year dissertations. The Table of Contents can be considered the map of your research paper, a tool that helps readers find their way through your ideas.

Readers, from peers and professors to experts in your field, can find specific areas of your study without having to look through the whole document. This makes the structure of your work easier to navigate and understand. This can help them understand your work better and help them understand it better overall.

Table of Contents in a Research Paper

While the student is writing their final year project, the Table of Content helps them keep track of everything. With the Table of Content, students can create a structured framework, or skeleton, for their work. This helps them stay focused on their research’s main goals and sub-questions. This methodical order also forces them to put their ideas in a way that makes sense so that their arguments make sense from one section to the next.

Table of Contents Definition

The Table of Contents is an important part of any extensive written book, research paper, report, or dissertation . The Table of Content gives a detailed list of a document’s sections and important subsections. This list is usually set up in a hierarchy.

Each entry in the TOCs refers to a different part of the work and gives the page numbers where readers can find it. Usually, the Table of Contents is at the beginning of the document. It acts as a navigational guide and gives a quick overview of the structure and layout of the paper.

The Table of Contents is carefully structured with different levels of headings and subheadings that match how the main body of the work is organized. These levels show how the content is organized, with the main headings representing broad categories and the subheadings representing more specific details within these categories.

Some TOCs also has a list of figures, tables, and appendices, which makes it easier for readers to find these parts. So, the TOC acts as a map, giving readers a quick idea of how the document is put together and helping them move quickly through the work.

The Importance of Table of Contents

Easy navigation for readers.

The Table of Contents is an important tool that helps readers find their way around. Whether it’s a novel, a research paper , or a business report, the reader may want to go straight to a specific part of the text without reading the whole document. This is made easy by the Table of Contents, which has a detailed list of sections, subsections, and the page numbers that go with them.

With a TOCs, Readers can quickly find the content they want, which saves them time and makes reading more enjoyable and effective. This feature of the TOC can’t be overstated, especially when it comes to academic research or business documentation, where readers often need to refer back to the same sections.

Provides an Overview of the Content

The Table of Contents is also very important because it gives an overview of the content. Before getting into the details of a document, a reader might want to get a sense of its scope and depth. As a small version of the whole document, the TOCs gives the reader just that. It tells what the document is about, the main points, and how the whole paper is put together. The reader can understand how the information flows, guess what will come next, and see how the different parts fit together. By giving this overview, the TOC makes reading a more interesting and informative experience.

Content Organization

The Table of Contents is important in putting the work together and showing where to go next. Creating a TOC can help the author plan and organize their thoughts and ideas in a way that makes sense. This order becomes the document’s backbone. It guides the writing process and ensures the work stays on track and makes sense. Also, the clear divisions between sections and subsections in the TOC help readers follow the author’s train of thought. They can easily find where they are in the document and see how each part fits into the whole. So, the TOC is important for making a structured, well-organized document and making it easier for the reader to understand and remember the content.

Types of Table of Contents

Short-form vs. long-form table of contents.

There are different kinds of Tables of Contents in the documentation and content creation. Each is made for a different kind of document and a different set of needs. Most of the time, people use short-form and long-form TOCs. As its name suggests, the short-form Table of Contents gives a quick document overview.

It mostly lists the main sections and main subheadings, which makes it perfect for short documents or ones where a general overview is enough. On the other hand, the long-form TOC goes into much more detail, listing not only the main headings but also all the different subheadings and sub-subheadings. This type of Table of Contents is best for long, complicated documents where each piece of content adds something different to the story.

Descriptive Table of Contents

The descriptive Table of Contents is another interesting type. In contrast to the short and long-form Table of Contents, which are mostly just lists of headings, the descriptive TOCs also includes a short summary or synopsis of each section. This method gives the reader a better idea of what each section is about and helps them understand the structure and content of the document better. A descriptive Table of Contents is very helpful when each chapter or section can stand independently, like in anthologies, edited books, or collections of essays.

Hierarchical Table of Contents

A hierarchical Table of Contents shows the structure of the document. It shows the order of sections, sub-sections, and lower-level headings with indentation, typography, and sometimes even pictures. This kind of TOCs is useful for complicated documents because it lets the reader see how the content is organized and how the different parts relate.

The Figure-centric and Table-centric Table of Contents

The figure-centric and table-centric Table of Contents is made for documents like scientific research papers or technical manuals with many figures or tables. A table-centric TOCs does the same thing for tables as a figure-centric TOCs does for figures.

These specialized Table of Contents make it easy for readers to find and refer to the visual or tabular information that may be important for them to understand the text. So, the type of TOCs chosen will depend on what the document is about and what the reader needs.

Table of Contents Formats: The Classic Method

Traditional book format.

A traditional book format, Table of Contents, is usually a detailed and hierarchical list of chapters or sections at the beginning of a book. It lists the title of each chapter or section and the page number where it begins. When a book has more than one part or volume, the TOCs often lists the titles of these larger sections.

Traditional Book Format Table of Contents Example

A fiction book table of contents:.

