OT TOC size

[DocA]

Hi,

A while ago I came across a technical writing recommendation regarding the
size a TOC should be with respect to the document it pertains to. If I
remember correctly, the guideline for user manuals was that there should be
1 TOC page per 30 document pages. Does this sound right?

Thanks,

Adrian

 

[Jezebel]

It does feel about right as a practical observation, but I'm very wary of
that sort of generalization: it depends a lot on the nature of the content.
The more the document is used for reference (rather than a guide that one
sits down and reads), the more detail you need in the TOC.

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

That seems to me like rather a lot. I would prefer to have a really good
index, I think, and a less extensive TOC. At the very least, provide a
"Contents at a Glance" overview in addition to the detailed TOC.

 

[DocA]

Thank you Jezebel and Suzanne for your replies.

Adrian