appendix essay

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

The Appendix (How to Use One in an Essay)

• 2-minute read
• 30th March 2017

The appendices in an essay are not typically essential, but they can play an important supporting role. Not everyone knows how to use an appendix in academic writing , though, so we’ve prepared this handy guide.

What Is an Appendix?

An appendix (plural: appendices ) is a section at the end of a book or essay containing details that aren’t essential to your work, but which could provide useful context or background material.

In the main body of your essay, you should indicate when you’re referring to an appendix by citing it in parentheses. For example:

The interviews show that most people like ice cream (see Appendix C).

What Should Go in the Appendices?

Appendices can include many things depending on your topic. Common examples of information added to an appendix include:

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

• Raw data from tests
• Technical figures, graphs or tables
• Maps, charts or images
• Letters or emails used in research
• Sample questionnaires or surveys
• Full interview transcripts

What these have in common is that you might need to refer to them in an essay without going into too much detail. For example, you might summarise the results of a test in the ‘Results’ section of a dissertation, then include the full data in appendices to ensure clarity.

How to Format Appendices

Exactly how to format appendices can vary between universities, so you should always check your style guide. Generally, though, appendices should:

• Appear at the end of your document, often after the reference list
• Be divided into sections depending on topic (e.g. separate sections for questionnaire results and interview transcripts)
• Have each appendix section start on a new page
• Be labelled with a letter or number, along with a title clarifying content (Appendix A: Instrument Diagrams, Appendix B: Test Results, etc.)
• Appear in the table of contents at the beginning of your document

Are Appendices Included in the Word Count?

Appendices are not usually included in the word count for an essay. Consequently, you can focus on key information in your work and place extra data in an appendix without worrying about the word count.

However, you should always check your style guide on this. And remember that if you rely on something in your main essay, it needs to be included there: you can’t just shuffle it into the appendices to reduce the word count !

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Get help from a language expert. Try our proofreading services for free.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

How to Ace Slack Messaging for Contractors and Freelancers

Effective professional communication is an important skill for contractors and freelancers navigating remote work environments....

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

Everything You Need to Know About Appendices in Writing

Appendices, the plural of appendix, are sections of academic writing with supplemental information about the topic that doesn’t fit in the main text. Appendices can include anything helpful to the reader but unnecessary to the topic’s progression; these may be charts, graphs, maps, videos, or even detailed explanations too lengthy for the body of the paper.

Appendices are used mostly in academic writing, so students may have to write them for papers at some point. This guide will answer all your questions, including “What are appendices used for?” and “Do appendices go after references?” But let’s start with a detailed analysis. What is an appendix?

Give your writing extra polish Grammarly helps you communicate confidently Write with Grammarly

What are appendices in a paper?

Appendices are sections at the end of academic writing with nonessential information on the topic that still might be helpful for the reader. The key word there is nonessential —any information that is essential to the topic should be included in the main body of the paper. In other words, your paper should make sense without the appendices.

For example, let’s say your paper talks about the Mongol Empire. Your appendices might include things like a map of the Mongol Empire at its peak, or an image of what historians think Genghis Khan actually looked like. More relevant details, such as a discussion of how and why the Mongol Empire rose to power, would be included in the main text, not the appendices.

A paper can have as many appendices as are useful. These can be different types, so your first appendix could be a spreadsheet, and your second appendix could be a scanned letter.

What are appendices used for?

The purpose of appendices is to provide supplemental information in a way that doesn’t distract the reader or derail the flow of the paper. It would be difficult for readers if, right in the middle of making your main points, you interrupted your paper to show pages of lists or charts that are slightly off topic.

The content in appendices can support your argument or influence the reader’s opinion—in fact, it should be relevant in some way. However, it’s best to put supporting and illustrative material at the end so it doesn’t disrupt the structure of your paper.

The more advanced a paper is, the more likely it is to contain appendices. They’re quite common in thesis papers and research papers , as well as published scientific works. If you’re writing a complex paper for an assignment, it might be a good idea to plan ahead and leave room for appendices in the research paper outline .

What content should be included in appendices?

There are no hard requirements for what can or cannot be an appendix. The deciding factor is whether information is necessary to the paper; if it is not necessary, but still useful, then it can go in the appendices.

That said, some types of content appear in appendices more than others. Here’s a list of what’s commonly included in an appendix:

• tables and charts
• figures and graphs
• audio or video clips
• detailed textual descriptions
• spreadsheets
• lists too long for the main text
• interview transcripts
• interview questions from the interviewer’s notes
• technical specifications of research equipment
• other testing documentation, such as surveys or the job posting for test recipients
• scanned documents (including Institutional Review Board approval letters)
• raw statistical data
• original math and calculations

How should appendices be structured?

MLA , APA , and Chicago formats all can use appendices. While MLA and Chicago are fairly open ended about how appendices should be structured, APA has more precise rules. So below, we explain the appendix format in APA terms, which can be used in MLA or Chicago as well.

How do you title appendices?