Acknowledgments…………………………………..iii Introduction………………………………………..v

PART ONE: THE BEGINNING

Chapter 1: The Mysterious Stranger……………………1 Chapter 2: An Unexpected Journey…………………..15 Chapter 3: Friends and Foes……………………………32

PART TWO: THE MIDDLE

Chapter 4: The Hidden World…………………………51 Chapter 5: Secrets Revealed………………………….68 Chapter 6: Battles and Betrayals…………………….84

PART THREE: THE END

Chapter 7: The Final Stand…………………………..100 Chapter 8: Homecoming……………………………..118 Epilogue…………………………………………..131

A Non-Fiction Book Table of Contents:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface…………………………………………..vii Introduction…………………………………….xiii

PART I: FOUNDATIONS

Chapter 1: Introduction to The Topic………………..1 Chapter 2: Historical Overview……………………..20 Chapter 3: Key Concepts……………………………36

PART II: CASE STUDIES

Chapter 4: Case Study One………………………….55 Chapter 5: Case Study Two………………………….72 Chapter 6: Case Study Three………………………..90

PART III: CONCLUSIONS

Chapter 7: Analysis and Interpretations……………110 Chapter 8: Future Directions………………………128 Bibliography…………………………………….140 Index…………………………………………..150

Digital Formats

In digital formats like e-books, websites, and digital reports, the main purpose of the Table of Contents is to help you find your way around. But it usually comes with extra features that use the benefits of digital technology.

The Table of Contents in a digital report or a PDF document often works the same way, with links to the relevant sections. Some PDF viewers even have a navigation pane where the TOCs stays visible and accessible as you read the document. This feature makes it easy to move around, especially in long and complex documents.

Digital Formats Example

Introduction…………………………………Link to Section Chapter 1: Basics of Digital Marketing………….Link to Section 1.1 Definition and Scope………………….Link to Section 1.2 Types of Digital Marketing…………….Link to Section Chapter 2: Social Media Marketing………………Link to Section 2.1 Platforms…………………………..Link to Section 2.2 Strategy and Planning…………………Link to Section Chapter 3: Search Engine Optimization (SEO)……..Link to Section 3.1 Basics of SEO……………………….Link to Section 3.2 Keyword Research…………………….Link to Section Chapter 4: Email Marketing…………………….Link to Section 4.1 Building an Email List……………….Link to Section 4.2 Crafting Effective Emails…………….Link to Section Conclusion………………………………….Link to Section References………………………………….Link to Section

Table of Contents Format for Academic Research Papers

The academic format of a Table of Contents serves as a road map for research papers, dissertations, theses, or any other scholarly documents, giving a detailed hierarchical structure of the content. Like other TOCs, an academic Table of Contents lists the document’s main sections and the page numbers where they begin. But academic TOCs often goes into more detail, showing not only the main chapters but also different levels of subheadings. This ensures that a scholarly work’s complex structure is shown accurately. This is especially important for long research projects involving complex arguments and looking into many different topics.

In this academic format, Table of Contents, each entry has a page number, and main sections and subsections are separated by indentation. Remember that the TOC’s structure can change depending on your institution’s rules or the academic style you’re using (like APA, MLA, or Chicago Style).

Academic Format Example

Abstract…………………………………………. ii Acknowledgments………………………………. iii List of Tables…………………………………… iv List of Figures………………………………….. v

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION………………………. 1 Problem Statement………………………….. 2 Research Questions………………………….. 3 Significance of the Study……………………. 4

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW………………… 8 Theoretical Framework………………………. 9 Review of Related Literature………………… 11

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY……………………… 20 Research Design……………………………. 21 Participants……………………………….. 24 Data Collection……………………………. 25 Data Analysis……………………………… 27

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS……………………………. 30

CHAPTER 5: DISCUSSION……………………….. 40 Implications……………………………….. 41 Recommendations for Future Research………… 43

References……………………………………… 50 Appendices……………………………………… 54

How to Create Table of Contents: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating table of contents manually.

A Table of Contents (TOC) can be created in different ways, such as manually or by using a software such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs that creates TOCs automatically.

If you are working with a small document and want full control over the details of your Table of Contents, making one manually might be the best option. With this method, you just type out the title of each section and the page number that goes with it in your document. Make sure that your formatting and indentation are consistent so that your sections and subsections show the correct order.

Remember that creating a TOCs manually can take a long time for long documents, and you’ll have to update it manually if you add, remove, or change the order of sections.

Creating Table of Contents in Microsoft Word

Microsoft Word has a great tool for automatically making a Table of Contents, which can save you a lot of time and work, especially for longer documents.

To make a Table of Contents in Word, you must first give the text you want to include in the Table of Contents heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.). Word’s “Home” tab is where you’ll find these heading styles. Once you’ve added these styles, you can add a Table of Contents by going to the “References” tab and clicking “Table of Contents.” Based on the heading styles you used and the page numbers, MS Word will automatically make a TOCs. When you make changes to your document, you can update the Table of Contents by right-clicking on it and choosing “Update Field.”

Creating Table of Contents in Google Docs

Google Docs also lets you make an automatic Table of Contents in a similar way. To do this, use the toolbar at the top to add heading styles to your text. Once you’ve done this, click where you want your Table of Contents to be, then go to “Insert,” choose “Table of Contents,” and you’ll see two options: one with links and one with page numbers. If your document is meant to be used online, links are the way to go. Choose page numbers if you want to print the document. If you make changes to your document, you can update the Table of Contents by clicking on it and then clicking the “Refresh” icon that appears.

Table of Contents Best Practices

No matter what method you use, the best thing you can do is make sure your Table of Content is clear, correct, and easy to navigate. It should give a quick summary of your document’s content and structure, making it easy for people to find the information they need. Check your Table of Content often to make sure it matches the content of your document, especially after making major changes.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, the importance of a Table of Contents in any document – whether it’s a book, an academic paper, an eBook, or a report. It helps readers find their way around the document by giving them an organized overview of the content and showing them how the document is structured. A well-written TOCs tells readers right away what the document is about and how it is organized, making it easy for them to find specific sections.

