4 Ways To Write A Table Of Contents - WikiHow

Home » Where Is The Table Of Contents Found In A Book » 4 Ways To Write A Table Of Contents - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Write a Table of Contents PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods Sample Tables of Contents 1 Creating the Table of Contents on a Word Processor 2 Using a Word Processing Tool 3 Polishing the Table of Contents + Show 1 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA

Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article X

This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA. Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. 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 1,094,171 times.

The Table of Contents in a document acts as a map for the reader, making it easier for them to find information in the document based on title and page number. A good Table of Contents should be organized, easy to read and simple to use. You can write a Table of Contents manually on your computer or have a word processing tool create it for you. Make sure the Table of Contents is formatted properly in your final document so it is as accurate and accessible as possible.

Writing a Table of Contents

To write a simple table of contents, create a new page in your document and type the names of the chapters or sections of your piece of writing. Then, use your word processing program to insert the page number where each section starts. If you move things around, the page number in your table of contents will automatically update.

Steps

Sample Tables of Contents

Table of Contents Template Sample Table of Contents Sample Table of Contents for Cookbook Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Creating the Table of Contents on a Word Processor

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Start a new page after the title page. 1 Start a new page after the title page. The Table of Contents should appear after the title page in the document. To create the Table of Contents manually, start a new page right after the title page. This way, you do not have to worry about moving the Table of Contents around in the document later. Doing this can end up throwing off the page ordering in the Table of Contents.
    • The Table of Contents should be on its own page. Do not include the introduction or a dedication on the same page as the Table of Contents.
  2. Step 2 List the headings of the document in order. 2 List the headings of the document in order. Start by listing the headings of each section in the document in order. Include only the major titles or headings in the document first. Write them down vertically on the page, using the same font and font size for each heading.[1]
    • For example, you may write down main headings like, “Introduction,” “Case Study 1,” or “Conclusion.”
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Add subheadings if applicable. 3 Add subheadings if applicable. The subheadings will be subtopics under the main topics or sections in the paper. They should have their own titles in the document. Write down all subheadings underneath the applicable main headings.[2]
    • For example, under the main heading “Introduction” you may write the subheading, “Themes and Concepts.” Or under the main heading “Conclusion” you may write, “Final Analysis.”
    • You can also include sub-subheadings underneath the subheadings, if applicable. For example, under the subheading “Themes and Concepts” you may have the sub-subheading, “Identity.”
    • Some papers do not have subheadings at all, only main headings. If this is the case, skip this step.
  4. Step 4 Write page numbers for each heading. 4 Write page numbers for each heading. Write down the page number of where each heading starts in the document. Only include the page number that marks the beginning of the heading. You do not need to include the page number of where the section ends in the table of contents.[3]
    • For example, if the “Introduction” section begins on page 1, you will attach “page 1” to the Introduction heading. If the “Conclusion” section begins on page 45, attach “page 45” to the Conclusion heading.
  5. Step 5 Put the content in a table. 5 Put the content in a table. Make a table with two columns. Then, place the headings and subheadings in the first column in order. Put the applicable page numbers in the second column.[4]
    • Check that the subheadings are located underneath the correct headings, indented to the right.
    • Make sure there are page numbers for the subheadings listed as well.
    • You can center the content in the table using the table options if you want the content to appear a few spaces away from the lines of the table. You can also leave the content indented to the left if you'd prefer.
  6. Step 6 Title the Table of Contents. 6 Title the Table of Contents. Add a title on the top of the Table of Contents. Usually the title is “Table of Contents” or “Contents.”[5]
    • You can put the title above the table or in a separate row on the top of the rest of the content.
    7. Advertisement
Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Using a Word Processing Tool

