APA Paper Guidelines Except for length, follow the APA Manual for all style and content issues. Length Restrictions: 50-word (maximum) abstract (the word "abstract" is not included in the 50-word limit) 500-word (maximum) main paper.  The 500-word count DOESN'T count words in the results section and abstract.  You can add as many words/numbers as needed to write a fairly comprehensive results section.  Note:  Words contained in/on the title page, abstract, results, or reference section are NOT included in the 500 (maximum) count.  If combining the results and discussion into a single section, the 500 word count does NOT apply to that section. Words that you use to include references in the text, however, DO count when you're counting to 500 (maximum).