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Graduate College Formatting Guide

• Page Numbers (Microsoft Word)
• Page Numbers (Google Docs)
• Page Breaks and Section Breaks
• Headings, Subheadings, and Table of Contents (Microsoft Word)
• Headings, Subheadings, and Table of Contents (Google Docs)
• Inserting Tables and Figures
• Comments and Track Changes
• References, Bibliography, Works Cited
• Landscape Pages & Special Materials

Setting the Normal Style

Set the "normal" style of font.

Before we can set up headings, we'll need to define the format of the text that  isn't  a heading. The "styles" in word set some default formatting for text. Setting up the "Normal" style will create a default font setting to keep the text uniform throughout the document. The Styles pane is located under the HOME tab.

Right click on the "Normal" style to open the Modify option.

This will open a Modify Style Dialog Box. Start by changing the Paragraph formatting. This is located by selecting the Format drop down in the bottom left of the Dialog Box.

There are two things that should be set under the Paragraph settings. Under the INDENTS AND SPACING tab, check to turn on "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style." Under the LINE AND PAGE BREAKS tab, check to turn on the "Widow/Orphan Control."

Once both of those have been set and you click "okay," you'll be returned to the Modify Style Dialog Box. Now we can set the font formatting. Select the font you wish to use throughout the document, change the font size to 12 point, ensure the line spacing is double spaced, and select the option to remove space between paragraphs (this is indicated by two lines pointing towards each other).

Adding Headings & Subheadings

Inserting headings and subheadings.

Using the same technique we can create a standard for the various types of headings and subheadings used across the thesis. The Thesis & Dissertation Manual generally follows APA style for heading levels. In order to keep headings consistently correct and link the Table of Contents, the Styles function in Word is used. This is going to show you some examples of the formatting required for the headings and how to use the various heading levels. We'll also see how to use styles and update your Table of Contents. 

Modifying Heading Levels to Match Required Formatting

Level 1 headings.

Chapters will be linked to Heading Level 1. If you choose not to have chapters, you will use level 1 for your major headings (typically: Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, etc.). They should be typed in title case, center aligned, and bold. The number of the chapter can be in Arabic or Roman numerals or spelled out so long as it is consistently done throughout the document. The heading should be on one line, so if you are using chapters, it should look something like this:

Chapter 1: Introduction

Once you have formatted a chapter heading, select the text of the chapter heading then right click on Heading 1 in the Styles pane and select "Update Heading 1 to Match Selection." 

Adding More Level 1 Headings

Once you have formatted the first heading and updated the style, you simply need to type the new level 1 heading in title case and then, with your cursor in line with the heading, click on the heading 1 button in the styles pane to format it and link it for your table of contents. Make sure to use this feature every time to ensure all headings are properly linked to your table of contents.

Level 2 Headings

Subsections of your major headings should be the next level down. Level 2 headings will be left aligned, bold, and title case. They should look like this:

Level 2 Heading

Once you have formatted a level 2 heading, select the text of the heading then right click on Heading 2 in the Styles pane and select "Update Heading 2 to Match Selection." 

Adding More Level 2 Headings

Once you have formatted the first heading and updated the style, you simply need to type the new level 2 heading in title case and then, with your cursor in line with the heading, click on the heading 2 button in the styles pane to format it and link it for your table of contents. Make sure to use this feature every time to ensure all headings are properly linked to your table of contents.

Level 3 Headings

If you wish to further subsection your paper, you will use level 3 headings. Level 3 headings will be bold italic, left aligned, and title case. They should look like this:

Level Three Heading

Once you have formatted a level 3 heading, select the text of the heading then right click on Heading 3 in the Styles pane and select "Update Heading 3 to Match Selection." 

Adding More Level 3 Headings

Once you have formatted the first heading and updated the style, you simply need to type the new level 3 heading in title case and then, with your cursor in line with the heading, click on the heading 3 button in the styles pane to format it and link it for your table of contents. Make sure to use this feature every time to ensure all headings are properly linked to your table of contents.

Level 4 & 5 Headings (and beyond)

It is common to find the first 3 heading levels in papers that are as long as a thesis or dissertation. Occasionally, you may find the need to go beyond those levels. It is important to note that for the thesis and dissertation, only the first 3 headings should be included in the table of contents. It is also recommended that you only use the styles function for the first 3 headings because they stand alone on their own line of text. The next heading levels will begin on the same line as the paragraph that starts that section which means that the style function will not work properly. If you were to link the heading, the entire paragraph will appear in your table of contents.

This means that you will need to, carefully, ensure you are formatting the headings manually. Each level should be consistently formatted the same way. APA has standards for levels 4 & 5 which are described here. For heading levels beyond level 5, you should pick a consistent formatting that clearly indicates they are a subsection of the level 5 heading. It is also recommended that you carefully evaluate if this level of heading is truly necessary for your writing.

Level 4 Heading

Level 4 headings will begin on the same line of the paragraph that makes up the section. It will be indented 0.5", much like a normal paragraph indent. The heading will be in title case and bold font with a period at the end of the heading:

            Level Four Heading Here.  Start the first sentence of the paragraph that follows the heading on the same line and continue typing. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc at pellentesque massa. Sed nec urna nec est efficitur iaculis. Etiam efficitur velit id dignissim eleifend. Duis euismod, nisi sed cursus sodales, sem nisi porttitor ante, eu dignissim justo tortor nec mauris.

Level 5 Heading

Level 5 headings will begin on the same line of the paragraph that makes up the section. It will be indented 0.5", much like a normal paragraph indent. The heading will be in title case and bold italic font with a period at the end of the heading:

            Level Five Heading Here.   Start the first sentence of the paragraph that follows the heading on the same line and continue typing. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc at pellentesque massa. Sed nec urna nec est efficitur iaculis. Etiam efficitur velit id dignissim eleifend. Duis euismod, nisi sed cursus sodales, sem nisi porttitor ante, eu dignissim justo tortor nec mauris.

