How to Format MLA Works Cited Page: Step-by-Step
Overview
Formatting an MLA Works Cited page requires specific alignment, spacing, and ordering rules to credit sources accurately. To format it correctly: start on a new page, center the title Works Cited, list entries alphabetically, apply a 0.5-inch hanging indent, and maintain double-spacing throughout the entire document.
Step 1: Set Up the Page Layout
Begin your Works Cited list on a separate page at the end of your research paper. It should share the same formatting as the rest of your essay: one-inch margins on all sides and a right-aligned header containing your last name and the page number. For example, if your essay ends on page 5, your Works Cited page will be page 6. Ensure the font matches your essay, typically 12-point Times New Roman. Do not add extra space between the header and the start of your list.
Step 2: Center the Title
Type the words Works Cited at the top center of the page. If you are only citing one source, use the singular 'Work Cited.' The title must be in plain text. Avoid using bold, italics, or larger font sizes. There should be exactly one double-spaced line between the title and your first citation entry. Do not add multiple 'enters' or extra padding to create a gap.
Step 3: Alphabetize Your Sources
Arrange all entries in alphabetical order by the first element of the citation. In most cases, this is the author's last name. If a source has no author, use the first word of the title. When alphabetizing by title, ignore articles such as 'A', 'An', or 'The'. For example, a book titled 'The Great Gatsby' would be alphabetized under 'G' rather than 'T'. This system allows readers to quickly locate the full reference for any in-text citation they encounter in your essay.
Step 4: Apply Hanging Indents
The hanging indent is the most distinct feature of an MLA Works Cited page. In a hanging indent, the first line of an entry starts at the left margin, while all subsequent lines of the same entry are indented 0.5 inches. This structure makes the author's name stand out. To do this in Microsoft Word or Google Docs, highlight your citations, go to Paragraph Settings, and select 'Hanging' under the 'Special' indent menu. Never use the 'Tab' key to manually indent lines, as this will ruin your formatting if you change the font size later.
MLA Works Cited Example
Below is a sample of how a properly formatted Works Cited page looks with double-spacing and hanging indents: Smith 7 Works Cited Henley, Patricia. The Hummingbird House. MacMurray, 1999. Kantra, Virginia. "Footprints in the Sand." On the Shore, edited by Chris Shea, Berkley Books, 2005, pp. 24-59. "The Life of a Writer." Authors Quarterly, vol. 12, no. 2, 2021, pp. 102-115.
Common Formatting Mistakes to Avoid
- Extra spaces between entries: Do not add an extra blank line between different citations. The entire page should be consistently double-spaced.
- Incorrect title formatting: Never bold or underline the 'Works Cited' title. It must match the standard text of your essay.
- Manual indents: Avoid using the spacebar or Tab key to create indents. Use the 'Hanging Indent' paragraph setting to ensure the 0.5-inch offset is precise.
- URL issues: Do not leave live hyperlinks (blue, underlined text) in your citations unless your instructor specifically requests them. Remove the formatting so the URL is plain black text.
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