Section References
Section references should point to a clearly identifiable destination, such as a heading or numbered section. Exact forms such as “Section 4.2” versus a linked heading title depend on the document’s style and navigation system.
Refer to a section by a stable heading or section identifier that readers can locate. In long editable documents, use cross-reference links or fields when available so numbering can update with the structure.
Key details
Important caveats
Style Boundary
Whether “section” is capitalized and whether you cite a number, title or both is governed by the relevant style system rather than a universal English rule.
Further guidance
Destination
Point to an existing heading or section identifier that uniquely identifies the destination for the reader.
Stability
In editable long documents, dynamic heading cross-references can reduce errors when sections are inserted, deleted or renumbered.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Create a cross-reference — Microsoft Support (opens in a new tab)Microsoft Support · Cross-references to headings, figures and other items; dynamic field/hyperlink behavior
- Citations, references and sources — ONS Service Manual (opens in a new tab)Office for National Statistics · House-style examples for in-document references to chapters, tables and figures