What Font Is APA? A Guide to APA Format Typography

When writing academic papers, correct formatting is key to ensuring clarity and professionalism.

One of the most widely used styles in academia is the APA format, established by the American Psychological Association.

While APA provides specific guidelines for margins, citations, and page structure, its typography standards are equally important.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What font is APA?” this article will guide you through APA’s font requirements and how to implement them effectively.

What Font Does APA Format Require?

In the 7th Edition of the APA Publication Manual, the APA provides more flexibility with font choices than in previous editions.

The style emphasizes legibility and accessibility as the most important criteria when selecting a font for your paper. APA does not mandate a single font but instead provides several recommended options.

The most commonly used and widely accepted font for APA format is Times New Roman, 12-point, a serif font that is known for its classic and professional appearance. However, there are other fonts that are equally acceptable depending on the context or preference.

If you’re curious about other fonts, be sure to check out our full ‘What Font Is This?‘ guide.

Recommended Fonts for APA Format

While Times New Roman is the standard choice for most academic papers, APA allows for a few other fonts, as long as they meet the organization’s guidelines.

These options are designed to ensure consistency, readability, and accessibility across both print and digital formats.

Times New Roman (12-Point)

Times New Roman is the most widely used serif font in APA style. Its sharp, clean design ensures text is easy to read, even in longer academic documents. This makes it the go-to choice for many researchers and students.

Arial (11-Point)

For those who prefer sans-serif fonts, Arial is another excellent option.

Its clean and modern design is particularly well-suited for digital submissions, as sans-serif fonts are often easier to read on screens.

Times New Roman and Arial are the most popular choices, but there are other fonts worth considering for their unique characteristics.

What font is APA? – Other Acceptable Fonts

If you want to try something other than Times New Roman or Arial, APA also permits a few other fonts, provided they adhere to the legibility and professionalism guidelines.

Calibri (11-Point)

As the default font in Microsoft Word, Calibri is a widely used sans-serif font. Its clean, rounded characters make it a great option for academic papers submitted electronically.

Georgia (11-Point)

Georgia is a serif font with larger characters, offering a more contemporary and readable design compared to Times New Roman. It provides an excellent alternative for those seeking a serif font with a slightly different aesthetic.

Lucida Sans Unicode (10-Point)

This sans-serif font is perfect for papers that include non-Latin characters, such as mathematical symbols or special characters. Its clarity makes it a great choice for technical documents.

Each of these fonts adheres to APA guidelines, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and the nature of your paper.

Font Guidelines in APA Format

Choosing the right font is just the first step. It’s equally important to ensure consistency and professionalism throughout your paper. The following guidelines are outlined in the APA 7th Edition to ensure proper formatting:

Consistency Is Key

The same font and size should be used throughout the document, including the title page, headings, body text, and reference list. Avoid switching between fonts, as this can make your paper look unprofessional.

For example, if you’re using Times New Roman in 12-point size for your body text, make sure the same font and size are applied to headings, citations, and even the page numbers in the header.

Proper Font Size

The font size you choose depends on the typeface you’re using. Here are the font size requirements for APA format:

• 12-point font size for Times New Roman or Georgia.
• 11-point font size for Arial or Calibri.
• 10-point font size for Lucida Sans Unicode.

Smaller or larger sizes should be avoided unless specified for certain visual elements like footnotes or figure captions.

Readability and Accessibility

APA guidelines prioritize readability, not just for ease of reading but also for accessibility. Ensure your chosen font is legible to all readers, including those with visual impairments. This is why sans-serif fonts like Arial and Calibri are often preferred for digital submissions.

For print submissions, serif fonts like Times New Roman or Georgia are excellent options because they are more traditional and easier to read in long-form text.

How to Apply APA Fonts in Word Processors

Properly formatting your font in popular word processing tools like Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or Apple Pages is straightforward. Follow these steps to ensure your document adheres to APA’s typography guidelines:

In Microsoft Word

1. Open your document and go to the Home tab.
2. Choose one of APA’s recommended fonts from the font dropdown menu, such as Times New Roman or Arial.
3. Set the size to 12-point (or 11-point for Arial/Calibri).
4. Highlight the entire document (Ctrl + A on Windows or Command + A on Mac) and apply these settings to ensure consistency.

In Google Docs

1. Select the text you want to format or press Ctrl + A (Command + A on Mac) to select the entire document.
2. Open the font dropdown menu at the top of the page.
3. Choose Times New Roman, Calibri, Arial, or another APA-approved font.
4. Adjust the font size to 12-point (or 11-point if applicable).

By following these steps, you can ensure your document is formatted correctly and ready for submission.

Conclusion

Understanding what font APA format requires is an essential step in creating professional and polished academic papers.

While Times New Roman (12-point) remains the gold standard for APA papers, other fonts like Arial, Calibri, and Georgia provide flexibility for digital and print formats.

By adhering to APA’s font guidelines and ensuring consistency throughout your paper, you can present your work in a clear, accessible, and professional manner.

Whether you’re preparing a research paper or a dissertation, following these typography rules will help you meet academic standards with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What font does APA format require?

APA format allows multiple fonts, but the most commonly used one is Times New Roman, 12-point. Other options include Arial (11-point), Calibri (11-point), Georgia (11-point), and Lucida Sans Unicode (10-point).

Can I use a font other than Times New Roman for APA?

Yes, the APA 7th Edition allows flexibility in font choice, provided the font is legible and consistent. Arial, Calibri, and Georgia are acceptable alternatives.

What font size should I use for APA format?

The required font size depends on the typeface: 12-point for Times New Roman and Georgia, 11-point for Arial and Calibri, and 10-point for Lucida Sans Unicode.

Should headings in APA format use the same font?

Yes, headings should use the same font and size as the rest of the paper to maintain consistency. APA does not recommend bold or decorative fonts for headings.

Does APA format allow bold or italic fonts?

Bold text is only used for headings, and italics are reserved for emphasis or titles of books, journals, or other works.