If you have only one appendix, you can call it simply Appendix and refer to it as such in text, e.g., (see Appendix) . If you have more than one appendix, label each appendix with a letter, as in Appendix A, Appendix B, etc. The label of each appendix should be mentioned at least once in the main text of the paper.

Each appendix also gets a distinct title that describes its content, which is separate from its label. So, for example, an appendix label might be Appendix C and its title, Interview Transcript .

How do you format an appendix page?

Each new appendix begins on a separate page. Place the label centered and in bold at the top of the page. On a separate line, write the appendix’s title in title/headline case ( Capitalize the First Letter of Each Major Word ), also centered and in bold. If the paper uses a running head, continue to use it in the appendices.

If the appendix contains text, continue using indented paragraphs and follow the same format as in the rest of the paper. Otherwise, present the content in the same order it was mentioned in the body text. For multiple tables, figures, equations, etc., label them by number after the letter of the appendix, e.g., Table B2 .

Where do appendices go?

According to the APA Publication Manual (Seventh Edition), appendices come after the reference list or bibliography. They should be the last sections of a paper. Some people contest this, especially when citations are used in appendices, so ask your teacher or supervisor if you’re uncertain.

Appendices vs. footnotes/endnotes

You may have noticed that appendices sound a lot like footnotes and endnotes . Appendices and notes both contain supplemental information that doesn’t belong in the main text, and both are situated in a place where they don’t distract the reader. Sources usually have to be cited in notes (if they’re not cited in the text itself); beyond that, amplifying information can go in notes or appendices.

The main difference between appendices and footnotes/endnotes is length. Appendices generally discuss complicated or detailed topics, including charts, graphs, and numerical data, whereas footnotes and endnotes are much more succinct, often just a sentence or two. Think of it like this: If there’s too much information to fit comfortably in a footnote or endnote, put it in an appendix.

Appendices FAQs

Appendices are sections at the end of academic writing with nonessential information on the topic that still might be helpful for the reader. They typically contain charts, graphs, maps, images, or raw statistical data.

Appendices are used to present helpful supplemental information in a way that doesn’t distract from the flow of the main text. That’s why they typically come at the end of a paper, set apart but still easy to find.

Appendices can include virtually any content that’s relevant to the paper’s topic without being necessary. Usually, this consists of charts, graphs, maps, images, videos, lists, and documentation on the research testing process (like interview transcripts).

Each appendix should start on a separate page at the end of a paper, after the bibliography. If you have more than one appendix in your paper, label each by letter, as in Appendix A, Appendix B , etc. Appendices should also have a separate title that describes their content, such as “Map of the Mongol Empire,” which is written on a separate line.

APA Appendix Format

Many students and publishers don’t know that APA published its 7th edition in October 2019. As a result, they still format their papers according to the APA 6th edition.

Do you want to learn the latest style? We have written down this detailed guide on citing an APA appendix format with examples according to APA 7.

We further elaborate on key information that you could include in APA appendix citation along with guidelines that can’t be missed in APA style appendices.

Table of Contents

Why Do I Need an Appendix Apa Format?

Professional authors and students often use supplementary information while writing a research paper. This information is directly relevant to the paper but may distract the reader if added to the body section of the research.

That’s why, to avoid complexity, such information is added as an appendix at the end of the paper.

APA appendices are not mandatory, but adding them to research or  term paper  may help you justify your paper more clearly to the reader.

What to Include in APA Appendix Format 7th Edition

According to APA format appendices 7th edition, you can include multiple types of information. Let’s see what it is.

1. Specific Instructions for Participants

A set of instructions that is provided by a researcher to the participants of the study.

2. Complex and Lengthy Calculations

Complex statistical calculations and derivations that are used to support your findings.

3. Raw Data

It may also includes comprehensive tables, charts, or lists of source information collected during the study.

4. Stimulus Materials

Appendix APA format could also add a copy of images, text, or storyboard that is used in the experiment.

5. Instruments Used in The Survey

A complete copy of questionnaires and interview questions that are used as a tool to conduct surveys.

6. Description of Equipment Used in the Study

It includes detailed descriptions of the equipment that are used in your study.

How to Cite an Appendix in APA?

To cite an APA style appendix, determine how many appendices you have in your paper. Label each appendix on a separate page with Appendix A, Appendix B, and so on.

As these appendices are considered a part of your paper, also reference them in the body of the paper, such as (See Appendix B Table B1 for a questionnaire).

Below, we have provided some more guidelines for writing an APA appendix format according to the 7th edition.

• A paper could have more than 1 appendix, called appendices.
• Each appendix will start from a separate page and be labeled Appendix A, Appendix B, and up to Appendix Z (If any).
• There is no need to put an alphabet if there is just one appendix in paper.
• If your paper has appendices more than alphabetic words, you should start labeling them with double letters like Appendix AA and Appendix BB and so on.
• Each  appendix in essay  or paper must be labeled on the top of the page with center-aligned and bold.
• Write the title of the appendix under the appendix label.
• If there is more than one section within an appendix, e.g., appendix A contains two tables, identify them as Tables A1 and Table A2.
• The first paragraph should be flush left, and the remaining paragraphs will be indented left by 0.5 inches. Also, remember that the entire appendix text feature should be double-spaced.
• Write a brief title for each figure or table in italicize.
• Make use of standard fonts such as 12-point Times New Roman or 11-point Calibri throughout the appendix in paper.
• The appendices should contain page numbering that should follow the rest of the text.