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Confirm the headings and page numbers are correct in the document. 1 Confirm the headings and page numbers are correct in the document. Before you use a word processing program like Microsoft Word to create the Table of Contents, make sure the headings and page numbers are correct. Note each heading and subheading in the document, checking that every section has an applicable heading.[6]
    • You should also confirm the page numbers are correct in the document. Each page should be numbered in order. Having the correct page numbers will ensure the Table of Contents is created correctly when you use the word processing tool.
  2. Step 2 Open the Styles tab. 2 Open the Styles tab. The Styles tab will on the Home tab in Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010. The Styles tab will allow you to label each heading in your document. Doing this will make it easy for the word processing program to create the Table of Contents for you.[7]
  3. Step 3 Label each heading in the document. 3 Label each heading in the document. Once the Styles tab is open, you will see “Heading 1” listed as an option. Start by labeling each main heading “Heading 1.” Highlight each main heading and click on “Heading 1” in the Styles tab.[8]
    • If there are subheadings in your document, label them “Heading 2.” Highlight each subheading and click on “Heading 2” in the Styles tab.
    • If there are sub-subheadings in your document, label them “Heading 3.” Highlight each subheading and click on “Heading 3” in the Styles tab.
    • The text and font for each main heading may change based on the settings for “Heading 1,” “Heading 2,” and “Heading 3.” You can choose your preferred text and font for each main heading so they appear as you like in the Table of Contents.
  4. Step 4 Start a new page after the title page. 4 Start a new page after the title page. Most Table of Contents follow the title page in a document. Have a new page ready so you can populate it with the table of contents. Click the new page on the spot where you want the Table of Contents to appear.
    • The Table of Contents should be on its own page. Do not include the introduction or a dedication on the same page as the Table of Contents.
  5. Step 5 Go to the Reference tab and choose the Table of Contents option. 5 Go to the Reference tab and choose the Table of Contents option. The Reference tab should appear in the Document Elements tab in Microsoft Word 2007 and 2010. The Table of Contents option will appear under the Reference tab. Once you click on the Table of Contents option, the Table of Contents should appear automatically on the new page with the applicable headings and page numbers.[9]
    • You can choose the built-in Table of Content options, where the tool will automatically choose a font size and style for you.
    • You can also go for from a list of custom Table of Contents, where you choose the font color and size based on your preferences.
    6. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Polishing the Table of Contents

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Make sure the headings are formatted correctly. 1 Make sure the headings are formatted correctly. Once you have created the Table of Contents, you must check to make sure they are formatted correctly. Read over the Table of Contents to ensure all headings are spelled correctly and free of grammatical or punctuation errors. Check that the headings listed in the Table of Contents matches the headings in the document.[10]
    • You should also check the subheadings or sub-subheadings in the Table of Contents, if applicable, to ensure they match those in the document.
  2. Step 2 Confirm the page numbers match the document. 2 Confirm the page numbers match the document. You should also double check the page numbers in the Table of Contents to ensure they match the page numbers in the document. Go through each heading in the Table of Contents to make sure the page numbers match. You do not want incorrect page numbering in the Table of Contents, as it will be difficult to use if this happens.[11]
  3. Step 3 Update the Table of Contents if you make a change. 3 Update the Table of Contents if you make a change. If you change any headings in the document, such as the spelling of a heading, you will need to update the Table of Contents. You will also need to do this if the page numbers change in the document.[12]
    • If you created the Table of Contents manually, do this by going in and adjusting the headings and/or the page numbers when they change.
    • If you created the Table of Contents with a word processing tool, update it by clicking the Update option by the Table of Contents option on the Reference tab. You can side clicking on the Table of Contents and choosing “update” that way.
    4. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question How can I do this on a computer or laptop? Community Answer Community Answer Microsoft Word has its own function to do this. Simply use the "Styles" section to make each section title a "Heading". Then click "Insert", and finally, "Table of Contents". Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 35
  • Question How do I make a contents page for a magazine? Community Answer Community Answer Follow the instructions listed in the article above. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 12
  • Question Where in the book is the table of contents found? Community Answer Community Answer At the front of the book. Some people put the ToC before the acknowledgements and introductions. Others put those at the end and start the ToC before the chapters. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

You Might Also Like

Edit the Table of Contents in WordHow to Create and Edit the Table of Contents in Word Write an IndexHow toWrite an Index Write an IT ReportHow toWrite an IT Report Add Page Numbers or Page X of Y Page Numbers in WordHow to Add Page Numbers or Page X of Y Page Numbers in Word Format eBooksHow toFormat eBooks Create an Index in WordHow toCreate an Index in Word Format a Word DocumentEasily Format Word Docs from Scratch or Using Templates Insert Page Numbers in WordEasily Add Page Numbers to a Word Document on Any Platform Insert a Running HeadHow toInsert a Running Head Use Microsoft WordEditing Documents with Microsoft Word Online: Steps & Tips Cite in WordHow To Create a Works Cited in Microsoft Word Write an AppendixHow toWrite an Appendix Add a Caption to a Table in WordHow to Add Captions to Tables in Microsoft Word Insert a Custom Header or Footer in Microsoft Word3 Easy Ways to Add Headers and Footers to a Word Document Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/word-tips/how-to-create-a-table-of-contents-in-word/1/#
  2. ↑ https://www.yourdictionary.com/articles/table-of-contents-examples
  3. ↑ https://guides.lib.umich.edu/c.php?g=1114879&p=8129000
  4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/insert-a-table-of-contents-882e8564-0edb-435e-84b5-1d8552ccf0c0
  5. ↑ https://guides.lib.uni.edu/c.php?g=1243498&p=9207893
  6. ↑ https://bitesizebio.com/21549/using-word-to-write-your-thesis-making-a-table-of-contents-inserting-captions-and-cross-referencing/
  7. ↑ https://edu.gcfglobal.org/en/word-tips/how-to-create-a-table-of-contents-in-word/1/
  8. ↑ https://bitesizebio.com/21549/using-word-to-write-your-thesis-making-a-table-of-contents-inserting-captions-and-cross-referencing/
  9. ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/academic-writing/table-of-contents/
More References (3)
  1. ↑ https://bitesizebio.com/21549/using-word-to-write-your-thesis-making-a-table-of-contents-inserting-captions-and-cross-referencing/
  2. ↑ https://ecampusontario.pressbooks.pub/engl250oer/chapter/10-4-table-of-contents/
  3. ↑ https://bitesizebio.com/21549/using-word-to-write-your-thesis-making-a-table-of-contents-inserting-captions-and-cross-referencing/