Table of Contents

Once you have added headings and used the styles feature, you will be able to use the word function to "generate" a table of contents. You will need to type "Table of Contents" in bold font, centered at the top of the page you will be inserting your table of contents onto. Then, place your cursor on the next line

From the References tab, click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents...

From the pop up window, you will want to change the tab leaders to (none) rather than the default. The rest of the default settings will be fine, so click ok once you've done so.

This will populate your table of contents.

From here, you will need to open the style pane to modify some of the formatting of the table of contents.

You will need to locate TOC 1 and click on it, and select "modify" from the drop down list.

TOC 1 style should be bold. If you've properly set up your "normal style" of font (see above), this should be the only modification to your TOC styles that you need to make. If the text is not properly set up and you need to further format it, you can do so from this window.

If set up correctly, your table of contents should look like the image below.

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Table Of Contents – Format, Examples & Guide

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In the realm of academic writing , a well-structured research paper is essential for conveying complex ideas and findings effectively. A critical component of this structure is the table of contents, which serves as a roadmap for readers to guide them through the various sections and subsections of the paper. This article will delve into the format and designs of TOCs, aiding you with various examples.

Inhaltsverzeichnis

• 1 Table of contents in a nutshell
• 2 Definition: Table of contents
• 3 Table of contents format basics
• 4 Table of contents in APA format
• 5 Table of contents in Microsoft Word
• 6 Table of contents in Google Docs
• 7 Table of contents in PowerPoint

Table of contents in a nutshell

A table of contents is a list found at the beginning of a written work and acts as a guide to help readers easily find certain sections.

Definition: Table of contents

A table of contents, also known as “Contents” or “TOC,” is a crucial organizational element found at the start of a written work, such as a dissertation , book, or academic essay . It provides a detailed listing of the numerous sections, chapters, and subsection titles included in the document, along with their corresponding page numbers. It should list all front matter, main content, and back matter, including the headings and page numbers of all chapters and the bibliography . A good TOC allows readers to quickly navigate to specific parts of the text, enhancing the accessibility and usability of the work. Therefore, it should be completed last to ensure its complete accuracy. Although you can create a manual table of contents, many word-processing tools like Microsoft Word let you format your Contents automatically.

Table of contents format basics

A TOC typically follows a structured format to ensure clarity and ease of navigation. Many word processors such as Microsoft Word or Google Docs can automatically do the work for you with traditional tables. However, it is advisable to customize it to your liking and double-check that the titles and page numbers are in line with your academic work.

The length of your document determines which type of TOC to choose. There are three types: single-level, subdivided, and multi-level. Each one will be explained below.

Single-level

Multi-level.

This is the simplest format and lists only the first-level headings of the document without any subdivisions. This format is usually not suited for longer documents, such as dissertations.

A subdivided TOC includes first-level headings along with second-level headings that provide more detail.

A multi-level TOC provides an in-depth structure by including multiple heading levels, such as main sections, subsections (second-level headings), and sub-subsections (third-level headings). This type, however, can get very convoluted due to its complexity if more than third-level headings are used.

The general format of a TOC, suitable for use in a dissertation, essay, or any other extensive written work should include the following points:

• Title in bold (e.g., Table of Contents or Contents)
• Main sections
• Numbered headings (e.g., Introduction or Conclusion)
• Subsections
• Indented under main sections (e.g., Background or Objectives)
• Page numbers
• Right-aligned for each main and subheading

Some assignments have specific requirements for margins, indentations, and spacing, so you may need to adjust them to ensure your academic paper meets the necessary standards. Digital tables of contents, such as for digital books or presentations, often offer links for you to jump quickly to any section with a simple click.

In the context of TOCs, “leaders” or “dot leaders” refer to the series of dotted lines or dashes that connect section titles to their corresponding page numbers. The dotted lines serve as a navigational guide, guiding the reader’s eye across the page and aiding in the identification of each section with its page number. Simple table of contents examples can be found in a different article, which you can read by clicking on the button below.

Table of contents in APA format

For the APA style , there are format guidelines that you should adhere to. Here is what a proper table of contents must include:

• Use the font Times New Roman with size 12 pt
• “Contents” centered and in bold
• Level 1 and 2 headings are left-aligned, with level 2 being indented
• For more lower-level headings, use an additional indent each
• Your TOC should not be more than two pages long

Table of contents in Microsoft Word

Creating a TOC in Word can be done using built-in features in each application. Here are step-by-step instructions on how to do it.

• Select and apply a heading style of your choosing from the Home tab. Place your cursor where you want the TOC to appear.
• Go to the References tab and click on Table of Contents and pick a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level TOC style from the drop-down menu.
• Select the text you want to use as a hyperlink, then right-click and select Link . Under Link to , click on Place in This Document , select the heading, and confirm your choice with OK .
• To update the TOC after making any changes or edits to your Word document, click on the TOC and select the Update Table option.

Table of contents in Google Docs

In this paragraph , you will learn how to create, format, and add a TOC in Google Docs.

• Select the title of a section and apply a heading style of your choice from the Styles drop-down menu located in the toolbar.
• Place your cursor where you want the TOC to appear and go to the Insert menu. There you can select Table of contents and pick a style with links or with plain text.
• To update the TOC after making any changes or edits to your Google Docs document, click on the TOC and select the refresh icon.

Table of contents in PowerPoint

PowerPoint does not have a built-in feature to create an automatic TOC, but you can create one manually. There are two options: the zoom feature, which highlights each section by using a thumbnail of the slide or typing the TOC manually with links to switch back to the TOC slide.