Sample Appendix Page APA Style

The below-mentioned appendix APA format example is the most basic sampleas per the 7th edition. This appendix provides essential details about the survey of age population satisfaction with life.

Please don’t consider the following APA appendix examples real because they are just given to help you understand the APA appendix format.

Below are more APA 7 appendix examples, depending on the type of content you include in your paper.

APA Appendix Example for one Table or Figure

An appendix APA 7th example with only one table or figure starts with an appendix label and a title. Both should be bold and center-aligned, as shown below. Now, add the table or figure, and then enter the note that tells what has been discussed.

APA Format Appendix for Multiple Tables or Figure

Tables and images of an appendix in APA 7th are important to explain because they differ slightly from text-based appendices.

Appendix APA Citation for Text Along with Figure or Table

An appendix can appear with a combination of text and tables or figures. In such a case, write the appendix label and title in bold and center-aligned at the top. After that, add text with 0.5 indents to the right and call out the table in the ending line, as explained in the sample below. 

Now mention the table label, such as (Table D1) in bold, and then mention the table title. The table label and name would be left aligned. Once you are done with the table, leave an appendix note right beneath the table.

Need Help with Citing an APA Appendix Format?

When it comes to citing multiple appendices in a paper, students often get nervous. They negotiate specific guidelines because they are unfamiliar with a particular style or lack experience in formatting an APA appendix. As a result, students’ grades are affected.

To avoid such a mess, our  professional research paper writers  deliver the best appendix citation services in APA style, MLA, and Chicago. Moreover, our experts will help you to craft a comprehensive research paper at affordable prices. So why wait? Contact us today and get the best help with your paper appendices.

Summarizing the Appendix in APA Format

Writing a paper for your class or publication requires in-depth research, but you should also pay close attention to the APA appendix format. Do not worry; this detailed blog will provide you with key instructions for understanding how to cite an appendix in APA.

If you are still unclear, review the brief APA formatting appendix example to clarify your doubts. Additionally, you can freely follow each piece of information because we deliver everything from the American Psychology Association 7th edition style guide.

Where does the appendix go in a paper?

Can an appendix be on more than 1 page?

Does an appendix come after references?

What is the range of font sizes in APA 7?

How to reference appendix in APA?

What to avoid in APA appendix format?

We are a team of professional writers providing quality-assured essays, research papers, and assignments. We bring the most affordable services for you with multiple revisions. Get plagiarism-free content with Turnitin pass and on-time delivery. We Create Great Content, Value, & Reliability!

• Biography Writing Services
• Opinion Essay Writing Service
• Personal Statement Writing Service
• Cover Letter Writing Services
• College Essay Writing Service
• Our Writers

Easy Guide on How to Write an Appendix

Understanding What Is an Appendix

Many students ask, 'What is an appendix in writing?'. Essentially, an appendix is a compilation of the references cited in an academic paper, prevalent in academic journals, which can be found in any academic publication, including books. Professors frequently require their students to include an appendix in their work.

Incorporating an appendix in your written piece can aid readers in comprehending the information presented. It is important to note that different professors may have varying guidelines on how to write an appendix. To learn more about how to write an appendix for a research paper according to APA, Chicago, and MLA styles, check out the following paragraphs prepared by our PRO nursing essay writing service !

Meanwhile, note that an appendix comprises all the information utilized in a paper, including references and statistics from several authors and sources (the number varies according to the type of academic paper). The purpose of the appendix is to prevent vague or irrelevant information and improve the reader's understanding of the paper.

The Purpose of an Appendix

To understand what an appendix tries to accomplish and how to write an appendix example, after all, we must first answer the key question, 'What is the purpose of an appendix?'. In short, an appendix is crucial for further explaining complex information that may be difficult to fully convey within the main text of an essay. It is intended to offer readers additional information about the topic addressed in the paper.

The material presented in an appendix has the potential to bolster the argument and sway the reader's opinion. Nonetheless, you should try to incorporate supporting material and examples toward the end of the paper to avoid disrupting the flow of the main text. Furthermore, the likelihood of including an appendix increases as a paper becomes more advanced. The use of an appendix is especially prevalent in the academic writing of a research document and journal-style scientific paper, in which extra information is usually needed to support a main point of view.

