You've finished your paper, double-checked every citation, and then your professor mentions something called a “running head.” Now you’re scrambling to figure out whether you need one and, if so, how to set it up correctly.

The running head is one of the most confusing elements of APA 7th edition — largely because the rules changed significantly from APA 6th edition, and the requirements differ depending on whether you’re writing a student paper or a professional paper. This guide walks through exactly what you need to know, with step-by-step instructions for Microsoft Word.

Do You Actually Need a Running Head?

APA 7th edition draws a clear distinction between student papers and professional papers. Student papers do not require a running head unless your instructor specifically requests one. Professional papers (those submitted for publication) always require a running head on every page.

Student Papers

For most undergraduate and graduate course assignments, APA 7th edition only requires a page number in the top-right corner. The running head is optional. However, some instructors still ask for one — always check your assignment rubric or syllabus before submitting.

Professional Papers

If you’re submitting a manuscript to a journal, a thesis, or a dissertation, a running head is required. Place it flush left in the header, with the page number flush right, on every page including the title page.

Running Head Formatting Rules

Element	Requirement
Text format	ALL CAPITAL LETTERS
Maximum length	50 characters (including spaces and punctuation)
Content	Shortened version of your paper’s title
Label	No “Running head:” label (removed in APA 7th)
Position	Flush left in header, page number flush right
Every page	Appears on every page including the title page

How to Set Up a Running Head in Word

Step 1: Open the Header

Double-click the top margin of your document, or go to Insert → Header → Edit Header.

Step 2: Insert the Running Head

Type your shortened title in ALL CAPS. Make sure it does not exceed 50 characters. If your title is “The Effects of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Insomnia in Older Adults,” your running head might be “COGNITIVE THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA.”

Step 3: Add Page Numbers

While still in the header, tab to the right margin and insert page numbers (Insert → Page Number → Current Position → Plain Number).

Step 4: Different First Page

For APA 7th edition, the running head appears on every page including the title page. If your word processor defaults to hiding the header on the first page, uncheck “Different First Page” in the Header & Footer tools.

Pro tip: If you’re writing a student paper and only need page numbers, follow the same steps but omit the running head text. Just insert the page number flush right.

Common Running Head Mistakes

• Using the label “Running head:” — This was required in APA 6th edition but was removed in APA 7th. Do not include it.
• Exceeding 50 characters — Count every letter, space, and punctuation mark. If your shortened title is too long, abbreviate further.
• Inconsistent capitalization — The running head must be in ALL CAPS on every page. No lowercase letters, no title case.
• Forgetting the running head on the title page — Professional papers need the running head on every page, including the title page.
• Adding a running head to a student paper — Unless your instructor requires it, APA 7th edition does not require a running head for student papers. Adding one unnecessarily could confuse your reader.

Student vs. Professional Paper: Quick Comparison

Element	Student Paper	Professional Paper
Running head	Not required (unless instructor requests)	Required on every page
Page numbers	Flush right, every page	Flush right, every page
Title page	Required with specific elements	Required with author note and ORCID

For a complete breakdown of all APA 7th edition requirements, see our comprehensive APA formatting guide.

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Setting up a running head is just one of many formatting details that can trip you up in APA 7th edition. Between margins, headings, citations, and references, it’s easy to miss something — and one mistake can cost you points on an otherwise strong paper.

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