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MLA page numbers
When you write a research essay in MLA format, page numbers will be included in the running head of your paper, the in-text citations, and on your Works Cited page. All three of those types of page numbers can also be seen in this MLA sample paper . Here is everything you need to know about using page numbers in MLA format, including guidelines and examples.
Page numbers in running head
When you write an essay in MLA, numbers marking the pages should appear in a running head at the top of your paper.
Formatting a running head
A running head should appear ½ inch from the top and 1 inch from the right side of each page of your essay. A running head in MLA should follow the last name page number format, listing your last name followed by the number of the page.
Your Last Name page #
- In MLA, number the pages using Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, 4, etc.). Do not use a comma or “p.” in the running head.
- If you are including a title/cover page for your paper (refer to your instructor’s guidelines), do not put the running head on your cover page. The running head will begin on the first page of your essay.
- You must include the running head on the Works Cited page.
- You must include the running head on the Works Consulted page (if applicable – always ask your instructor before including a Works Consulted page).
Page numbers in in-text citations
Besides the running head of your paper, you will also need to include page numbers in the in-text citations of your paper.
Formatting page numbers
Use page numbers in your in-text citations whenever possible to make finding the sources of your information easier for the reader. In-text citations follow the last name page number format, enclosed in parentheses.
(Author Last Name page #)
(Hemingway 14)
(Briggs 129)
Key Points:
- Omit the first repeating digit in page numbers (eg: 263-67, not 263-267 or 263-7).
- Do not use “p.” or “pp.” in the in-text citations.
- All sources included in an in-text citation must have a full citation on the Works Cited page at the end of the research paper.
- If you are citing a source without page numbers, MLA suggests referring to paragraph numbers if applicable, but never assign page numbers or make up your own page number system.
Page numbers in the Works Cited page
Every source you cite within the body of your paper must have a full citation on a Works Cited page at the end of your paper.
In your Works Cited page, include an MLA citation page number whenever possible for each source. This is especially important for situations like citing a journal article in MLA , or other sources that are part of a larger work, so that your audience can easily locate the particular source you are citing. Page numbers on a Works Cited page should look like this:
- As with in-text citations, omit the first digit in repeating page numbers (eg: 263-67, not 263-267 or 263-7).
- Use the abbreviation p. to cite a single page and pp. to cite multiple pages.
Published October 16, 2020. Updated July 11, 2021.
Written by Grace Turney , freelance writer and artist. Grace is a former librarian and has a Master’s degree in Library Science and Information Technology.
MLA Formatting Guide
MLA Formatting
- Annotated Bibliography
- Bibliography
- Block Quotes
- et al Usage
- In-text Citations
- Paraphrasing
- Page Numbers
- Sample Paper
- Works Cited
- MLA 8 Updates
- MLA 9 Updates
- View MLA Guide
Citation Examples
- Book Chapter
- Journal Article
- Magazine Article
- Newspaper Article
- Website (no author)
- View all MLA Examples
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a. Select the page number. b. On the Ribbon, select Page Numbers > Format Page Numbers. c. Select the Roman numeral format. Select Continue from previous section. This page should not be numbered “i” [page one]; it must be page ii. 3. Arabic Numerals is the page number format for the main text pages, starting with page 1.
When you write a research essay in MLA format, page numbers will be included in the running head of your paper, the in-text citations, and on your Works Cited page. All three of those types of page numbers can also be seen in this MLA sample paper. Here is everything you need to know about using page numbers in MLA format, including guidelines ...