In manuscript formatting, what is the correct practice for page numbering?

In manuscript formatting according to APA guidelines, the correct practice is to begin numbering the pages with the first text page labeled as "1." This means that the title page, if included, is counted in the numbering but does not display the page number. The numbering continues sequentially from there throughout the document.

This approach maintains clarity and ensures that readers can easily locate specific sections of the text by page number from the onset of the document. Additionally, page numbers must be located in the header, flush right, on every page, starting from the first page of the text, which aligns with the expectations of academic writing in APA format.

This information clarifies why the other options do not align with APA formatting standards. For example, stating that page numbers should not appear on the first page contradicts the requirement that the first page is indeed numbered. Similarly, having page numbers flush with the left margin or centered does not adhere to APA guidelines that specify they should always be flush right in the header.