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Table of Contents – Types, Formats, Examples

Table of contents.

A table of contents (TOC) is an essential component of any structured document, providing readers with an organized overview of its sections and subsections. Whether it’s a book, report, thesis, or manual, a well-crafted table of contents enhances readability and helps users navigate complex information efficiently. This article explores the types, formats, and examples of a table of contents, along with tips for creating one.

A table of contents is a list of the chapters, sections, and other subdivisions in a document, organized in sequential order and linked to their corresponding page numbers. It acts as a roadmap, giving readers a clear understanding of the document’s structure and making it easier to locate specific content.

For example, in a research thesis, the table of contents typically includes headings such as “Introduction,” “Literature Review,” “Methodology,” “Results,” “Discussion,” and “Conclusion,” along with subheadings and page numbers.

Types of Table of Contents

1. simple table of contents.

A simple TOC includes only the main headings or chapters of a document, without additional subheadings.

• Use Case: Suitable for short documents such as essays, brief reports, or manuals.
• Introduction – Page 1
• Body – Page 3
• Conclusion – Page 7

2. Detailed Table of Contents

A detailed TOC lists the main headings along with all subheadings, offering a more granular view of the document.

• Use Case: Commonly used in theses, dissertations, and books with multiple sections and subsections.
• Introduction – Page 1 1.1 Background – Page 2 1.2 Research Objectives – Page 3
• Literature Review – Page 5 2.1 Theoretical Framework – Page 6 2.2 Research Gaps – Page 7

3. Multi-Level Table of Contents

A multi-level TOC includes multiple levels of headings, such as chapters, sections, and subsections, offering a highly detailed breakdown.

• Use Case: Used in technical manuals, comprehensive reports, and academic documents with a hierarchical structure.
• Chapter 1: Introduction – Page 1 1.1 Section: Research Problem – Page 2 1.1.1 Subsection: Background – Page 3
• Chapter 2: Literature Review – Page 5 2.1 Section: Related Studies – Page 6

4. Interactive/Digital Table of Contents

An interactive TOC is hyperlinked, allowing readers to jump to specific sections with a click.

• Use Case: Digital documents like eBooks, PDFs, and online manuals.
• Chapter 1: Introduction – Page 1
• Chapter 2: Methods – Page 5

Formats for a Table of Contents

1. numeric format.

Uses numbered headings and subheadings, with page numbers aligned to the right.

• Introduction ………………………….. Page 1
• Literature Review ……………………. Page 5 2.1 Background ………………………… Page 6

2. Decimal Format

Uses a hierarchical numbering system, making it clear which subheadings belong to which main headings.

• Introduction – Page 1 1.1 Background – Page 2 1.2 Objectives – Page 3
• Methods – Page 5

3. Dot Leaders

Connects headings and page numbers with dotted lines, improving readability.

• Introduction ……………………………………… 1
• Literature Review ……………………………. 5

4. Hyperlinked Format

Commonly used in digital documents, where headings are linked to their respective sections.

• Introduction
• Literature Review

Examples of Table of Contents

Example 1: academic thesis toc.

• Title Page – Page i
• Abstract – Page ii
• Table of Contents – Page iii
• List of Figures – Page iv
• Introduction – Page 1 5.1 Research Objectives – Page 2 5.2 Scope and Limitations – Page 3
• Literature Review – Page 4
• Methodology – Page 8
• Results – Page 15
• Discussion – Page 20
• Conclusion and Recommendations – Page 25
• References – Page 28

Example 2: Technical Manual TOC

• Overview – Page 1
• System Requirements – Page 3
• Installation Process – Page 5 3.1 Step-by-Step Guide – Page 6 3.2 Troubleshooting – Page 8
• User Guide – Page 10 4.1 Features Overview – Page 11 4.2 Advanced Settings – Page 13
• FAQs – Page 15
• Contact Support – Page 18

Steps to Create a Table of Contents

• Outline the Document Structure: List all headings and subheadings in the order they appear in the document.
• Choose a TOC Format: Decide between simple, detailed, multi-level, or interactive, based on the document type.
• Use Word Processing Tools: Leverage built-in features in tools like Microsoft Word or Google Docs to automatically generate a TOC.
• Align Headings and Page Numbers: Ensure consistent formatting, such as dot leaders or hierarchical numbering.
• Review and Update: Verify accuracy and update the TOC as sections or page numbers change.