How to Structure an Appendix

While there are variations between formats, each one follows a basic structure. Thus, understanding the general structure is an essential first step in learning about this topic. No matter if you're tasked with 'how to write an appendix MLA or APA style?' - remember that both adhere to this structure, despite their differences:

Order an Essay Now & Get These Features For Free :

Every Appendix Should Contain:

• A clear title: The title of the appendix should be concise and descriptive, clearly indicating what information is contained within it. For example, 'Appendix A: Data Tables for Study Results or 'Appendix B: Images of Experimental Setup.'
• A list of contents: Including a table of contents in the appendix can be helpful for readers to navigate the information provided. For example:

Table of Contents:

A. Data Tables for Study Results

B. Images of Experimental Setup

C. Survey Questions and Responses

D. Sample Interview Transcripts

• Page numbers: The appendix should be a separate page, independently numbered from the main body of the paper, and specified uniformly (e.g., 'Appendix A,' 'Appendix B,' etc.). For example:

Page 1 of 5

• Relevant information: The appendix should contain all the relevant information supporting the main arguments of the document, including tables of data, raw statistical data, charts, or other documents. For example:

Figure 1: Experimental Results

[insert graph or chart here]

• Proper formatting: The appendix should be formatted in accordance with the specific requirements of the chosen citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). For example:

Appendix B: Survey Questions and Responses

[insert survey questions and responses here, formatted following APA style guidelines]

• Clear labeling: Each element should have a clear appendix label so readers can easily understand its relevance to the paper. For example:

Table 1: Demographic Characteristics of Survey Respondents

• Concise explanation: It is important to provide short detailed descriptions of each element in the Appendix so that readers can understand its importance. For example:

Appendix C: Sample Interview Transcripts

Transcripts of the three interviews with the study participants shall be included for reference. These interviews provide further insights into the experiences of participants and their views on the subject addressed in this document.

Need college essay writing service ? You can always ask us to do a custom term paper from our professional writers.

General Appendix Format

To ensure proper formatting, it is important to understand the basics of how to structure an appendix. Although it may seem overwhelming, the basic format is relatively easy to comprehend and serves as a foundation for understanding the APA and MLA formats. Additionally, mastering the basic format can be helpful when writing an appendix for a book or dissertation.

• Heading “Appendix #” . Contains a number or letter, that could be 1 or A.
• Reference List.
• Index Table followed a list of appendices.
• Page Number.

Wednesday Addams

Mysterious, dark, and sarcastic

You’re the master of dark humor and love standing out with your unconventional style. Your perfect costume? A modern twist on Wednesday Addams’ gothic look. You’ll own Halloween with your unapologetically eerie vibe. 🖤🕸️

Do You Need More Help With Your APPENDIX?

Get help from professional writers asap!

How to Write an Appendix in Different Styles

There are two distinct styles for creating an appendix, and it's important to familiarize yourself with both since a professor may request one or the other. Our expert writers have compiled guidelines and rules for both formats - the Appendix APA format and the Appendix MLA format. Although they share some similarities, they also have unique features and regulations that must be strictly followed.

Appendix APA

Many professors require students to write an appendix in a paper of this format. To master how to write an appendix APA format and get the structure correct, it's a good idea to follow these guidelines and rules:

The guidelines for Appendix APA:

• The appendix begins with the heading 'Appendix' followed by ABC.
• It should also be written on top of the appendix title.
• Every appendix follows the order of the stated information in the paper.
• Include the appendix after the reference list.
• Include page numbers for each appendix.
• Appendices are to have their own page, regardless of the size.
• Include Footnotes.

The general rules for Appendix APA are to be followed when writing. This is what professors look for when a paper is required when apprentices are to be written in this format. Learn the general rules to master how to write an appendix APA style and get you onto the right path to success. You may find it useful to memorize this information or keep a note of it.

Rules for APA:

• All appendices should include their own point.
• Include a title for each appendix.
• For multiple appendices, use ABC for tilting them.
• For reference within the body, include (see appendix a) after the text.
• The title should be centered.
• All appendices are to have their own page, regardless of the size.
• Paragraph One should be written without indents.
• The rest of the paragraphs should have the intended formatting.
• Include double spacing.

Whether you're tackling how to write an interview paper in APA appendix or any other type of academic work, the following example can serve as a valuable blueprint to guide you through the process.

Appendix Chicago Style

Writing an appendix Chicago style is rather similar to APA. Though, there are some minor differences. Take a look at these guidelines for this form of an appendix.

Guidelines for an Appendix Chicago Style

• More than one appendix is described as appendices.
• The font required for the appendix Chicago style is Times New Roman.
• The text size should be 12 points.
• The page numbers should be displayed on the top right of each page.
• The page numbers should also be labeled as 'Page 1,2,3'.
• Avoid including a page number on the front cover.
• The bibliography should be the final new page. It should not share a page with any other content.
• It is possible to include footnotes in the bibliography.

To better comprehend how to write an appendix in Chicago style, glance through the example below:

Appendix MLA Format

The guidelines and regulations for creating an appendix in MLA format are largely similar to those in APA format. However, there are some differences between the two, the most notable being that the MLA appendix is placed before the reference list.

The guidelines for MLA Format:

• The appendix is included before the list of references.

