A blank table of contents template is a reusable outline for listing a document’s sections and the pages where they begin. Copy the simple table below into your document, add your headings and page numbers, and adjust the rows to fit a book, report, manual, or other long document.
What a Table of Contents Does
A table of contents (TOC) gives readers a quick map of a document. It usually lists major sections in their reading order, with page numbers or links that help readers find them. Longer works may also include subsections, while short documents often need only a few entries.
A TOC is different from an index. A table of contents follows the structure of the document and appears near its beginning. An index, generally placed at the end of a book, lists subjects or terms alphabetically and points readers to relevant pages. A TOC is also not the same as a list of figures or tables, which identifies those items separately.
Blank Table of Contents Template
| Section or chapter | Page |
|---|---|
Sample—fictional details: A made-up community garden guide might begin with “Getting Started — 1,” “Choosing a Site — 4,” and “Seasonal Tasks — 12.” The entries are examples only; the page numbers should match the finished document.
What to Include
Choose entries based on how readers will use the document. A practical TOC might list each chapter and its main sections, but it does not have to reproduce every heading. Too many levels can make the page hard to scan; too few can make a detailed manual difficult to navigate.
- Section title: Use the same wording as the heading in the document so readers can match entries accurately.
- Page number or link: Include whichever navigation method fits the final format. Printed documents commonly use page numbers; digital documents can use clickable links.
- Hierarchy: Indent subordinate entries consistently beneath their parent chapters.
- Front matter, if relevant: Decide whether items such as a preface or acknowledgments belong in the TOC, and follow the conventions required by your institution or publisher.
- Separate lists, if useful: For a document with many illustrations or data tables, consider a separate list of figures or tables rather than crowding the main TOC.
Use parallel wording and consistent capitalization. For example, if chapter titles use sentence case, use sentence case throughout the TOC. Avoid adding an entry for the TOC itself unless the document’s required style calls for it.
How to Make and Update One
For a short document, you can fill in the blank table manually. For a longer document, an automatically generated TOC is usually easier to maintain. Most word-processing tools can build one from heading styles or other structured headings, then refresh it after edits. The exact commands differ by tool, so consult its current help if you need instructions for a particular application.
- Finish or stabilize the document’s headings and section order.
- Apply consistent heading levels—for example, chapter titles as the top level and major subsections as the next level.
- Choose how many levels to show. A brief report may need only chapters; a detailed manual may benefit from subsections.
- Insert or fill the TOC near the beginning of the document, following any required formatting rules.
- Check every title, page number, indentation, and link against the finished document.
- Update the TOC after moving, adding, or deleting content, and check it again before sharing or printing.
Page numbers can change during editing, so a manually maintained TOC may become inaccurate even when the headings remain correct. An automatic TOC reduces that maintenance, but it still needs a final check: it can only reflect headings that are correctly marked and included in its settings.
Choosing a Format for Print or Digital Use
A two-column table is easy to fill in and works well when page numbers are the main navigation aid. A plain list with dot leaders—such as “Chapter 1: Overview …… 1”—is a familiar alternative for books and formal reports. Digital documents may use linked entries so readers can jump directly to a section; in that case, visible page numbers may be optional, depending on the document’s purpose.
For printed pages, keep titles and page numbers aligned and leave enough room for long headings. For accessible digital documents, use real heading structure in the body and meaningful links in the TOC rather than relying only on visual formatting. A table used for layout should not replace the document’s heading structure.
Common Problems to Check
- Out-of-date page numbers: Refresh an automatic TOC or verify manual entries after pagination changes.
- Titles that do not match: Copy the final heading text exactly, including meaningful subtitles.
- Inconsistent levels: Use indentation or styling to show which subsections belong under which chapters.
- Too much detail: Remove minor headings that make the TOC longer without helping readers navigate.
- Broken digital links: Test links in the exported or shared version, not only in the working file.
- Unexpected entries: Check heading styles and TOC settings if captions, notes, or other text appear in the list by mistake.
A common misconception is that every document needs a table of contents. A one-page handout or a short document with obvious sections may not benefit from one. Add a TOC when it helps readers locate information, and follow any submission or publication rules that specify otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should a blank table of contents include?
A basic template needs a place for each section or chapter title and its page number. Add indentation or extra levels only if the document has subsections readers need to find.
How many headings should appear in a table of contents?
There is no universal number. Include enough detail to guide readers without listing every minor heading; the document’s length, structure, and any required style rules should guide the choice.
Should the table of contents have page numbers?
Printed documents generally use page numbers. Digital documents can use clickable links instead, or include both when that helps readers navigate.
When should I update the table of contents?
Update it after changes that affect headings, section order, pagination, or links. Check the final version before printing, submitting, or sharing it.
Can I use this template for a report or a book?
Yes. Add or remove rows and adjust the number of heading levels to suit the document. If a school, publisher, or organization provides formatting instructions, use those requirements in preference to a generic template.