Zoom feature

Toc with links.

• Insert a new slide at the beginning of your presentation and title it “Table of Contents.” Go to the Insert tab, select Zoom and then Slide Zoom .
• In the popup window, select the slides you want to include in your TOC and then click Insert . This will create thumbnail links to each selected slide.
• You can arrange the zoom thumbnails as desired. Select a thumbnail and use the Zoom tab on the top right to customize the appearance and zoom transitions. Under Design , you can change the background for your presentation.

The image below depicts an example TOC slide with zoom thumbnails.

• If you want a simple TOC, type in each section or slide. Select the text you want to hyperlink, right-click, and select Hyperlink. Choose Place in This Document and select the corresponding slide for the section.
• Another way of working with links, is to create a convenient button that switches back to the TOC slide. Go to the Insert tab again and click on Shapes and select one to use as a button.
• You can add text to the shape and hyperlink that or select the shape, right-click on it, and select Hyperlink . In the dialog box, select Place in This Document and select the slide you want to link to. Additionally, you can customize and duplicate it for other sections of your presentation.

The image below shows a TOC slide, where the hyperlink is perfectly hidden in the bottom-left corner.

What is a table of contents?

A table of contents is a navigational guide that lists sections and chapters in a document, often along with their corresponding page numbers. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, allowing them to quickly locate specific parts of the document.

How do I create a table of contents in Word?

• Select the text you want to include and apply heading styles from the Home tab
• Go to References , click on Table of Contents and choose a style
• To update the TOC, click on it and select Update Table
• To use links, select the text, right-click and select Link
• Under Link to , click on Place in This Document , and select the heading

How to create a table of contents in Google Docs?

• Select the text and apply heading styles from the Styles drop-down menu
• Place your cursor where you want the TOC to appear
• Go to the Insert menu, select Table of contents , and choose a style
• To update it, click on the TOC and select the refresh icon

Where do you put a table of contents?

The table of contents is found on a page right at the beginning of an academic writing project. It comes specifically after the title page and acknowledgements, but before the introductory page of a writing project. This position at the beginning of an academic piece of writing is universal for all academic projects.

What to include in a table of contents?

A sample table of contents includes the title of the paper at the very top, followed by the chapter names and subtitles in chronological order. At the end of each line is the page number of the corresponding headings. Examples of chapter names can be: executive summary, introduction, project description, marketing plan, summary, and conclusion. The abstract and acknowledgments are usually not included in the table of contents; however, this could depend on the formatting that is required by your institution.

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Table of Contents APA

Ai generator.

Writing academic papers and essays in APA (American Psychological Association) format requires adherence to specific guidelines and formatting rules. Among these essential elements is the Table of Contents, which serves as a roadmap for readers, enabling them to navigate through the document efficiently. In this article, we will delve into the definition and purpose of a Table of Contents in APA format, provide a step-by-step guide on how to create one, address frequently asked questions, and explore the importance of this element in academic writing.

1. Apa Table Of Contents Template

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What is A Table of Contents in APA format?

A Table of Contents in APA format is a structured list that appears at the beginning of a research paper, dissertation, or any other lengthy document, summarizing its contents and providing page references for each section. It allows readers to locate specific information quickly and facilitates efficient navigation throughout the document. The Table of Contents serves as a visual aid, providing an organized overview of the document’s structure, headings, and subheadings.

How to Write a Table of Contents in APA Format

Crafting a well-organized and reader-friendly Table of Contents is an essential aspect of writing academic papers in APA (American Psychological Association) format. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of creating a Table of Contents that adheres to APA guidelines. By following these simple instructions, you can ensure that your document is structured effectively, enabling readers to navigate your work with ease and locate the information they seek efficiently. Let’s dive into the details of this comprehensive guide on creating a Table of Contents in APA format.

Step 1: Prepare Your Document Structure

Before creating the Table of Contents, ensure that your document has a well-structured outline format . Begin by developing a clear introduction that provides an overview of your topic or research question. Follow this with the body of your paper, consisting of relevant sections and subsections that present your arguments or findings. Finally, conclude your paper with a thoughtful summary or conclusion paragraph.

Step 2: Insert Headings and Subheadings

Using appropriate headings and subheadings is crucial in APA format. Place your cursor at the beginning of each major section or subsection and apply the appropriate heading style. APA format utilizes specific heading levels, such as Level 1 for main sections and Level 2 for subsections, to maintain a consistent hierarchy and ensure clarity.

Step 3: Assign Page Numbers

Once your headings and subheadings are in place, assign page numbers to each section of your document. APA format typically requires page numbers to be positioned at the top right corner of each page. Ensure that your page numbering is continuous throughout the entire document, including the Table of Contents.

Step 4: Generate the Table of Contents

After completing the previous steps, it’s time to generate the Table of Contents. In most word processing software, this feature can be found under the “References” or “Layout” tab. Select the appropriate formatting options, such as including dot leaders between the heading titles and corresponding page numbers. Once generated, review the Table of Contents to ensure accuracy.

Why is the Table of Contents important?

The Table of Contents provides readers with a concise overview of the document’s structure, allowing them to navigate through the content efficiently. It saves time by providing quick access to specific sections, enabling readers to locate relevant information promptly.

Should the Table of Contents be on a separate page?

Yes, the Table of Contents should be placed on a separate page following the cover page and abstract (if applicable). This ensures that it is easily identifiable and distinguishes it from the main body of the document.

Can I change the formatting of the Table of Contents?