It may be useful to follow the example of an appendix to better understand how to write an appendix in MLA style. Doing so can increase the chances of getting a grasp of the MLA rules to fulfill the requirements of your professor on your academic paper.

Rules for MLA

• The title is to be centered.
• The list should be double-spaced.
• The first line should include each reference in the left margin. Every subsequent line is to be formatted so it's invented. This can be referred to as 'hanging indent' to make things easier.
• The reference list must be in alphabetical order. This can be done with the first letter of the title of the reference. Though, this is usually done if the writer is unknown. If the writer is known, you can also use the first letter of the surname.
• If you include the name of the known writer, use this order. SURNAME, FIRST NAME, YEAR.
• Italic fonts are required for the titles of complete writings, internet sites, books, and recordings.
• It is important not to use an italic font on reference titles that only refer to the part of a source. This includes poetry, short papers, tabloids, sections of a PDF, and scholarly entries.

Before we conclude, let's dive deeper into the world of appendix writing by exploring an example of how to write an appendix MLA style.

Let's wrap this up! It's safe to say that following the APA, Chicago, and MLA formats is crucial when crafting an appendix. As we've seen, starting with an APA appendix example can help ease you in mastering how to write an appendix of paper. Once you have a handle on the precise formats and guidelines, creating an appendix becomes a piece of cake. Also, memorizing the format can help you whip up accurate appendices for any type of paper, whether an essay or a dissertation. Trust us, mastering this topic is a must if you want to excel in knowing how to write an appendix in a report or any other academic work.

Moreover, if you ever find yourself in need of additional academic assistance, be sure to check out our resources on how to write an article review . Or, better yet, why not let us handle your most challenging tasks with ease by simply sending us a ' write my paper request? We are here to support you every step of the way.

Get Immediate Writing Help

Our appendix pages are written with the customer’s needs in mind, and plagiarism-free. Why not give it a try?

What Is An Appendix In Writing?

What is the purpose of an appendix, how to format an appendix.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Citations - APA: Formatting - Essay, Reference List, Appendix, & Sample Paper

• Advertisements
• Artificial Intelligence: AI
• Audio Materials
• Books, eBooks & Pamphlets
• Class Notes, Class Lectures and Presentations
• Encyclopedias & Dictionaries (Reference Works)
• Government Documents
• Images, Charts, Graphs, Maps & Tables
• Magazine Articles
• Newspaper Articles
• Pesonal Communication (Interviews, Emails, & Telephone)
• Social Media
• Videos & DVDs
• When Creating Digital Assignments
• When Information Is Missing
• Works in a Foreign Language
• Works Quoted in Another Source (Secondary Source)
• In-Text Citations - Quoting & Paraphrasing
• Formatting - Essay, Reference List, Appendix, & Sample Paper
• Annotated Bibliography

Sample Papers

• Diane Hacker APA Sample Paper

If you are adding an appendix to your paper there are a few rules to follow that comply with APA guidelines:

• The Appendix appears  after  the References list
• If you have more than one appendix you would name the first appendix Appendix A, the second Appendix B, etc.
• The appendices should appear in the order that the information is mentioned in your essay
• Each appendix begins on a new page
• APA Sample Paper - with Appendix (Purdue OWL example)

Quick Rules for an APA Reference List

Your research paper ends with a list of all the sources cited in the text of the paper. Here are nine quick rules for this Reference list.

• Start a new page for your Reference list. Centre the title, References, at the top of the page.
• Double-space the list.
• Start the first line of each reference at the left margin; indent each subsequent line five spaces (a hanging indent).
• Put your list in alphabetical order. Alphabetize the list by the first word in the reference. In most cases, the first word will be the author’s last name. Where the author is unknown, alphabetize by the first word in the title, ignoring the words a, an, the.
• For each author, give the last name followed by a comma and the first (and middle, if listed) initials followed by periods.
• Italicize the titles of works: books, audiovisual material, internet documents and newspapers, and the title and volume number of journals and magazines.
• Do not italicize titles of parts of works, such as: articles from newspapers, magazines, or journals / essays, poems, short stories or chapter titles from a book / chapters or sections of an Internet document.
• In titles of non-periodicals (books, videotapes, websites, reports, poems, essays, chapters, etc), capitalize only the first letter of the first word of a title and subtitle, and all proper nouns (names of people, places, organizations, nationalities).
• If more than one place of publication is listed give the publisher's home office. If the home office is not given or known then choose the first location listed.
• << Previous: In-Text Citations - Quoting & Paraphrasing
• Next: Annotated Bibliography >>
• Last Updated: Oct 31, 2024 1:37 PM
• URL: https://libguides.lahc.edu/apa

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Forums Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Journal Writing
• Reading Journals

How to Use an Appendix

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Annaliese Dunne and by wikiHow staff writer, Danielle Blinka, MA, MPA . Annaliese Dunne is a Middle School English Teacher. With over 10 years of teaching experience, her areas of expertise include writing and grammar instruction, as well as teaching reading comprehension. She is also an experienced freelance writer. She received her Bachelor's degree in English. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 95,200 times.

