FAQ: How long should an abstract be in an APA Style paper?

Per section 2.9 of the APA manual, an abstract is a brief summary of the paper and should be no more than 250 words. Most scholarly journals require an abstract, but abstracts are usually not required for student papers. If you are not sure, please ask your instructor if an abstract is required for your paper.

If one is required, the abstract is placed on its own page after the title page, so it will be on page 2. The APA Style Blog has two sample papers This link opens in a new window for review.  The sample professional paper includes an abstract. The sample student paper does not include one since this is not usually required.

More Information

• Academic Writer-APA Abstract This link opens in a new window
• APA Guide This link opens in a new window (Shapiro Library)
• APA Blog This link opens in a new window (APA)

Disclaimer

This information is intended to be a guideline, please be sure to speak to your professor about the appropriate way to cite sources in your class assignments and projects.

References

American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7^th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1037/0000165-000