Tips for a Professional Table of Contents

• Consistency: Use uniform formatting for fonts, indentation, and spacing.
• Clarity: Keep headings concise and descriptive.
• Alignment: Ensure proper alignment of page numbers for readability.
• Automation: Use software tools to reduce manual errors and simplify updates.
• Hyperlinks: For digital documents, ensure all links work correctly.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Omitting Subsections: Failing to include relevant subheadings can make the TOC incomplete.
• Inconsistent Formatting: Mismatched styles or alignment can reduce professionalism.
• Incorrect Page Numbers: Always update page numbers after finalizing the document.
• Excessive Detail: Overloading the TOC with unnecessary details can overwhelm readers.

A table of contents is a critical element of structured documents, aiding navigation and improving user experience. By understanding the types and formats of a TOC, along with practical examples, researchers, writers, and professionals can create clear and organized tables of contents for various document types. A well-designed TOC not only enhances readability but also reflects the professionalism and attention to detail of the document’s creator.

• Turabian, K. L. (2018). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
• Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The Craft of Research . University of Chicago Press.
• APA (2020). Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). American Psychological Association.
• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.
• Chicago Manual of Style (2017). The Chicago Manual of Style (17th ed.). University of Chicago Press.
• Microsoft. (2023). Create a Table of Contents in Word. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com
• Scribbr. (2023). Thesis and Dissertation Table of Contents Example. Retrieved from https://www.scribbr.com

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Table of Contents for a Dissertation or Thesis with Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at February 16th, 2023 , Revised On February 1, 2024

An organised list of the chapters, sections, and subsections that help the reader navigate through your dissertation or thesis is called the table of content .  For the reader to jump to any part or section of their interest, the structure and the sections should clearly be labelled with the correct page numbers. 

All of the main headings, subheadings, and figures have to be added to the table of content to ensure complete correctness. A good table of contents should be easy to read, properly formatted, and finalised. While it can be created manually, Microsoft Word, however, also has an automatic formatting feature.

While doing the final touchups to your dissertation , the table of contents is one of the most important components to add to it. It aids the reader in navigating (much like a map) through your thesis and key points. 

What to add and what to avoid adding to a table of contents are going to be discussed in this article to assist you in mapping your dissertation properly.

What Should be included in the Table of Content?

The length of your document should be the determining factor before choosing a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

Single-level TOC

If you have decided to go for a single-level table of content, only include “level 1” headers, such as chapters.

Example of a Single-level Table of Content

Subdivided TOC

To properly inform the reader of what each chapter of your dissertation or thesis will be covering, a subdivided table of content should list chapters and level-2 headings as well.

Example of a Subdivided Table of Content

A multi-level table of contents further subdivides divisions into “level 3” headings. With this choice, be cautious since things might rapidly get out of hand. The maximum length of the table of contents should not be more than two pages. 

Multiple-level Table of Content

Example of a multiple-level table of content.

Less is frequently more in these introductory sections. Narrow it down to only the most crucial sections as you choose which ones to include.

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Adding Tables and Appendices

List all the appendices in your table of contents, while the tables and figures should only be added if you have added plenty of them in your dissertation or thesis.

• If you have added more than 3-5 figures and tables to your dissertation, list them on a separate page.
• It is okay to separately list the tables and appendices in the thesis and dissertations, but they should not be listed separately in research publications.

What Should not be included in the Table of Content?

Add all level 1 and level 2 headings in your table of content, with level 3 headings being used where necessary.

Do not add the following to your table of content.

• The table of content.
• The acknowledgement page
• The abstract or exclusive summary

There is no need to include the acknowledgements and abstracts since they always come before the table of contents. Any sections that come before the table of content should not be included in it.

How to Create a Table of Content in MS Word?

Applying the appropriate heading styles consistently across the page is a requirement before Microsoft Word will automatically create a table of content for you.

Give each section a proper heading. Select the headings that are heading 1 and heading 2 or 3.

The image above demonstrates how you can set the proper headings for each section.  Select the text you want to use as a heading 1 and right-click on it. Click styles from the drop-down menu to select the style, or simply choose from the options presented in the toolbar.

Add this formatting to the first level 1 heading and use the same font, size, and bold for all level 1 headings. Use the styles section on the toolbar to automatically apply this formatting to all of your level 1 headings.

• Select the 1 st heading.
• Right-click on the style labelled “Heading 1.”
• Choose “Update Heading 1 to Match Selection” 

Once you have set all your level 1 headings, it’s time to set level 2 and level 3 headings. Follow the same procedure to select all level 2 and level three headings. Each heading in your document can have its formatting assigned by selecting the desired style while the heading is highlighted.

Now that we are done setting our headings, it’s time to put them in the table of content so that the reader can navigate through the wonderful thesis you have written.

Follow these simple and easy steps to automatically create the table of content, but before you do that, check to see if your university or citation style has laid any rules or guidelines regarding this.

Set your cursor where you want the table of contents to appear. (The table of contents (TOC) ought to come after the abstract and before the introduction chapter of your dissertation or thesis. )

Go to the reference section of the toolbar at the top of your word application. And then left click the table of content in the left corner.

From the drop-down menu, select the appropriate format for the table of content which matches your requirements and the guidelines to create the table of content automatically. You can add more styles or custom create the table of content to fit your requirements as well on the Custom Table of Contents menu, you can choose the levels of headings you want to use. By selecting the Modify button on each level, you may also manually alter it.

When you’re ready, click “OK,” and the table of contents will be generated automatically.

Features of TOC

The table of contents main characteristics are:

• Clear headers and subheadings 
• Accurate page numbers

Check with your university and the college regarding the guidelines and the rules for the table of content before you dive into it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Table of Content

What should i include in the table of content for my dissertation.

Your table of contents should include all level 1 and 2 headers. This includes the titles of your chapters as well as the key parts inside them.

All appendices and lists of tables and figures, as well as your reference list, should be included in the contents.

The acknowledgements and abstract should not be included in the table of contents.

How to create a table of content quickly and easily in Microsoft word?

• Apply header styles to the whole document.
• Go to Table of Contents in the references area of the toolbar
• Select the one which fits your requirements

Where is the correct position for the table of contents of my thesis?

Acknowledgement anf abstract is  usually presented before the table of contents is added to the thesis or dissertation.

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You delve into the significance, importance, and relevance of the result in the discussion section. It should mostly be devoted to summarising and analysing your results, illustrating how they relate to your paper, dissertation, or literature review, and providing proof in support of your main thesis.

The thesis or dissertation introduction is positioned immediately after the glossary or the table of contents if the front matter does not include the glossary.

After you have finished writing the main body of your dissertation or thesis, you must worry about coming to your conclusions. The final chapter of your thesis or dissertation is the conclusion.

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How to create a table of contents for a dissertation (apa), published by steve tippins on june 20, 2022 june 20, 2022.

Last Updated on: 7th June 2024, 05:08 am

APA Dissertation Table of Contents Format Guidelines

• The table of contents should be double spaced with one-inch margins on all sides. 
• It should be written in the same font and size as the rest of your dissertation.  
• At the top of the page, write Table of Contents , centered and in bold.
• Although in the body of the paper you can use up to five levels of headings, up to three levels are usually provided in the Table of Contents. Including lower-level headings is optional. 
• Indent each subheading five spaces. 
• Write all text in title case. In title case, the first letter of major words is capitalized.
• Provide the page number where the main headings and subheadings begin, and provide dotted lines between the heading and the page number.
• Page numbers for the Dedication, Acknowledgements, and Preface should be in lower case Roman Numbers (i, v, x, l, c, d and m.). The page numbers for the rest of the text should be in Arabic numerals (1,2, 3, 4, etc.).

How to Write a Dissertation Table of Contents in APA Using Microsoft Word

Step 1. Instead of manually trying to write and format the table of contents, you can create a generated one using Microsoft Word. To do this, first go to the Home tab. This is where you will choose the styles for the table of contents. 

Step 2. The top-level headings will be your chapter titles, so on the right side of the tab, apply the Heading 1 style. 

Step 3. The second-level headings will be your subheadings, so apply the Heading 2 style. This will place your subheadings underneath your main headings.

Step 4. You will now produce page links to your document. In the top ribbon, click on the References tab and select Table of Contents . 

Step 5. If the style does not indicate APA, such as the one below, use the drop down arrow to select APA. 

Step 6. Next, choose the number of levels that you want. In this case, you want to be able to have up to three levels, so choose Automatic Table 2 , which has the appropriate heading for a dissertation. 

Step 7. Click ok , and you are all set. Microsoft word will automatically generate your dissertation’s table of contents as you write it.

List of Tables and Figures

Your list of tables and figures will be written at the end of the list of information in the body of your paper. You will create these lists the same way that you created the main table of contents. 

However, the headings will be different. 

Instead of the heading “Table of Contents,” the headings will be “List of Tables” and “List of Figures.” (An example is provided in the table of contents example below.)

Sample of a Dissertation Table of Contents

In the example below, there are three level headings. The list of tables and figures are provided at the bottom of the other contents. The sections in your table of contents may be different depending on your college’s requirements. 

Updating the Dissertation Table of Contents

As you continue working on your dissertation, you will need to update the page numbers because they may change. 

To update the page numbers, right-click on the table of contents in your document and select the Update field . Then, the Update Table of Contents box will appear. 

