The Best Guide to Understanding MLA Format

MLA format might seem like a lot of rules, but it’s really just a set of simple guidelines to keep your essays neat and professional. Stick to these basics, and you’ll be good to go:

• Use the right font & spacing: Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced
• Set margins & indents: 1-inch margins on all sides, with a 0.5-inch indent for new paragraphs.
• Add a header & page numbers: Your last name and the page number go in the top-right corner.
• Title & headings: Center your title and follow MLA’s heading structure.
• Citations matter: Use in-text citations (Fernsby 59) and always include a properly formatted Works Cited page.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from setting up your essay in MLA narrative format to handling tricky details like tables, images, and footnotes.

If MLA format still feels like a maze, EssayPro's expert papers service are here to help with writing, formatting, or anything else you need for your academic assignments!

What is MLA Format for an Essay?

MLA format is a common style guide for subjects like literature and history, ensuring a consistent and professional look in academic writing. Created by the Modern Language Association, it provides rules for organizing essays, citing sources, and formatting research papers. The latest version, MLA 9, covers page layout, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page to help writers present their work clearly.

A personal narrative MLA format follows the same basic structure as any other essay but tells a story from a first-person perspective. It should include a standard heading, double spacing, and one-inch margins. If outside sources are used, they must be cited properly. While personal narratives allow for creativity, they should still follow MLA guidelines for a polished and professional appearance.

Need a Helping Hand?

Delegate your essays to us!

Get Help

How to Format an Essay in MLA (Core MLA Format Requirements)

Before getting into specifics, here’s a quick summary of MLA formatting rules:

• General Formatting: Standard margins, font, and spacing for readability.
• Title Page: Typically not required; instead, a heading is placed on the first page.
• Header: Includes the author’s name and page number in the top right corner.
• Page Numbers: Consecutively numbered in the header.
• Headings: Used to organize sections but formatted simply, without bold or underlining.

General Formatting

MLA format for an essay always follows a structured layout to ensure clarity. The table below outlines the core elements:

Page Setup and Margins

MLA requires 1-inch margins on all sides of the document. This keeps the text neatly contained and easy to read.

Font Style

The standard MLA format font and size is Times New Roman, 12-point, ensuring readability and consistency across academic papers. Other legible, widely available fonts may be used if permitted by an instructor.

Spacing

The entire essay should be double-spaced, including the heading, title, and block quotes. There should be no extra spaces between paragraphs.

When the stakes are high and the deadlines are tighter than your budget, a little expert help from our graduate essay writing services can go a long way!

Title Page in MLA

MLA format typically does not require a separate title page. Instead, the student’s name, instructor’s name, course, and date appear in the upper left corner of the first page, followed by the title and the essay’s content. However, if an instructor requests a title page, it must follow specific MLA guidelines.

If a title page is required, follow these steps:

• Use standard MLA formatting: 1-inch margins, Times New Roman 12-point font, and double-spacing.
• Center the title: Place the essay title in the middle of the page, in title case (capitalize major words), with no bold, italics, or underlining.
• Student information: In the center, below the title, include:
  
  • Your full name
  • Your instructor’s name
  • Course name and number
  • Assignment due date (formatted as Day Month Year, e.g., 12 February 2025)
• No page number: The title page itself does not have a page number unless required by the instructor.
• Start the essay on the next page: The essay should begin on a new page with the standard MLA heading and a repeated title before the main text.

Header in MLA

MLA format includes a standard header on the first page. Unlike an APA or Chicago style essay, this header is not repeated on every page but appears only once, at the beginning.

To format the MLA header:

1. Align to the left at the top of the first page.
2. Use double-spacing (same as the rest of the essay).
3. Include the following, in this order:
   
   • Your full name
   • Your instructor’s name
   • Course name and number
   • Assignment due date (Day Month Year format)
4. Add the essay title below the header, centered on the page, with no special formatting.
5. Begin the essay text on the next line, indented 0.5 inches for the first paragraph.

Running Head and Page Numbers in MLA

MLA requires page numbers in the top right corner of every page, along with the student’s last name. This is known as the running head and helps identify the paper if pages get separated.

Follow these steps to set up MLA page numbers:

• Use the header section in your word processor.
• Align to the right at the top of each page.
• Type your last name, followed by a space.
• Insert the page number using the automatic page numbering feature.
• Do not add extra formatting (no bold, italics, or underline).