Yes, you can customize the formatting of the Table of Contents to some extent. However, it is essential to follow APA guidelines for font style, size, and spacing. Straying too far from the standard format may compromise the professionalism and consistency of your document.

In academic writing, the Table of Contents serves as a valuable navigational tool, guiding readers through the complex structure of a research paper or dissertation. By following the APA format guidelines and employing a clear and organized structure, you can create a comprehensive Table of Contents that enhances the understanding of your research paper’s structure, saving time and improving the overall readability of your work. So, the next time you embark on an academic writing journey, remember the significance of a well-crafted Table of Contents in APA format. By meticulously following the step-by-step guide provided in this article, you can confidently present your research, arguments, or findings while maintaining the professional standards expected in academic writing. So, check things you have to know about writing papers and essays here and make sure to incorporate a well-designed Table of Contents, as it is a vital component of any scholarly document. Happy writing!

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Table of Contents for Dissertation in 2024

Table of contents, introduction.

A dissertation could never begin with an introduction right off the bat. A table of contents in a dissertation template is imperative to guide your reader through the structure of your research.

The table of contents in a dissertation is a well-organized list of chapters, sections, and figures within your document, each heading corresponding to a page number. A good table of contents page should be accurate, simple to read, and well-formatted. The formatting of the table of contents is important to ensure a clean index that helps readers navigate your high-quality paper. It should generally be of two pages only.

Where should the Table of Contents be Placed?

Typically, within the template of a thesis or a dissertation, the table of contents is positioned prior to the introduction or the main body of chapters and right after the section devoted to acknowledgments.

How should a Table of Contents be Written?

A table of contents is written by listing out the titles or chapter names of sections within your research paper, in perfect chronological order. Subsequently, the subheadings or subtitles must also be included. Finally, the page numbers corresponding to each heading have to be placed in alignment with the headings.

Check with your university or other educational institution to determine if there are any formatting guidelines you must follow.

Generally speaking, three types of headings are included within the table of contents of a dissertation . Level one headings include the Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, and Bibliography. The subsections of these are considered level two headings while further subsections are level three headings.

What are the Components of the Table of Contents?

The title of the paper appears at the top of a table of contents, followed by the chapter names and subtitles, all listed in chronological order. The page number of the corresponding headings is positioned at the end of each line.

Appendices and Tables

All appendices should be included in your table of contents. The number of tables and figures in your dissertation will determine their inclusion within the table of contents.

In case your dissertation has more than three figures and tables, consider placing them on a different page to list them out. Otherwise, you may include them all in the table of contents.

Why is a Table of Contents Important at all?

A table of contents is extremely important for two reasons:

• First, it allows the reader to quickly locate information on specific subjects that have been organized as chapters or subtitles.
• Secondly, the table of contents assists the writer in organizing their work and arguments to ensure that significant portions of their dissertation or thesis are not overlooked.

Tips to Write a Table of Contents:

• Among scholars and researchers who author dissertations or theses, it is a general practice to work on the table of contents after completing the main body of the study. Regardless, a mock table of contents may be added to the dissertation template early on in the writing process to develop a basic framework that will guide how you will carry out your research study.
• Note that a confusing or sloppy table of contents may result in a low score or lack of academic integrity due to the lowered readability of the dissertation.
• The structure of your table of contents will be determined by your academic field and the length of your thesis. Regardless of the discipline, you must develop an organized list of all chapters in their order of appearance, with chapter subheadings properly labeled.
• Subheadings should not be listed for one chapter and then forgotten for the next. While subheadings are not always necessary, they may be considered useful when dealing with a complex subject.
• The titles of chapters and subheadings must correspond to the titles of the relevant pages. For example, if your first chapter is titled “Chapter 1: An Introduction,” it must appear on both the table of contents and as a heading for the first chapter.

Where should a Table of Contents Page be Created?

You may create a manually generated table of contents page in Microsoft Word, but the automatic function will make your life much simpler.

What not to Include in a Table of Contents?

The table of contents generally does not include the sections devoted to acknowledgments, the abstract, or the index page itself. As the first two of these are positioned before the index page, the reader will have already viewed these pages before arriving at the table of contents.

Creating an Automatic Table of Contents on MS Word –

To draft an automatic table of contents on Microsoft Word, certain heading styles must be used consistently throughout the text.

After this has been carried out, proceed as follows:

• Include a title on your contents page. Ensure that you use the standard structure for your citation style or the instructions provided by your university/department.
• Place your cursor where you want your table of contents to appear.
• Locate the Table of Contents option in the Reference tab of the ribbon.
• Select Custom Table of Contents by clicking the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon. You can choose which levels of headers to include in the table of contents and make manual modifications to each level by clicking the Modify button.
• When you are ready to input the table of contents, click OK, and it will be generated automatically.

How does One Set Headings?

To set heading styles, follow these steps:

• Determine the type of formatting required for each heading level. For example, if all level one headings should be Times New Roman, 12 pt, and boldfaced, this style may be applied to the level one headings.
• Find the Styles option on the home tab to automate this formatting for all level one headings.
• Highlight the level one heading and then right-click the Heading 1 style.
• To match the selection, choose Update Heading 1.

Highlight the headings in question and click the styles you wish to format. Then, apply the formatting to each heading in the main body of the dissertation.

The Table of Contents is Automatically Updated

We recommend students to format and update their table of contents at the very end, before submitting or printing out their dissertation , as the alignment and arrangement of text may alter throughout the final revision process. Table of contents formatting in a dissertation must ensure preciseness and accuracy of page numbers.

You may click on the Update option on the menu that appears when you right-click the table of contents, which will update the page numbers or all information within it. We hope that this brief guide of a table of contents within the template of a dissertation provides you with further guidance on how to draft and format your dissertation’s table of contents.

