Does APA Need a Running Head?

Short answer: student papers don't, professional papers do. This is the single most common APA 7 mix-up — and an easy point to lose. Here's how to tell which one you're writing.

What is a running head?

A running head is a short version of your title — in all capital letters — printed in the top-left corner of every page. It sits across from the page number. Example: SLEEP AND MEMORY.

Student vs professional papers

• Student paper (what most class assignments are): no running head. Just the page number, top-right.
• Professional paper (for publication or a journal): running head required, top-left, up to 50 characters.

If your instructor didn't specifically ask for one — and most don't — leave it out. APA 7 dropped the running head from student papers on purpose.

How to remove a running head in Word

• Double-click the header area at the top of any page.
• Delete the all-caps title text on the left. Keep the page number on the right.
• Click outside the header to close it.

Or let Chuck do it — the fix removes the running head and keeps your page numbers, automatically.

FAQ

Do I still need page numbers without a running head?

Yes. Every APA paper has a page number in the top-right corner of every page, including the title page.

Does the running head say "Running head:" before the title?

No — that label was removed back in APA 7. Professional papers now show just the short title in caps.

What goes on my title page instead?

See the APA 7 title page format.