How to Format an MLA Works Cited Page

The Works Cited page is the hallmark of MLA formatting. It lists every source cited in your paper in a specific format that can be tricky to get right. ## Works Cited Page Rules ### Core Elements Every MLA citation follows a template of core elements: 1. Author 2. Title of Source 3. Title of Container 4. Other Contributors 5. Version 6. Number 7. Publisher 8. Publication Date 9. Location ### Hanging Indent Each entry must use a hanging indent (first line flush left, subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches). This is the most common formatting error students make. ### Alphabetization Entries are alphabetized by the author's last name. For works without authors, alphabetize by the first significant word of the title. ## Formatting Different Source Types ### Book Author Last, First. Title of Book. Publisher, Year. ### Journal Article Author Last, First. "Title of Article." Journal Title, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. #-#. Database Name, DOI or URL. ### Website Page Author Last, First. "Title of Page." Website Name, Publisher, Date, URL. ## Why Students Struggle with MLA Works Cited The MLA template is flexible but complex. A single comma in the wrong place, a missing period, or incorrect italicization all constitute errors. Many professors check these details carefully. Formatly generates perfectly formatted Works Cited pages automatically. Our rule-based engine follows MLA 9th edition guidelines precisely, giving you error-free citations every time.