You can choose to Update page numbers only or all the information in the table of contents by clicking on Update entire table . 

Note: For more information, refer to the APA Manual 7 th edition , sections 2.2-2.27.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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A dissertation table of contents is an essential part of any dissertation. It provides the reader with a clear overview of the structure and scope of your paper. As such, it should be carefully constructed to ensure all necessary information is included.

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In this article, we will enlight you with a detailed guide on creating a table of contents to keep your dissertation organized and well-structured. You will also come across the dissertation table of contents template to understand how to construct a dissertation content page manually. So, make sure to skim through the whole article.

Creating a Table of Content in Microsoft Word Automatically

Creating a table of contents in Microsoft Word is a great way to organize and navigate through a lengthy document. Here's how you can create a table of contents in Microsoft Word:

Step 1: Apply Heading Styles

The first step is to ensure that you've applied the appropriate heading styles to the headings in your document. Heading styles are used to identify the different sections of your document that will be listed in the table of contents. To apply a heading style to your text, highlight the text and then select the appropriate heading style from the " Styles " section of the Home tab in the ribbon.

Note: Word provides several heading styles, such as Heading 1, Heading 2, and so on. It's important to apply heading styles in the correct order (i.e., Heading 1 for main headings, heading 2 for subheadings, etc.) to ensure that the table of contents is properly structured.

Step 2: Insert a Table of Contents

Once you've applied heading styles to your document, you can insert a table of contents. Here's how to do it:

• Move your cursor where you want to insert the table of contents.
• Click on the " References " option in the ribbon.
• Click " Table of Contents " in the relevant section.
• Choose one of the automatic table of contents options or click on " Custom Table of Contents " to customize the table of contents.

Step 3: Customize the Table of Contents

If you choose the "Custom Table of Contents" option, you can customize the table of contents to meet your specific needs. Here are multiple things you can do:

• Change the formatting of the table of contents. Click on the " Options " button in the " Table of Contents " dialogue box to change the font, size, and other formatting options.
• Change the number of heading levels. By default, Word includes up to three levels of headings in the table of contents. You can alter this by selecting a different number in the " Show levels " field.
• Exclude headings from the table of contents. If you don't want a particular heading to appear in the table of contents, you can select it and then click on the " Exclude " button in the " Table of Contents " dialogue box.

Step 4: Update the Table of Contents

After you've inserted and customized the table of contents, you can update it to reflect any changes you've made to the document. Here's how:

• Click on the table of contents to select it.
• Click on the " Update Table " button in the "Table of Contents" section of the "References" tab.
• Choose whether to update the entire table of contents or just the page numbers.
• Click " OK " to update the table of contents.

That's it! You now have a table of contents in your document that can help you and your readers navigate it easily.

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Steps to manually construct your content page.

If you want to create a table of contents in Microsoft Word manually, you can follow these steps:

Step 1: Create a List of Headings

The initial step is to create a list of headings you want to include in the table of contents. This list should include the heading text and the page number where the heading appears in the document.

Step 2: Insert a Table

After creating a list of headings, you can insert a table into your document. The table will serve as the structure for your table of contents. To insert a table, follow these steps:

• Click on " Insert " in the ribbon.
• Click on the " Table " button.
• Select the number of rows and columns that you need for your table. For example, if you have six headings, you can create a table with two columns and six rows.
• Click " OK " to insert the table.

Step 3: Add Headings to the Table

Once you have inserted the table, you can add the headings. Here's how:

• Choose the first cell in the first row of the table.
• Type the first heading into the cell.
• Select the second cell in the same row and type the page number where the heading appears in the document.
• Repeat this process for each heading in the list, adding each heading to a new row in the table.

Step 4: Format the Table of Contents

After adding the headings to the table, you can format the table of contents to make it look more professional. Here are some formatting options that you may want to consider:

• Adjust the column widths so that the text and page numbers are aligned.
• Add shading or borders to the table to make it stand out.
• Format the heading in bold or larger font to make it easier to read.
• Align the text in the cells to the left or right to make the table easier to read.

Step 5: Update the Table of Contents

If you make any changes to the document, you will need to update the table of contents manually. To update the table, follow these steps:

• Click anywhere in the table of contents.
• Press " Ctrl+A " to select the entire table.
• Press " F9 " to update the table.

That's it! By following these steps, you can manually create a table of contents in Microsoft Word.

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Dissertation content page template.

