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Chicago Style Format for Papers | Requirements & Examples

Published on September 25, 2019 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 5, 2022.

The information in this article is largely drawn from Turabian style —a version of Chicago style aimed at students and researchers. When writing a paper in Chicago style, these are the guidelines to follow; for the sake of simplicity, the term “Chicago” is used here.

Chicago Reference Generator

To apply Chicago format:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt. Times New Roman.
• Double-space the text.
• Use 1 inch margins or larger.
• Indent new paragraphs by ½ inch.
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center.

Note that any specific formatting advice from your instructor or faculty overrules these guidelines. Template documents set up in Chicago style are available to download below. Just select the one with the citation style you’re following.

Author-date Notes and bibliography

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Table of contents

General formatting, block quotes, numbers and acronyms, in-text citations and notes, bibliography or reference list, frequently asked questions about chicago format.

Chicago doesn’t require a specific font or font size, but recommends using something simple and readable (e.g., 12 pt. Times New Roman). Use margins of at least 1 inch on all sides of the page.

The main text should be double-spaced, and each new paragraph should begin with a ½ inch indent. Text should be left-aligned and not “justified” (meaning that the right margin should look ragged).

Page numbers can be placed either in the top right or the bottom center of the page—one or the other, not both.

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A Chicago title page isn’t required—often it’s sufficient to just include your title at the top of the first page—but if you’re asked to include one, Turabian provides guidelines for how to present it.

All text on the title page should be center-aligned and double-spaced, and written in the same font as the rest of your text. The title should appear about ⅓ of the way down the page, in headline capitalization and in bold.

If you have a subtitle, the main title ends with a colon and the subtitle appears on the following line, also in bold and the same size as the main title.

About ⅔ of the way down the page, add any information your instructor requests you to include—your name, student code, the course name and code, the date, etc. Each new piece of information appears on a new line.

The title page should not have a page number, but should be included in the page count—in other words, the page numbering starts on page 2.

Headings should use headline capitalization:

• Summary of results
• Summary of Results

If you use different levels of heading (e.g., chapters, sections, subheadings), make sure your presentation makes clear which type of heading each one is.

All headings of one level should be presented the same way, and higher-level headings should stand out more from the text. For example, you might use a larger font for chapter headings, bold for section headings, and italics for subheadings:

Prose quotations of five or more lines (or more than 100 words), as well as poetry quotations of two or more lines, are presented as block quotes .

Block quotes do not use quotation marks . Instead, a blank line separates them from the surrounding text on both sides and they are indented by an additional ½ inch. Unlike the rest of the text, they are not double-spaced.

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Chicago recommends using words, not numerals, for numbers lower than 100. For example, you would write “ninety-five,” not “95.” But numerals should still be used when you’re referring to a specific measurement (e.g., “15 cm”) and when using decimals (e.g., “1.5”).

Acronyms should be introduced the first time you refer to the thing they stand for:

After this point, you can use the acronym alone.

Neither numerals nor acronyms should be used at the beginning of a sentence. Either rewrite the sentence so that the numeral or acronym appears elsewhere, or write out the full phrase or number:

• 100 people responded to the survey.
• One hundred people responded to the survey.
• The survey received 100 responses.

Chicago provides guidelines for not one but two citation styles : author-date and notes and bibliography.

In author-date style , citations are placed directly in the text in parentheses . In this style, you have some flexibility about how exactly to integrate the citation:

In notes and bibliography style, citations appear in Chicago footnotes or endnotes (the format is identical either way), and the reader is referred to them by superscript numbers in the text.

Footnote and endnote numbers appear at the end of the relevant clause or sentence, after any punctuation except a dash .

Endnotes appear on their own page just before the bibliography ; footnotes appear at the bottom of each page. Footnotes should be separated from the text by a short rule and be presented in the same font size as the main text, or smaller. Word’s footnote function automatically creates footnotes like this:

At the end of your paper, you’ll likely include a bibliography (for notes and bibliography style) or a reference list (for author-date).

Bibliographies and reference lists are not double-spaced, but leave a blank line between entries.

If an entry extends onto a second line, a ½ inch indent should be applied to all but the first line of the entry.

If you have to create a Chicago style annotated bibliography , follow the same format as a normal bibliography, but indent and double-space the annotations under each source reference.

Turabian style is a version of Chicago style designed specifically for students and researchers. It follows most Chicago conventions, but also adds extra guidelines for formatting research papers , theses and dissertations .

More information can be found in A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by Kate L. Turabian, now in its ninth edition.

• A reference list is used with Chicago author-date citations .
• A bibliography is used with Chicago footnote citations .

Both present the exact same information; the only difference is the placement of the year in source citations:

• In a reference list entry, the publication year appears directly after the author’s name.
• In a bibliography entry, the year appears near the end of the entry (the exact placement depends on the source type).

There are also other types of bibliography that work as stand-alone texts, such as a Chicago annotated bibliography .

In Chicago author-date style , your text must include a reference list . It appears at the end of your paper and gives full details of every source you cited.

In notes and bibliography style, you use Chicago style footnotes to cite sources; a bibliography is optional but recommended. If you don’t include one, be sure to use a full note for the first citation of each source.

Footnotes appear at the bottom of the relevant page.  Endnotes appear in a list at the end of the text, just before the reference list or bibliography. