The APA style guide specifies that the font used in APA formatted papers should be Times New Roman, 12‑point, double‑spaced, which directly answers the question what font is used in APA and sets the standard for professional academic writing.
Introduction
Understanding what font is used in APA is essential for anyone producing scholarly work, because the chosen typeface influences readability, credibility, and compliance with formatting rules. The American Psychological Association (APA) has refined its guidelines over decades, but the core requirement remains consistent: a clear, legible serif font at a specific size. This article explores the historical evolution of APA font recommendations, details the current specifications, offers practical steps for implementation, and addresses common queries that arise when preparing APA‑styled documents.
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History of APA Formatting
Early APA Manuals
When the first APA Publication Manual was released in 1952, the emphasis was on simplicity and uniformity. The manual originally recommended Times New Roman as the primary font, a decision rooted in its widespread availability on typewriters and early word processors. At that time, the font size was set at 12 points, and the style required double‑spacing throughout the manuscript.
Evolution Through the 1990s
During the 1990s, the rise of personal computers introduced a variety of digital fonts, prompting APA to consider alternatives. That said, the organization retained Times New Roman to maintain consistency across institutions and to avoid confusion caused by varying default fonts in software. The 6th edition (2001) reaffirmed the 12‑point size and added a note that sans‑serif fonts such as Arial could be used only if instructor‑approved, preserving the serif standard while acknowledging modern preferences.
Recent Updates in the 7th Edition
The 7th edition (2020) kept Times New Roman as the default font but expanded flexibility by allowing other fonts that meet specific criteria: they must be clear, legible, and professional, with a font size of 12 points. The manual now explicitly states that any font meeting these conditions is acceptable, provided the document remains double‑spaced and the font size does not change within the text. This shift reflects the diverse technological landscape while preserving the original intent of readability That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Current APA Font Guidelines
Primary Font Choice
The current