You’ve probably seen an appendix (or appendices) at the end of an academic paper. However, you might be unsure of how to include them in your own work. When you’re writing an academic paper, you can use an appendix to add important information that doesn’t fit into your paper. You might include your research materials, raw data, or detailed information that’s good to know but not necessary for readers to understand.

Things You Should Know

• Format your appendix in traditional paragraph style, and put each appendix on a separate page.
• Label all your figures, tables, and visuals with the letter of the corresponding appendix, and number the elements within each appendix to make it clear what you’re referring to.
• Refer to each appendix in the text of your paper, and put your appendices in the order that they’re mentioned.

Deciding When to Use an Appendix

• Surveys or questionnaires you used in your research
• Copies of letters or emails
• Transcripts from interviews

• Important words that need to be defined
• Further description of the testing methods or process for choosing a particular testing method
• A detailed description of the materials or testing equipment you used
• Interesting details that might interest the reader but aren’t necessary to understand your conclusions
• Additional background about your topic

• For instance, you might include your raw data in 1 appendix and your mathematical proofs in a separate appendix.

• For example, let’s say you conducted an environmental study. You might include a map of the area you studied.
• Similarly, you might include a photo of your lab setup for a chemistry experiment.

Formatting Appendices

• For instance, let’s say you want to create appendices for a questionnaire, emails you exchanged with an expert on your topic, and raw data from an experiment you did. You’d need 3 separate appendices.

• For instance, Appendix A might be on pg. 23, Appendix B may be on pg. 25, and Appendix C could be on pg. 26.
• If you have 3 or fewer short appendices, you may decide to include them on the same page. However, it’s easier for readers to scan them if they’re on separate pages.

• You don’t need to describe what’s included in the appendix in the title.

Variation: You can use numbers if you prefer. You might choose to label multiple appendices “Appendix 1,” “Appendix 2,” Appendix 3,” and so on. [8] X Research source

• For instance, you might have an “Appendix A,” Appendix B,” and Appendix C” at the end of your paper. Similarly, you could write, “Appendix 1,” Appendix 2,” and “Appendix 3.”

• For instance, you might start over with “Appendix Table 1” or “Appendix Figure A.”
• If a particular table or graph is necessary for your reader to understand your conclusions, include in your paper rather than an appendix.

Inserting Appendices into Your Paper

• For instance, when discussing survey results, you might include this text: “See Appendix A for a copy of the survey.”

• For example, let’s say you have an appendix for a survey, an appendix for your raw data, and an appendix for an interview transcript. If you reference the interview first, followed by the survey and data, you’d put the appendices in that order.

• Check the instructions from your instructor or the journal where you’re submitting to see if they have specific rules about where the appendices should be placed.

• For instance, if your paper ended on page 22, your first appendix would be page 23.

• You don't need a table of contents to have appendices.

Expert Q&A

• You can typically use an appendix for information or materials that mess up your paper structure. For instance, putting a copy of a survey in your paper would likely throw off the format of the paper. [16] X Research source
• If information is essential for your reader to know, include it in the body of your paper instead of an appendix. [17] X Research source
• Don’t include your appendices in your word count.

Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about writing, check out our in-depth interview with Annaliese Dunne .

• ↑ https://www.une.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/392156/WE_Appendices.pdf
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/appendices
• ↑ https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185936
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/footnotes_appendices.html
• ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/writing_in_the_social_sciences/writing_in_psychology_experimental_report_writing/tables_appendices_footnotes_and_endnotes.html
• ↑ https://www.unlv.edu/sites/default/files/page_files/3/13_AppendixFormat.pdf

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Moonqueen B.

Apr 3, 2024

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

What is an Appendix in an Essay? Purpose, Structure, Format, Writing Tips, & Examples

Table of contents.

• What is an Appendix in an Essay? 

Purpose of an Appendix in an Essay

How to write an essay appendix, what to include in the appendix for essay, what not to include in appendix for an essay, how to format an appendix in an essay, general appendix format in an essay.

• Tips To Consider After Completion of Appendix in an Essay​

How To Write an Appendix in an Essay APA Format?

Appendix in an essay mla, comparison between appendix and footnotes.

Author : Gabriel John

Key takeaways.

• The appendix in an essay plays a crucial role, as it provides additional information and works as proof for you that you have used valid and authentic sources.
• The purpose of an essay is to simply provide more information that is not in your essay but is useful for the reader.
• It is essential for you to go through the learning of how to write an appendix in such a way that your essay gets a good score.
• Make sure that you have complete knowledge of what to include in your appendix so that you make no mistakes in your appendix.
• It is also important for you to know what are the things that you should not include in your appendix.
• Format of appendix explain what is the accurate manner of writing your appendix.
• Even the format of the appendix depends on different referencing styles, all the reference style has a different format.
• Comparison between footnotes and appendix is one big difference that is essential for clearing your doubts.

However, students don't know how to include an appendix in an Essay and how to format it as well. So with the help of this blog, readers know about the purpose, and what to include and not to include in the appendix essay with some easy steps including APA, MLA Chicago format.

