APA Block Quotes: 40-Word Rule and Examples

An APA block quote is required whenever you quote 40 words or more directly from a source. Unlike shorter quotations, a block quote appears in its own indented paragraph without quotation marks. APA 7th edition has specific rules for indentation, spacing, font, and in-text citations, and following them correctly helps your paper look professional while avoiding formatting errors.

This guide explains when to use a block quote, how to format it according to APA 7 format, and provides practical examples you can follow in your own paper.

What Is an APA Block Quote?

An APA block quote is a direct quotation containing 40 words or more. Instead of enclosing the text in quotation marks, you place the quotation on a new line, indent the entire passage 0.5 inch from the left margin, and keep it double-spaced.

The purpose of a block quote is to distinguish lengthy quoted material from your own writing while making the source easy for readers to identify. As a quick rule:

• Fewer than 40 words → Use quotation marks.
• 40 words or more → Use a block quote.

Although APA allows block quotations, they should be used only when the author's exact wording is important. In most situations, paraphrasing creates a smoother and more readable paper.

APA Block Quote Template

The following template works for books, journal articles, reports, and most other written sources.

Narrative citation:

Parenthetical citation:

Notice that the citation changes slightly depending on whether the author's name appears in the sentence.

APA Block Quote Formatting Rules

Formatting a block quotation involves more than simply counting words. Every element should follow APA 7th edition guidelines.

Your block quotation should blend naturally with the rest of the paper. The only visible difference is the left indentation and the absence of quotation marks.

APA Block Quote Example

Suppose you are quoting more than 40 words from a research book.

This example demonstrates the four essential characteristics of a proper APA block quote:

• The quotation starts on a new line.
• The entire passage is indented.
• There are no quotation marks.
• The page number appears in the citation.

APA In-Text Citation Multiple Authors

Block quotations follow exactly the same author rules as other APA in-text citations.

Two authors

When a work has two authors, include both names every time you cite it.

Parenthetical version:

Three or more authors

APA 7 uses et al. beginning with the first citation.

The formatting of the quotation does not change. Only the author portion of the citation differs.

Long quotations become even more challenging when multiple authors are involved. Our guide on how to cite multiple authors APA explains how to format both narrative and parenthetical citations correctly, whether you're using a regular quotation or a block quote.

APA Block Quote Single or Double Space?

One of the most common questions concerns spacing.

The answer is simple: APA block quotes are always double-spaced.

Double spacing applies to:

• title page
• abstract
• headings
• body paragraphs
• block quotations
• references
• figure notes
• tables

Do not single-space a block quotation to make it shorter. Likewise, avoid adding extra blank lines before or after the quotation. Keeping consistent spacing throughout the paper creates a professional appearance and complies with APA 7 requirements.

APA Block Quote Font Size

Another common question is whether block quotations should use a smaller font.

They should not.

An APA block quote uses exactly the same font and font size as the rest of the document.

APA 7 accepts several fonts, including:

Never reduce the font size simply because the quotation is long. Likewise, do not italicize the entire quotation unless the original source contains italics.

How to Format Multiple Paragraphs in a Block Quote

Sometimes the original source contains two or more paragraphs.

In this situation:

• Indent the entire quotation 0.5 inch from the left margin.
• Indent the first line of each additional paragraph another 0.5 inch.
• Maintain double spacing throughout.
• Place the citation after the final paragraph unless another citation is needed for clarity.

These additional paragraph indents help readers recognize where each original paragraph begins.

When Should You Use a Block Quote?

Because block quotations interrupt the flow of writing, they should be used selectively.

A block quote is appropriate when:

• the author's exact wording is important
• you are analyzing the author's language
• you are discussing legal, historical, or policy documents
• changing the wording would reduce accuracy

For most summaries and explanations, paraphrasing remains the better choice.

Common APA Block Quote Mistakes

Many formatting errors occur because writers combine the rules for short quotations with those for block quotations.

The most common mistakes include:

• using quotation marks around a block quote
• forgetting the 0.5-inch indentation
• single-spacing the quotation
• reducing the font size
• omitting the page number
• creating a block quote for only 35 or 39 words

Checking these details before submitting your paper can prevent unnecessary formatting deductions.

APA Block Quote vs. Short Quote

If your quotation reaches the 40-word threshold, switch to block quote formatting instead of keeping it inline.

Tips for Using APA Block Quotes Effectively

A block quotation should never stand alone. Introduce it with enough context so readers understand why it is included, then explain its significance afterward. This approach demonstrates that you are analyzing the source rather than simply copying it.

Whenever possible, limit block quotations to passages whose wording is especially meaningful. Academic writing is usually stronger when your own explanation remains the primary focus.