Headings in MLA

MLA headings help organize content but follow simple formatting rules. Unlike APA, MLA does not require specific levels of headings, but consistency is key.

To format headings in MLA:

• Use title case (capitalize major words, lowercase articles, prepositions, and conjunctions).
• No bold, italics, or underline — headings are formatted the same as body text.
• Left-align each heading (not centered).
• Double-space all text, with no extra spacing before or after headings.
• Use logical divisions, ensuring headings are used to separate distinct sections.

Example of MLA subheadings:

1. Causes of the Civil War (Main Heading - Level 1) The conflict between the North and South arose from multiple factors, including economic differences and slavery.
   
   1. Economic Differences Between Regions (Subheading - Level 2) The industrial North and agrarian South had opposing economic interests, leading to tensions.
      
      1. Impact of Slavery on Political Tensions (Subheading - Level 2) The debate over slavery’s expansion further divided the nation.

Meanwhile, if you're crunching numbers and want to turn them into a well-structured paper, our business essay writing service can help keep things sharp and professional.

Tables in MLA

Tables in MLA format are used to present data in an organized manner while maintaining the paper’s overall readability. MLA follows a specific structure for table formatting, ensuring clarity and consistency.

Follow these steps to format a table in MLA:

• Position the table close to its reference in the text, typically right after the paragraph mentioning it.
• Label the table as "Table" followed by an Arabic numeral (e.g., Table 1, Table 2). The label should be left-aligned and placed above the table.
• Provide a descriptive title on the next line, double-spaced and in title case, with no bold or italics.
• Use a consistent font and size (Times New Roman, 12 pt) for all text inside the table.
• Align columns neatly, keeping the data structured and readable.
• No vertical lines should be used, and horizontal lines should only be placed above and below the column headers and at the end of the table.
• Cite the source directly below the table (if applicable), starting with "Source:" followed by the citation in MLA format. This should be left-aligned and double-spaced.

Example of an MLA Table:

Table 1: Average Monthly Rainfall in Major Cities

Source: National Weather Service.

The table should always be formatted to fit within the paper's 1-inch margins and be referenced in the text (e.g., "As shown in Table 1, rainfall levels vary across cities").

Numbers in MLA

MLA allows for both numerals and spelled-out numbers, depending on the context. Here are the main rules:

• Use numerals for numbers above 100 (e.g., 150, 3,200).
• Spell out numbers one through one hundred (e.g., twenty-five, ninety-nine).
• Use numerals for measurements, dates, and percentages (e.g., 5 inches, 12 July 2024, 25%).
• Avoid starting sentences with numerals — spell them out instead.
• Use a comma in numbers over 1,000 (e.g., 2,500, 10,000).

Use of Numerals

Numerals are generally used for large numbers, specific data points, and technical measurements.

• Use numerals for precise figures and statistics:
  
  • The experiment lasted 4 hours and 32 minutes.
  • Enrollment increased by 15% in 2023.
• Use numerals for dates and times:
  
  • The event is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. on 5 May 2025.
• Use numerals for measurements and money:
  
  • The book weighs 2.5 pounds and costs $18.99.

Arabic Numbers

Arabic numerals (0, 1, 2, 3, etc.) are the default numerical format in MLA style. However, some numbers should be spelled out instead:

• Spell out numbers one through one hundred unless they appear in a statistical or technical context.
  
  • She read seventy-five books last year.
  • The study found that 112 participants completed the survey.
• Use Arabic numerals for chapter, volume, and section numbers:
  
  • See Chapter 3 for more details.
  • Volume 7 of the journal covers this topic.
• Always spell out centuries:
  
  • The nineteenth century was a period of rapid industrial growth.

Quotations in MLA

Quotations are used to support arguments, provide evidence, emphasize key points, or add depth to a paper. However, they should be used sparingly to maintain the originality of your work. Quotes that exceed four lines should be formatted as MLA block quotes. Direct quotes from credible sources strengthen arguments but should not dominate your writing.

Steps to properly format quotations in MLA:

1. Find a phrase that supports your argument. Choose a relevant quote that adds credibility to your point.
2. Introduce the quote with a signal phrase. Use the author’s name and provide context before inserting the quote.
3. Place the quote within quotation marks. For short quotes (fewer than four lines), use double quotation marks and integrate them into your sentence.
4. Include an in-text citation. After the closing quotation marks, add the author's last name and page number in parentheses.
5. Use block formatting for long quotes. If a quote exceeds four lines, start it on a new line, indent ½ inch, and omit quotation marks.

