diff --git a/sphinx/texinputs/sphinxhowto.cls b/sphinx/texinputs/sphinxhowto.cls
index 90680fdee..11a49a205 100644
--- a/sphinx/texinputs/sphinxhowto.cls
+++ b/sphinx/texinputs/sphinxhowto.cls
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 % reset these counters in your preamble.
 %
 \setcounter{secnumdepth}{2}
+\setcounter{tocdepth}{2}% i.e. section and subsection
 
 % Change the title page to look a bit better, and fit in with the fncychap
 % ``Bjarne'' style a bit better.