Subsection

Subsection is a subdivision of a section in a document, intended to divide a larger topic into more specific, coherent units. By organizing content into sections and subsections, writers can present information in a logical order and enable readers to skim and locate details quickly.

In many writing traditions, subsections are numbered to reflect hierarchy, for example 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 within section 2. The numbering system may vary: decimal outlines, alphanumeric styles, or plain headings without numbers. Subsections typically have descriptive titles that summarize the topic of the subsection.

In practice, subsections appear in academic papers, manuals, reports, and legal documents. In typesetting systems such as LaTeX, a subsection is a level below a section, invoked by commands like subtions. In HTML or other markup, the semantic equivalent is achieved using multiple levels of heading elements (for example, h2 and h3) to establish a hierarchy for accessibility and navigation.

Guidelines for effective use include keeping subsections focused, avoiding excessive depth, and ensuring consistency in naming and numbering. Subsections should be self-contained but closely tied to the surrounding sections, and they should be cross-referenced when needed to help readers follow the argument or workflow.

Related concepts include section, heading, outline, and table of contents.