Here's a dissertation table of contents example to better understand what your content table should look like.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

List of Tables

List of Figures

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background and Context

1.2 Problem Statement and Research Questions

1.3 Research Objectives and Significance

1.4 Overview of Methodology

1.5 Dissertation Structure

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction to Literature Review

2.2 Key Concepts and Definitions

2.3 Historical Context

2.4 Current State of the Field

2.5 Critical Analysis of Literature

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Introduction to Methodology

3.2 Research Design and Strategy

3.3 Data Collection and Sampling

3.4 Data Analysis and Interpretation

3.5 Ethical Considerations

Chapter 4: Results

4.1 Introduction to Results

4.2 Descriptive Statistics

4.3 Inferential Statistics

4.4 Thematic Analysis

Chapter 5: Discussion

5.1 Introduction to Discussion

5.2 Interpretation of Results

5.3 Comparison with Literature

5.4 Implications for Practice and Future Research

Chapter 6: Conclusion

6.1 Summary of Findings

6.2 Conclusions

6.3 Limitations and Recommendations for Future Research

Note that this is just a dissertation contents page example, and the specific structure and headings for a dissertation may vary depending on the requirements of your institution or discipline. Be sure to follow any guidelines your advisor or department provided when formatting your table of contents.

Things to Include and Avoid

When creating a table of contents in a document, it is important to include the main sections or chapters of the document. The contents page should provide a clear and concise overview of the document's structure and help readers quickly locate specific information.

Here are some guidelines on what to include and not to include in a table of contents:

What to include:

• Major sections and headings of the document, including chapter titles, section headings, and subheadings.
• The corresponding page numbers for each heading or section.
• Any front section included in the document, such as the table of contents, preface, acknowledgements, and introduction.
• Any back data that is included in the document, such as the bibliography, references, or appendices.
• Any other important features or elements of the document, such as figures, tables, or charts.

What not to include:

• Minor headings or subheadings are optional to the document's structure.
• Repetitive or redundant information that does not add value to the table of contents.
• Page numbers for elements that are not part of the main body of the document, such as the title page or copyright page.
• Elements that are not relevant to the purpose of the document or its audience.

It is crucial to note that the specific contents of a table of contents will vary depending on the purpose and type of the document. For example, a technical report may have more detailed headings and subheadings than a novel. The table of contents should be designed to provide the document's intended audience with the most relevant and useful information.

In conclusion, the table of contents is an essential component of any dissertation, as it provides a roadmap for readers to navigate the document's content. A well-organized and clearly structured table of contents can help readers quickly locate specific information and understand the overall scope of the dissertation.

It is important to carefully consider the structure and headings of your dissertation when creating a table of contents, as it can help you to clarify your research questions, objectives, and methodology and to organize your findings and Analysis logically and coherently.

When creating a table of contents for your dissertation, it is important to follow any guidelines provided by your institution or department, as the specific requirements may vary depending on the discipline.

Be sure to proofread your table of contents carefully to ensure that it accurately reflects the structure and content of your dissertation. With a well-constructed and comprehensive table of contents, you can help to ensure that your dissertation is accessible and user-friendly and that your research is communicated effectively to your readers.

Check out the following academic articles to get more assistance in writing a dissertation.

• How to Structure your Dissertation for Optimum Impact?
• How to Reference a Thesis in Harvard Style?
• Conclude your Report with Confidence: A Guide on How to Write a Conclusion for a Report
• A Comprehensive Guide on How to Write an Introduction Paragraph. Five plus Examples

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Thesis / dissertation formatting manual (2024).

• Filing Fees and Student Status
• Submission Process Overview
• Electronic Thesis Submission
• Paper Thesis Submission
• Formatting Overview
• Fonts/Typeface
• Pagination, Margins, Spacing
• Paper Thesis Formatting
• Preliminary Pages Overview
• Copyright Page
• Dedication Page

Table of Contents

• List of Figures (etc.)
• Acknowledgments
• Text and References Overview
• Figures and Illustrations
• Using Your Own Previously Published Materials
• Using Copyrighted Materials by Another Author
• Open Access and Embargoes
• Copyright and Creative Commons
• Ordering Print (Bound) Copies
• Tutorials and Assistance
• FAQ This link opens in a new window

The Table of Contents should follow these guidelines:

• ​All sections of the manuscript are listed in the Table of Contents except the Title Page, the Copyright Page, the Dedication Page, and the Table of Contents.
• You may list subsections within chapters
• Creative works are not exempt from the requirement to include a Table of Contents

Table of Contents example

Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the templates . Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page.

• << Previous: Dedication Page
• Next: List of Figures (etc.) >>
• Last Updated: Sep 30, 2024 10:51 AM
• URL: https://guides.lib.uci.edu/gradmanual

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