About This Article

Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA Co-authored by: Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing, Portland State University This article was co-authored by Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA. Stephanie Wong Ken is a writer based in Canada. Stephanie's writing has appeared in Joyland, Catapult, Pithead Chapel, Cosmonaut's Avenue, and other publications. She holds an MFA in Fiction and Creative Writing from Portland State University. This article has been viewed 1,094,171 times. 41 votes - 78% Co-authors: 30 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 1,094,171 Categories: Technical Writing | Editing Article SummaryX

To write a table of contents, open a new document and list the major headings, titles, or chapters of the project in chronological order. Next, insert subheadings or subtopics if your project has those. Fill in the page number where each heading starts, then format the content in a table with 2 columns. Place the headings and subheadings in order in the first column, then put the page numbers in the second column. Don't forget to add a "Table of Contents" title at the top of the document! To learn more about polishing your Table of Contents, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish French Russian Chinese Dutch Arabic Hindi Thai Korean Japanese Italian
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,094,171 times.

Reader Success Stories

  • Eric Snupe

    Eric Snupe

    Mar 22, 2017

    "I was able to write my TOC correctly and neatly without making any mistakes. "
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA Co-authored by: Stephanie Wong Ken, MFA Master of Fine Arts, Creative Writing, Portland State University 41 votes - 78% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 30 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 1,094,171 Eric Snupe

Eric Snupe

Mar 22, 2017

"I was able to write my TOC correctly and neatly without making any mistakes. " Delia

Delia

Mar 3, 2022

"I now know how to create a table of contents!" Anonymous

Anonymous

Feb 1, 2018

"I managed really well on a project!" Rated this article: Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

Book Title GeneratorBook Title GeneratorGenerateAm I Ready for College QuizAm I Ready for College QuizTake QuizGrammar TestGrammar TestTake QuizBible Trivia QuizBible Trivia QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Edit the Table of Contents in WordHow to Create and Edit the Table of Contents in WordWrite an IndexHow toWrite an IndexWrite an IT ReportHow toWrite an IT ReportAdd Page Numbers or Page X of Y Page Numbers in WordHow to Add Page Numbers or Page X of Y Page Numbers in Word

Trending Articles

Psychopath TestPsychopath TestWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizWhat Kind of Cat Am I QuizIf I Were A... QuizIf I Were A... Quiz

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Do I Have Main Character Energy?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?Can Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?What Are Narrow Clavicles? Plus, How to Build Shoulder Width with ExercisesWhat Are Narrow Clavicles? Plus, How to Build Shoulder Width with Exercises

Take the Quiz Everyone Is Talking About

Am I Gay QuizAm I Gay QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Animal Am I QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizWhat Is My Mental Age QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend QuizHow Well Do I Know My Best Friend Quiz

You've Seen These All Over Your Feed

10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call10+ Scary Phone Numbers to Call360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & More360 of the Best Borg Names for Your Next Party: Unique, Historical & MoreWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenWhat Every Domain Expansion Hand Sign Means In Jujutsu KaisenThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink QuestionsThe Ultimate List of Truth or Drink Questions

Featured Videos

Play Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)How toPlay Dice (2 Dice Gambling Games)Persuade a Girl over TextHow toPersuade a Girl over TextGive Someone the Silent TreatmentHow toGive Someone the Silent TreatmentMake Hibiscus TeaHow toMake Hibiscus Tea

Hot Takes 🔥 🔥 🔥

Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Crazy Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree with These Pop Culture Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Fashion Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?Do You Agree With These Board Game Hot Takes?

Your Daily Dose of Fun!

When Will I Get My First Period QuizWhen Will I Get My First Period QuizAm I a Bruh Girl?Am I a Bruh Girl?Which My Little Pony Am I QuizWhich My Little Pony Am I QuizAm I Cool QuizAm I Cool Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Education and Communications
  • Writing
  • Technical Writing
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --588

Tag » Where Is The Table Of Contents Found In A Book