-Isabell S.

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Table of Contents/Lists Pages Templates

• Table of contents template (DOC)

This Microsoft Word document can be saved to your computer to use as a template. It was created using Microsoft Office 2013 version of Word. Please email [email protected] if you have problems with the download.

Table Setup

Tables are visual displays composed of columns and rows in which numbers, text, or a combination of numbers and text are presented. There are many common kinds of tables, including demographic characteristics tables, correlation tables, factor analysis tables, analysis of variance tables, and regression tables.

This page addresses the basics of table setup, including table components, principles of table construction (including the use of borders and how to handle long or wide tables), and placement of tables in the paper. Note that tables and figures have the same overall setup.

View the sample tables to see these guidelines in action.

Table components

APA Style tables have the following basic components:

• number: The table number (e.g., Table 1) appears above the table title and body in bold font. Number tables in the order in which they are mentioned in your paper.
• title: The table title appears one double-spaced line below the table number. Give each table a brief but descriptive title, and capitalize the table title in italic title case .
• headings: Tables may include a variety of headings depending on the nature and arrangement of the data. All tables should include column headings, including a stub heading (heading for the leftmost, or stub, column). The heading “Variable” is often used for the stub column if no other heading is suitable. Some tables also include column spanners, decked heads, and table spanners; these are described in the Publication Manual . Center column headings and capitalize them in sentence case .
• The table body may be single-spaced, one-and-a-half-spaced, or double-spaced.
• Left-align the information in the leftmost column or stub column of the table body (but center the heading).
• In general, center information in all other cells of the table. However, left-align the information if doing so would improve readability, particularly when cells contain lots of text.
• note: Three types of notes (general, specific, and probability) appear below the table as needed to describe contents of the table that cannot be understood from the table title or body alone (e.g., definitions of abbreviations, copyright attribution, explanations of asterisks used to indicate p values). Include table notes only as needed.

This diagram is an illustration of the basic table components.

Tables are covered in the seventh edition APA Style manuals in the Publication Manual Sections 7.8 to 7.21 and the Concise Guide Sections 7.8 to 7.21

Related handout

• Student Paper Setup Guide (PDF, 3MB)

Principles of table construction

The most important principle to follow when creating a table is to present information in a way that is easy for readers to understand. Provide sufficient information in the table itself so that readers do not need to read the text to understand it.

When creating a table, place entries that are to be compared next to each other. In general, place different indices (e.g., means and standard deviations) in different columns rather than in the same column. Use the same font in tables as in the rest of your paper.

Use the tables feature of your word-processing program to create tables in APA Style papers. Do not use the tab key or space bar to manually create the look of a table.

Table borders

Limit the use of borders or lines in a table to those needed for clarity. In general, use a border at the top and bottom of the table, beneath column headings (including decked heads), and above column spanners. You may also use a border to separate a row containing totals or other summary information from other rows in the table.

Do not use vertical borders to separate data, and do not use borders around every cell in a table. Use spacing between columns and rows and strict alignment to clarify relations among the elements in a table.

Long or wide tables

If a table is longer than one page, use the tables feature of your word-processing program to make the headings row repeat on the second and any subsequent pages. No other adjustments are necessary. If a table is too wide to fit on one page, use landscape orientation on the page with the wide table. It does not matter if the page header also moves when switching to landscape orientation.

Placement of tables in a paper

There are two options for the placement of tables (and figures) in a paper. The first is to embed tables in the text after each is first mentioned (or “called out”); the second is to place each table on a separate page after the reference list.

An embedded table may take up an entire page; if the table is short, however, text may appear on the same page as the table. In that case, place the table at either the top or bottom of the page rather than in the middle. Also add one blank double-spaced line between the table and any text to improve the visual presentation.

View the sample tables for more information on tables.

• Library of Congress
• Research Guides
• Science & Technology

Technical Reports & Standards Collection Guide

Introduction.

• Technical Reports Collections
• Standards Collection
• American Documentation Institute (ADI)
• Office of Scientific Research and Development (OSRD) Collection
• Synthetic Rubber Project
• Technical Translations (TT) Series
• Locating Technical Reports and Standards
• Research Assistance and Reproductions
• Online Resources and Databases
• Using the Library of Congress
• Jennifer Harbster, Head, Science Section, Researcher Engagement & General Collections Division
• Sean Bryant, Reference Librarian, Researcher Engagement & General Collections Division
• Ashley Fielder,  Librarian for Medicine and Life Science. Science Section, Researcher Engagement & General Collections
• Created:  September 22, 2023

Last Updated: May 7, 2024

Science & Technical Reports : Ask a Librarian

Have a question? Need assistance? Use our online form to ask a librarian for help.

Get connected to the Library’s large and diverse collections related to science, technology, and business through our Inside Adams Blog. This blog also features upcoming events and collection displays, classes and orientations, new research guides, and more.

The Library of Congress is completing a project to update and modernize Library reading room websites. As a part of the process, “The Technical Reports and Standards Collection” is in the process of being updated and migrated to this new platform. The process has not yet been completed and the guide remains subject to change.

Researchers with questions about the collection are encouraged to contact a science or business librarian using the Ask-a-Librarian: Science and Technical Reports or Ask a Librarian: Business online form, by phone, at (202) 707-5639, or in person, at the reference desk, in the Science and Business Reading Room, on the fifth floor of the Library's John Adams Building.

Technical Reports

Technical reports are designed to quickly alert researchers to recent findings and developments in scientific and technical research. These reports are issued for a variety of purposes:

• to communicate results or describe progress of a research project
• to convey background information on an emerging or critical research topic
• to provide lists of instructions or procedures for current practices
• to determine the feasibility of a technology and recommend if research should be continued (and how to evaluate any further progress made)
• to detail technical specifications (materials, functions, features, operation, market potential, etc.)

