The Mode Language Association (MLA) style is one of the most widely used formatting guidelines in academic writing, particularly in the humanities. It standardizes not only how citations and references should be formatted but also the overall appearance of a paper, including margins, spacing, and font size. Understanding and applying the correct MLA font size is essential for ensuring readability, professionalism, and compliance with academic standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what font sizes and styles are acceptable in MLA, how they affect readability, common mistakes to avoid, and tips for formatting your document effectively.
MLA Font Guidelines
MLA guidelines do not mandate a specific font family, but they emphasize clarity, legibility, and consistency. The most commonly recommended fonts include:
Times New Roman – Standard and widely accepted.
Arial – Clean and easy to read.
Calibri – Mode sans-serif font with good readability.
Garamond – Elegant serif font suitable for academic writing.
Cambria – Professional serif font often used in academic settings.
The key principle is that the font should be easily readable and consistent throughout the paper. Using decorative or overly stylized fonts is discouraged.
MLA Font Size Requirements
According to MLA 9th Edition guidelines:
Main Text Font Size – The standard font size is 12 points. This ensures your text is easily readable and professional.
Footnotes or Endnotes – Can be slightly smaller, usually 10 points, but should still be legible.
Titles and Headings – Should use the same font as the main text; bolding or italics may be applied for emphasis, but font size typically remains 12 points.
Using a font smaller than 12 points can make your paper appear cramped and difficult to read, while larger fonts may be considered unprofessional or unnecessarily space-consuming.
Spacing and Formatting in MLA
In addition to font size, MLA formatting also specifies:
Double spacing – The entire paper, including quotations, notes, and Works Cited, should be double-spaced.
1-inch margins – Standard on all sides of the page.
Indented paragraphs – First line of each paragraph should be indented by 0.5 inches.
Page numbers – Top right coer, typically 1/2 inch from the top margin, using the same font and size as the body text.
Maintaining consistent spacing and font size throughout ensures a polished, professional appearance.
Tips for Choosing Fonts and Sizes in MLA Papers
Stick to Standard Fonts – Times New Roman 12 pt remains the safest choice.
Check Readability – Ensure the font is clear in both print and digital formats.
Consistency is Key – Avoid mixing font types or sizes.
Consider Accessibility – Sans-serif fonts like Arial or Calibri can be easier to read for online submissions.
Avoid Decorative Fonts – Do not use cursive, script, or display fonts that may distract from your content.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using fonts smaller than 12 pt – Reduces readability and may not comply with MLA standards.
Mixing fonts – Switching between serif and sans-serif can make the paper look inconsistent.
Forgetting headers – MLA requires a header with the author’s last name and page number.
Over-formatting titles – Titles should remain simple and unembellished; bold or italics are sufficient.
MLA Font in Digital Submissions
In the age of online submissions, font size is still crucial:
PDFs or Word documents should preserve font size and style to ensure proper formatting.
Avoid pasting text from websites without resetting the font to 12 pt and a standard MLA style.
Some institutions may accept 11 pt fonts for Calibri, but 12 pt is universally safe.
Final Thoughts
The MLA font size is more than a trivial formatting rule; it impacts the readability and professionalism of your academic work. Using 12-point Times New Roman or an acceptable alteative, combined with proper double spacing and margins, ensures your paper meets MLA standards and makes a positive impression on instructors or reviewers.
Consistency, clarity, and attention to detail in font choice and size help your ideas shine and prevent your work from being penalized for formatting errors. By adhering to these guidelines, your MLA papers will be polished, readable, and academically compliant.