By following these MLA formatting essay guidelines, quotations will enhance rather than overshadow your writing. And don't forget to check out our MLA format citation guide.

Paraphrases in MLA

Paraphrasing allows writers to incorporate ideas from another source without directly quoting. It involves restating the original idea in your own words while maintaining the original meaning. This technique ensures that your work remains unique while properly crediting the source.

1. Find a phrase that conveys key information. Identify an essential point from the original text that supports your argument.
2. Understand the original meaning. Read the passage carefully and ensure you grasp the idea before rewriting.
3. Reword using your own style. Write the idea in a new way without copying the original wording.
4. Keep the meaning intact. Ensure that your paraphrase accurately represents the author’s intent.
5. Include an in-text citation. Even though it’s not a direct quote, credit the source with the author’s last name and page number.

Example of Paraphrasing:

Original Text: "Good writing is not just about grammar and vocabulary; it is about structuring ideas in a way that engages the reader and conveys meaning effectively." (Jones 112)

Paraphrased Version: Jones emphasizes that effective writing extends beyond grammar and word choice; it requires a well-organized structure that keeps the reader engaged while delivering a clear message (112).

When to Paraphrase vs. When to Quote

• Paraphrase when summarizing general ideas, avoiding excessive direct quotes, or simplifying complex text.
• Quote when precise wording is important, analyzing the language used, or citing an expert’s exact words for credibility.

If MLA isn’t cutting it and APA feels off, our ASA paper example might be what you need!

Abbreviations in MLA

Abbreviations are frequently used in various source types, including websites, blog posts, books, and journal articles. MLA allows abbreviations as long as they do not cause confusion for the reader. Properly formatted abbreviations help keep writing concise and professional.

General MLA Abbreviation Guidelines

• Use standard abbreviations recognized in academic writing.
• Avoid unnecessary abbreviations — spell out words if space is not an issue.
• Maintain consistency in abbreviation usage throughout your paper.
• Use periods in abbreviations for lowercase letters (e.g., "e.g." or "a.m.") but omit them for acronyms in all capital letters (e.g., "NASA" or "MLA").
• Write out full terms on first mention and provide the abbreviation in parentheses. After that, you may use the abbreviation alone.

How to Abbreviate in MLA?

Months

MLA shortens longer months but keeps shorter ones as-is:

• January → Jan.
• February → Feb.
• March → Mar.
• April → Apr.
• May → May.
• June → Jun.
• July → Jul.
• August → Aug.
• September → Sept.
• October → Oct.
• November → Nov.
• December → Dec.

Publishers

MLA shortens publisher names in citations by removing articles (the, a, an), common terms (Press, Publisher, Books, House), and business indicators (Inc., Ltd.).

Examples:

• Oxford University Press → Oxford UP
• Random House Publishing → Random House
• Panda Books → Panda

Titles

In MLA, commonly abbreviated words in titles include:

• University → U
• Press → P
• Department → Dept.
• Edition → Ed.

For example, "Harvard University Press" is written as "Harvard UP."

'I need help of research paper writer service' - we get such messages really often. Our professional writers are ready to help you anytime.

Images in MLA

To ensure an image is both significant and properly cited, place it as close as possible to the relevant discussion in your text. An image should never be inserted without an explanation or proper citation. MLA requires that all images include identifiable details.

Steps for Using Images in MLA:

1. Choose an image relevant to your content. Ensure the image directly supports or illustrates the topic you are discussing.
2. Insert the image near the relevant text. Place the image immediately after the paragraph where it is referenced.
3. Label the image as "Fig." followed by a number. Images should be labeled in sequential order (e.g., Fig. 1, Fig. 2).
4. Include a caption with source details. Below the image, provide a description and an MLA-style citation.‍
5. Reference the figure in your text. Directly mention the figure in your writing (e.g., "As shown in Fig. 1, the graph illustrates...").

Example of MLA Image Formatting

In-text reference:
The results (see Fig. 1) indicate a sharp rise in temperature trends.

Image and Caption Formatting:

Fig. 1. Global temperature rise from 2000-2020. Data from NASA, Climate Change Report 2021.

By following these steps, images in MLA format will be correctly integrated and properly credited.

