About MLA Format
On the first page of your essay:
• There is a header with your last name and page number in the upper-right hand
corner of the page (right corner, 1/2” from top).
• There is a heading with your name, instructor's name, class, and date
• Give a title after the heading, centered in title case. Do not underline, bold,
italicize, or put quotes around your title. Use the same font and same font size as
the rest of the essay.
• Use Times New Roman (or similar) 12-point font or similar (like Arial 11-13 point
font)
• Double space the entire essay
• Use 1" margins (1" on the top, bottom, left, and right)
• Indent each paragraph 5 spaces (even the first)
On the next pages of your essay:
• There is a header with your last name and page number in the upper-right hand
corner of the page (right corner, 1/2” from top).
• There is no heading
Updated 6/1/2022
Changes between the 8th and 9th edition:
• Any readable font between 11-point and 13-point font is allowed, including Arial,
Times New Roman, or Calibri is acceptable.
• May be printed single-sided or double-sided (if the instructor allows)
• Follow rules for inclusive language.
• While not much specifically has changed, the MLA did expand definitions for
various concepts. See MLA Handbook for expanded guidance on things like
formatting contributing authors or paraphrasing
Updated 6/1/2022
