Format Guide
MLA Format Essay: Complete Paper Setup Guide
MLA 9th edition provides a clear set of formatting rules for academic essays and research papers. This guide walks through every element of an MLA-formatted essay: page layout, header and title, body text, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page.
Page Layout
Set 1-inch margins on all four sides (top, bottom, left, right). Use Times New Roman 12-point font throughout the paper, including headings and the Works Cited page. The entire document is double-spaced — no single spacing or extra spacing anywhere. Do not add extra space between paragraphs. Indent the first line of every paragraph 0.5 inches using the Tab key.
Header and Title
Every page has a running header in the top-right corner containing your last name and the page number (e.g., "Smith 1"). Numbering starts on the first page. The first page begins with a four-line heading in the upper-left corner: your full name, your instructor's name, the course name, and the date in Day Month Year format. Below the heading, center your paper title. The title is not bold, not italicized, and not underlined. Use Title Case. If the title includes the name of another work, italicize that work's title within your paper title.
Body Text
Indent the first line of each paragraph 0.5 inches (one Tab key press). Do not add extra blank lines between paragraphs. For block quotations — passages of four or more lines of prose — start the quote on a new line, indent the entire block 0.5 inches from the left margin, and omit quotation marks. Maintain double spacing within the block quote. Place the parenthetical citation after the closing period of a block quote.
In-Text Citations
MLA uses parenthetical in-text citations with the author's last name and page number. Do not add a comma between the name and page number, and do not use "p." or "pg." before the number. For two authors, use "and" between them (e.g., Smith and Jones 45). For three or more authors, use "et al." after the first author (e.g., Smith et al. 78). In narrative citations, mention the author by name in the sentence and include only the page number in parentheses.
Works Cited Page
The Works Cited page starts on a new page after the last page of text. Center the title "Works Cited" at the top — do not bold, italicize, or underline it. List all sources cited in the paper in alphabetical order by the first element of each entry (usually the author's last name). Use a hanging indent: the first line of each entry is flush left, and all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches. Double-space the entire page, both within and between entries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What font and size is MLA format?
Times New Roman, 12-point, throughout the entire paper including headings, body text, and the Works Cited page.
Does MLA require double spacing?
Yes, the entire paper must be double-spaced, including the heading, title, body text, block quotes, and the Works Cited page. Do not add extra space between paragraphs.
How do I set up page numbers in MLA?
Insert a header with your last name followed by a space and the page number, right-aligned. Page numbering starts on the first page and continues through the Works Cited page.
Do I need a title page for MLA?
No. MLA uses a first-page heading (your name, instructor, course, date) instead of a separate title page. Only include a title page if your instructor specifically requires one.
How do I format block quotes in MLA?
For quotes of four or more lines of prose, start on a new line and indent the entire quote 0.5 inches from the left margin. Do not use quotation marks. Maintain double spacing. Place the parenthetical citation after the closing period.
What are MLA margins?
1-inch margins on all four sides: top, bottom, left, and right.
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