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How to Write an Executive Summary in APA Format

The American Psychological Association (APA) standards for writing are applied to most written pieces. Form and style go hand in hand, and a well-written paper could be overlooked if not completed in proper form. When writing for executive summaries, this can be particularly important. Because the executive summary is written to articulate the main points of the work as a whole, it is considered the most important portion of its paper or report. While not always required, the executive summary is mostly required in lengthy research dissertations or in government and private sector reports and requests.

Instructions

  1. Writing the Executive Summary

    • 1

      Format your summary to fit general APA writing standards. This will mean 10 to 12 point Times New Roman (or similar) font double-spaced on standard (8.5"x11") paper with 1" margins. Type "Executive Summary" centered at the top of the page with no boldface or italicizing (and no quotes). Type the body of your summary directly below.

    • 2

      Write a brief summary, not exceeding one page, which gives an overview of your report's contents as well as its conclusion or recommendations. Include all your most important points for those who may read only the summary and not the report in its entirety.

    • 3

      Insert your summary just after the report's title page and just before the body of the paper.

    • 4
      Your executive summary should make a lasting impression in one page or less.

      Proof your executive summary. Remove extraneous words, slicing the summary down to the most powerful points of the report and the concluding recommendations. Butler University suggests an executive summary no longer than 120 words, but business standards allow for one full page of text. If you can write short without sacrificing content, do it.

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