There is no such difference between types of essays, for example, if you know  how to write a critical essay and its appendix you can use the format in all types of essays, just make sure that different citing styles are different. 

What is an Appendix in an Essay? 

An Essay Appendix is a chapter that contains all of the supplementary information that is not included in the main text but supports your research, and main arguments, a compilation of the references of your essay. The purpose of including an appendix is to explain complex information that is not conveyed in the main text of an essay. 

An Appendix of an Essay contains information that is not included in the main information but helps the reader to understand the research. If you know how to write an essay outline , you must know what an is appendix and why it is required. 

At the time of writing, one question is comes into our mind is what is the purpose of an appendix, and why need to include it after the completion of all my sections? The main purpose of an appendix is to provide information that is not included in the body of an essay. It gives more information to the reader about the topic. 

It also provides additional information about the essay and its appear after the references.

It is the last section of your essay with the information that might be useful for the readers.

You can seek more information on the purpose of the appendix by getting in touch with the Best essay writing service in the UK . 

An Appendix Essay contains supplementary information that directly supports your main argument and the research findings. An Appendix of an Essay includes raw data, graphs, images, supporting documents, and the instruments that you used while writing an essay. If you want to write an Essay Appendix, so you should start with collecting information and formatting the essay. 

Professor require their students to include the appendix in the Essay having different guidelines. Students can write the appendix in APA, MLA, and Chicago styles. You can check out the below headings for more information. You can either write it on your own or you can get help from the best essay writing services . 

          View this post on Instagram                       A post shared by workingment (@workingment_)

An Appendix in an Essay should include all relevant information about your Essay topic that directly supports the main arguments. We can include raw data, images, graphs, tables, calculations, legal documents, maps, and any other supporting material that you used in the main body of your essay. 

If you don't know what type of content you should include in the Appendix Chapter of the Essay. So here are the following points you should include while writing an appendix for an essay. It is highly recommended that you get help from an essay helper to get an understanding of what should be included. 

1. Include Raw Data and Statistical Analyses

In the Appendix chapter, you can include all of your research data, raw data, graphs, and statistical analyses. You must include the raw data that is relevant to your essay, which directly supports your research findings. 

• The Raw Data include statistical analyses that refer to a body part of the paper. The data and information you include in the body of the paper.
• You can also include some facts and research findings. At the time of writing the appendix, do not forget to cite references. 

You can look for help with the top-rated website of academic essay writing services for including all your raw data and statistical analyses. 

2. Include Graph, Images, Charts 

• The Appendix should include graphs, images, supporting tables, maps, supporting material, or any other documents that will support your research findings at the time of writing an essay.
• In the Appendix of an Essay, you can include graphs, that you created yourself or took from another source. 

3. Include Research Instruments

• You should add the instruments, that you used at the time of research. This could be a tool, recorder, video camera, or any other device that helps you to collect data. It directly helps you to your reader to understand what to include in an Essay Appendix. If you know how to write an essay structure you know how important it is to include research instruments. 

4. Surveys, Transcripts of Surveys

• At the time of research, you gather information through surveys and interviews. So as the part of research, you should include copies of surveys and transcripts of interviews. 

5. Page Numbers

• Do not forget to add the page numbers of each appendix.  Appendices have their page numbers. 

In the appendix of an essay, you should include all the necessary information that directly supports your main argument. But do not include anything that is crucial for an essay but does not support the research. In case you know how to write a discursive essay or any other essay, that won't mean that you must also know everything, as there are many things which are not included in this. 

1. Do not add arguments that are already included in the text. 

2. If the content is not directly related to your research, so avoid long details and explanations.

3. Unless it directly supports your research, do not add the name of the person.

4. If the graphs and visuals are not crucial, so do not include them in the appendix.

5. Do not repeat the information that is already available in the main body.

6 . Citation should be proper, avoid poorly sourced material.

The Appendix should be placed after the end of your essay, just after the references. If you want to add an appendix to an essay, here are the guidelines you should follow while writing an appendix.

While writing an appendix, it's important to understand the general structure. Here are the following points you should know;

1. Heading, Title = "Appendix A or Appendix 1" 2. List of Reference 3 . The table contains the list of appendices 4 . Page Number, Labels 5 . Footnotes

Tips To Consider After Completion of Appendix in an Essay​

• After the appendix's easy format, you should revise the easy-to-remove mistakes.
• Make sure you include all of the information that is directly relevant to your research and remove that information that does not support your essay.
• You might take help from other resources such as Essay Writing Services for better clarity.
• Use Grammarly, and other spelling mistakes tools to correct the grammar errors. Once you remove all of your mistakes, do a final proofread of the paper to enhance the quality of the essay. 

If your professor asked you to write an essay appendix in APA format, you should follow all the guidelines of APA format we provided below.

It should start with the heading in capital letters, for example, Appendix A, Appendix B. 

You should use a descriptive title in each appendix.

Your appendix should placed after the end of your reference list.

