The APA 7th edition table format has five parts: a bold table number, an italic title, column headings, the table body, and optional notes underneath. Tables use horizontal lines only, no vertical lines, and must be mentioned in the text. Here are the rules, an example you can copy, and how to cite a table taken from another source.
The Five Parts of an APA 7 Table
- Table number: bold, above the title, e.g. Table 1. Number tables in the order they are first mentioned in the text.
- Title: on the next line, in italic title case, brief but descriptive.
- Headings: every column has a heading, including the leftmost (the "stub" heading). Headings are centered; the stub heading is usually left-aligned.
- Body: the data. Align numbers on the decimal point, use the same number of decimal places within a column, and left-align text that runs longer than a few words.
- Notes: below the table, in order: general note, specific notes, probability note.
APA 7 Table Formatting Rules
| Element | Rule |
|---|---|
| Borders | Horizontal only: top, below headings, bottom. No vertical lines. |
| Font | Same font as the paper; a slightly smaller size (8–12 pt) is allowed in the body if it helps. |
| Spacing | Number and title double-spaced; body single-, 1.5- or double-spaced. |
| Width | Fits the page margins; very wide tables can be landscape. |
| Abbreviations | Explain non-standard abbreviations in the general note. |
| Empty cells | Leave blank, or use a dash (—) and explain it in a note if needed. |
| Mention in text | Refer to every table by number: "As Table 1 shows…" |
APA 7 Table Example
Table 1
Descriptive Statistics for Study Variables by Group
| Variable | Control M (SD) | Intervention M (SD) | t(138) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anxiety | 24.31 (5.12) | 19.87 (4.96) | 5.21*** |
| Sleep quality | 6.42 (2.08) | 7.15 (1.94) | −2.15* |
| Self-efficacy | 31.05 (6.77) | 32.40 (6.31) | −1.22 |
Note. N = 140 (70 per group). Higher scores indicate greater anxiety, better sleep quality and higher self-efficacy.
*p < .05. ***p < .001.
Table Notes in APA 7
- General note: Starts with Note. in italics. It explains the whole table: short forms, units, sample size, and source credit.
- Specific notes: Point to one cell, row, or column using small raised letters (a, b).
- Probability notes: Explain p-value stars: *p < .05. **p < .01. ***p < .001.
How to Cite a Table in APA 7
If you copy or adapt a table from another source, credit it in the general note below the table. Also list the full source in your reference list.
If you plan to publish your paper, you may need written permission from the copyright owner. Add "Reprinted with permission" at the end of the note. Student class papers usually need only the source note. For open-access tables (such as CC BY), name the license in the note.
Common APA Table Mistakes
- Vertical lines or full grid boxes pasted from Excel.
- Table title written in bold instead of italic title case.
- Mixed decimal places inside the same column.
- Short forms left unexplained in the note.
- Tables never called out in the text, or numbered out of order.
- Pasting a blurry screenshot instead of an editable table.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are APA 7 tables double-spaced?
The table number and title are double-spaced. The table body can be single-spaced, 1.5-spaced, or double-spaced. Pick whichever is clearest and keep it consistent across all tables.
Do APA tables have vertical lines?
No. APA 7 tables use horizontal lines only: at the top, below the column headers, and at the bottom. Never use vertical grid lines.
Where do tables go in an APA paper?
Place each table in the text right after the paragraph that first mentions it, or place all tables on separate pages after the reference list. Theses usually put tables inside the text.
Does APA 7 require a table of contents?
No. APA 7 does not require a table of contents for class papers or journal drafts. Theses and dissertations need one because university style guides require it.