MLA Format for Different Essay Types

MLA formatting applies to various essay styles, each with its own structural requirements. While the general MLA format remains consistent, specific essays may require slight modifications in paragraph organization and content structure. Below are guidelines for an MLA format personal narrative, compare-and-contrast, and informative essays.

MLA Format Narrative Essay

An MLA narrative essay format follows the same general rules as other essays but focuses on storytelling elements.

MLA Format Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay in MLA format follows standard MLA formatting but allows for two organizational structures: block format and point-by-point format.

MLA Format Informative Essay

An informative essay in MLA format follows the standard structure while emphasizing clear, factual content delivery.

Step-by-Step MLA Format Setup in Google Docs

Setting up an MLA-formatted essay in Google Docs is simple when following a structured approach. Below are the key steps that will be covered in detail:

• Header – Formatting student details and page numbers correctly.
• Headings and Subheadings – Organizing content using proper MLA heading levels.
• Quotations – Inserting short and block quotes in MLA style.
• Footnotes and Endnotes – Adding and formatting footnotes or endnotes.
• Works Cited – Creating and formatting a proper Works Cited page.

Header

• Open Google Docs. Click on an empty document or open an existing one.
• Go to "Insert" > "Headers & footers" > "Header". This adds a header section to your document.
• Type your information. On the left, add your full name, instructor’s name, course name, and date (formatted as day month year, e.g., 15 February 2025).
• Align to the left. Ensure the header text is left-aligned.
• Add page numbers. Click on "Insert" > "Page numbers" > Choose "Top right" to display numbers in the header.
• Type your last name before the page number. Example: Vanderbilts 1.
• Apply the correct font and size. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt, and ensure double-spacing is applied.

Headings and Subheadings

• Use the correct heading format. MLA uses a left-aligned heading (not centered or bolded).
• Write the first heading. Type your name, instructor’s name, course, and date at the top-left corner of the first page.
• Add the title. Center the title on the next line (do not bold, italicize, or underline).
• Use proper subheading formatting (if needed).
  
  • Level 1: Centered, Title Case, No Bold
  • Level 2: Left-aligned, Title Case, No Bold
  • Level 3: Indented, Sentence case, Italicize

Quotations

For short quotes (fewer than 4 lines):

• Place the quote within double quotation marks.
• Add the author’s last name and page number in parentheses after the quote. Example:
  “Literature adds to reality, it does not simply describe it” (Lewis 45).

For block quotes (4+ lines):

• Hit "Enter" and start a new line.
• Indent the entire quote 0.5 inches from the left margin.
• Do not use quotation marks.
• Place the citation after the punctuation. Example:Literature is more than just a reflection of reality;it enhances and deepens human experience,providing perspectives that would otherwise be inaccessible.(Lewis 45)

Footnotes and Endnotes

1. Click on "Insert" > "Footnote". This will place a number in the text and create a footnote at the bottom of the page.
2. Type the footnote content. MLA footnotes include additional explanations or references.
3. Format correctly. Use Times New Roman, 12 pt, double-spaced text.
4. For endnotes, go to "Insert" > "Footnote". Instead of using footnotes at the bottom of each page, place all notes in a separate section titled "Notes" before the Works Cited page.
5. Number footnotes or endnotes consecutively. Use superscript numbers in the text to match the corresponding footnote.

Works Cited

• Create a new page at the end of the document.
• Title it "Works Cited". Center the title at the top of the page (no bold, underline, or italics).
• Set the text to Times New Roman, 12 pt, and double-spacing.
• Use a hanging indent. Click on "Format" > "Align & indent" > "Indentation options" > Select "Hanging".
• List sources in alphabetical order by the author's last name. Example:

‍Book:
Vanderbilts, John. The Art of Writing. Panda, 2023.

‍Website:
DuPonts, Jane. “The Evolution of Literature.” Literary Journal, 2022, www.literaryjournal.com/evolution.

The Bottom Line

MLA format is simple if you stick to the basics:

• Keep font, spacing, and formatting consistent.
• Use in-text citations and a Works Cited page.
• Pay attention to details like page numbers, margins, and headers.
• Different essay types follow slightly different structures.
• Format tables, images, and footnotes properly so they add value.

At the end of the day, MLA is just a way to keep things organized. And if you ever need a hand with professional projects, EssayPro's dissertation services are here for formatting, writing, and polishing your paper!