Technical reports first appeared in the early part of the 20th century. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) published a series of professional papers beginning in 1902, and the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA) issued its first report in 1915. But, the format gained importance during World War II, emerged in the postwar era, and remains, to this day, a major tool for reporting progress in science and technology, as well as in education, business, and social sciences research. The names given to series of these publications vary, but are often such generic terms as "technical reports," "working papers," "research memoranda," "internal notes," "occasional papers," "discussion papers" or "gray (or grey) literature." In the physical and natural sciences, "technical report" seems to be the preferred designation. For reports dealing with business, education, and the social sciences, on the other hand, the terms "working paper," "occasional paper," and "memorandum" are often the designations of choice. Other, more specific types of technical reports include "preprints" and "reprints." Preprints generally are versions of papers issued by researchers before their final papers are published by commercial publishers. Preprints allow researchers to communicate their findings quickly, but usually have not been peer reviewed. Reprints are typically released to heighten awareness of the research being conducted in a particular field or at a single institution. The term, "technical report" encompasses all of these designations.

Since many of these publications are intended to provide just a temporary snapshot of current research in a particular field or topic, they may contain the some of following distinctions:

• Rapid communication of new research results
• Dissemination to a targeted audience.
• Detailed methodologies, in order to facilitate review of research results by others
• No peer review, though there is often another selection process for publication (grant, contract, or institutional affiliation)
• Not published by typical commercial publishers (instead reports are issued or sponsored by government agencies, professional associations, societies, councils, foundations, laboratories, universities, etc.)
• Corporate authorship, where present, is typically emphasized

Unfortunately, uncertain availability, limited print runs, and decentralized distribution patterns with little bibliographic information are also often characteristics of this literature.

The Federal Government issues many different types of technical reports. An overview of some of these can be found in a May 2001 GAO report, " Information Management: Dissemination of Technical Reports ." Government issued or sponsored reports contain an additional characteristic - they may be subject to distribution restrictions linked to their classification status. Although references to classified reports may be found in technical reports literature, the security status or limited distribution of reports may make them unavailable to the general public and to the Library as well, as the Library holds only titles in the public domain. Those interested in locating such materials can consult the U.S. Department of Justice's Freedom of Information Act  site for guidance in obtaining these reports.

To enable them to be identified and located, technical reports are assigned report codes by agencies or organizations involved in their production or distribution. These codes may be referred to as "accession numbers," "agency report series numbers," "contract numbers," "grant numbers" or by other names, and include dates and individual report numbers. Typically, reports are assigned multiple codes and these codes help to identify the sponsoring agency, the organization performing the research or the organization disseminating the report.  Most technical reports held by the Library of Congress are not cataloged, and, for these reports, one or more report codes is required for Library staff to check the collections for a report or to locate and retrieve it. For more information about the current Standard Technical Report Number format (STRN) see ANSI/NISO Z39.23- 1997 (S2015) Standard Technical Reports Number Format and Creation . 

Standards are specifications which define products, methods, processes or practices, and are known to have existed as early as 7000 B.C., when cylindrical stones were used as units of weight in Egypt. According to  Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-119 , as revised in 2016, the term "standard" or "technical standard" refers to:

• common and repeated use of rules, conditions, guidelines or characteristics for products or related processes and production methods, and related management systems practices;
• the definition of terms; classification of components; delineation of procedures; specification of dimensions, materials, performance, designs, or operations; measurement of quality and quantity in describing materials, processes, products, systems, services, or practices; test methods and sampling procedures; or descriptions of fit and measurements of size or strength; and
• terminology, symbols, packaging, marking or labeling requirements as they apply to a product, process, or production method.

Technical standards are not "professional standards of personal conduct; or institutional codes of ethics." (p. 15).

Standards are typically generated by governments or by professional associations and organizations interested in or affected by the subject matter of particular standards. For example, U.S. government standards mandated by the  Fair Packaging & Labeling Act (FPLA)  have standardized the labeling required for packaging in which consumer commodities is sold. Standards set the basis for determining consistent and acceptable minimum levels of reliability and safety, and are adhered to either voluntarily or as mandated by law. For a more complete overview, see the NIST report  " The ABC's of Standards Activities " by Maureen A. Breitenberg (2009).

The Library of Congress standards collection includes military and other federal standards, industry standards, and a few older international standards from Russia, China, and South Africa. Material from the collection is available in various formats, including digital, print, and microform materials. The majority of the Library's standards collection held in the Science Section's Technical Reports and Standards Collection. The collection remains largely uncatalogued, and as a result, most items from this collection are not discoverable in the Library's online catalog. Inquires on Library holdings can be sent to the Science Section using the Science and Technical Reports Ask-a-Librarian form . Some standards, however, are housed in the Library's general collections and discoverable by searching the  online catalog -- the ASTM standards are one example. Other standards are in custody of appropriate specialized research centers, such as the Law Library , which maintains  OSHA standards and some building codes.

About the Science Section

Part of the  Science & Business Reading Room  at the Library of Congress, the Science Section is the starting point for conducting research at the Library of Congress in the subject areas of science, medicine and engineering. Here, reference specialists in specific subject areas of science and engineering  assist patrons in formulating search strategies and gaining access to the information and materials contained in the Library's rich collections of science, medicine, and engineering materials.

• Next: Technical Reports Collections >>
• Last Updated: Jul 3, 2024 11:51 AM
• URL: https://guides.loc.gov/technical-reports