How long should an introduction be for a research paper?

[PaolaShreider]

I've asked three different people about my research paper introduction, and I've gotten three completely different answers. My friend said "like a page, max." My TA said "however long it needs to be to set up your argument." My professor just smiled and said "it depends." THAT IS NOT HELPFUL, PEOPLE!

I just want a straight answer: how long should an introduction be for a research paper? Like, a percentage? A word count? A number of paragraphs? Something concrete I can aim for?!

My paper is going to be about 12 pages total on climate policy. I currently have a 2-page introduction that feels too long, but when I try to cut it, I lose important context. The history of the policy matters! The background research matters! The gap in the literature matters! How do I fit everything in if the intro is supposed to be short?

My therapist (yes, my paper needs a therapist) told me to think of the intro as a funnel—start broad, narrow to my specific question, and end with my thesis. That visual is helping, but I still want a NUMBER.

Someone please give me a target! How long should an introduction be for a research paper of 12 pages? I need a lifeline!