Skip to Main Content

Citation: MLA Style 9th ed.

General Formatting Rules

Throughout the Document

  • Text formatting - Use an easily readable font (Times New Roman and Calibri are commonly used options).
  • Text size - Font size 12 is generally accepted, but your instructor may be more specific.
  • Margins - leave 1 inch margins on all sides of the document.
  • Double-space your entire document.
  • Indent the first line of a paragraph half an inch from the left margin.

Page Numbers

  • Include your last name and the page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page, half an inch from the top and flush with the right margin. (See instructions below on using Microsoft Word to do this automatically on each page)

On the First Page

  • At the beginning of the first page include your name, your instructor's name, the course name and number, and the date, on separate double-spaced lines.
  • On a new double-spaced line, center the title of your document.
  • Begin your text on a new double-spaced line.

How to Format in Word

Changing the Font

  1. Select the "Home" tab.
  2. Select your font and font size from the two dropdown menus.

Changing the Margins

  1. Select the "Layout" tab.
  2. Click "Margins".
  3. Select "Normal" which sets the document to 1" on all sides.

Double-spacing the Document

  1. Select the "Home" tab.
  2. Click the paragraph spacing icon (4 lines with up and down arrows to the left).
  3. Select "2.0" spacing.

Indenting New Paragraphs

  1. Press the "Tab" key on your keyboard before you begin typing a new paragraph.

How to Create a Running Head and Page Numbers

  1. Select the "Insert" tab.
  2. Click on "Page Number".
  3. Hover over the "Top of Page" option.
  4. Select the "Plain Number 3" option.

  1. Type your last name, then hit the spacebar once.
  2. Double-click below the dotted line to close the header and begin typing your paper.

What to Include on the First Page

  1. Type the following, each on a separate line: Your name, instructor’s name, the course number (i.e.Eng. 101), and the date (Day Month Year: 1 Oct. 2021).
  2. Hit the "Enter" key to move down to a new line.
  3. Click the paragraph "Center Align" icon (4 lines on top of each other, 2nd option from the left) and type your title.
  4. Hit the "Enter" key to move down to a new line.
  5. Click the paragraph "Let Align" icon (4 lines on top of each other, leftmost option).
  6. Hit the "Tab" key to indent the new paragraph.
  7. Begin typing your paper.