Use bold font and it should be label centered.

Each of the appendices should have page numbers and a separate page.

The first paragraph of the appendix should be flush left but not be indented.

You should include footnotes.

Use double spacing. 

You can even look for such writing services that offer features like " write my essay ", as they have professional eleven knowledge for this. 

If you're writing an appendix in Essay MLA Format, is similar to APA Format. So here are the guidelines we provided below.

In this, the appendix is included before the references part.

For multiple appendices, you can title it as ABC.

The appendix should follow the order and page numbers.

The title of the appendix should be centered and double-spaced.

At the top of the page, you should be bold and center of the page. 

Note: With this, you must also understand how to write a reflective essay and all the other types of essays. 

Chicago 

The Chicago style of the appendix is similar to APA. There are some minor differences listed below.

The Font size should be 12 pt.

The font required in Chicago style is Times New Roman.

The page number should be displayed at the top right of every page.

The Number of pages should start as Pages 1, 2, 3.

You can include footnotes in the references section.

Other than the appendix also make sure that you know how to write a conclusion for the essay , as you need to mention about appendix in the conclusion as well. 

Essays are limited to word counts, and many other things, due to which there are many things left that are essential but cannot be added. This is the reason the appendix is used for sharing supplementary information that is related to your topic and your field. The one big aim of the appendix is to provide more information to the reader, by sharing charts, graphs, numerical data, and many other supporting information. You must also search for the  best websites for essay writing on your own . 

This blog has provided all the required information that will help you learn everything about the appendix. This blog has discussed everything essential for you when you are writing an appendix, this includes understanding the meaning of what is appendix. Further this blog talks about what must be included and what should be not included in your appendix.

There is no use of an appendix if you have no information about the format, you need to learn complete information regarding the format. This blog will help you out with this, as the complete format that must be used for the appendix is mentioned. For your better help, some tips are also mentioned for you to get your appendix perfect. 

Frequently asked questions

How to include appendix in essay.

The appendix of an essay should appear after the references and give each appendix a name such as "APPENDIX 1" and "APPENDIX 2". In an APA style, the appendix chapter appears after your reference list.

How To Create an Appendix in Micro-Soft Word?

If you are writing an essay in Word, so use the section break to add the appendix. For example, give the title of your appendix with the page number updated.

What is an Appendix in an Essay?

The chapter is used to give additional information that is not relevant to the essay's main text but supports the main argument of the essay. It includes charts, graphs, images, surveys, tables, etc.

How To Format an Appendices in an Essay?

You should create your own labeled "Appendix" followed by a title and the next line should describe the subject. All of these headings will be centered and bold at the tip of the page and should be written in the title case.

Loved reading this Blog? Share your valuable thoughts in the comment section.

Share Your Thought

Related blogs.

Economics Personal Statement: Examples, Tips, & How To Write It

The personal statement is an essay that is written with the sole purpose of providing information about yourself with th ...

How to Write a Summative Essay? Steps & Methods

A summative essay is one type of essay, which aims to evaluate and summarize any issue, topic, or field that you have de ...

LNAT Essay Questions, Examples, Topics, Structure, Mark Scheme, Time, & Word Limit

Suppose you are a law student looking to get your law degree in Europe, or even want to carry on your further degree rel ...

How to Critically Discuss in an Essay? Steps & Example

When someone asks you to “critically discuss” in an essay what they want from you is much more than statemen ...

How Long Does It Take to Write 1500 Words? | Comprehensive Guide

If we start writing an Essay, a question always comes to our mind how long does it take to write 1500 words? An Essay re ...

How Do I Find a Good Custom Essay Writing Service Online?

Are you struggling to complete essays on time and now finding a good custom essay writing service online? It might be di ...

List of Top 50 Discursive Essay Ideas & Topics

Let me guess, you are here to find good Discursive essay ideas and topics, well you are the perfect place for your issue ...

Expert Tips on How to End Your Personal Statement Effectively

Looking to leave a great impression on your admission tutor just by going through Your statement, This is not that hard, ...

How Long Does It Take to Write a 2000-Word Essay? A Comprehensive Guide

Writing assignments can sometimes be difficult, especially for a 2000-word essay. A 2000-word essay is long and it also ...

Top Reflective Essay Examples for Inspired Writing

Essays are essential for learning. Reflective essays are essays where you write about your life experiences, basically s ...

Workingment Appointment Call

In this 30-minute session, we’ll help you get started with Workingment, your trusted partner in assignment support.

We’ll showcase our platform, understand your academic goals, and answer all your questions to ensure our services align with your needs. Whether you’re looking for guidance on specific assignments, expert help across different subjects, or support in managing your academic workload, we’re here to make it easier for you to succeed.

Select a Date & Time

Get 100% ai & plagiarism free work, connect with our writers now.

Let's Book Your Work with Our Expert and Get High-Quality Content

This Website Uses Cookies We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. Our updated privacy policy complies with GDPR regulations. By continuing to browse, you agree to our use of cookies, ensuring the best possible experience.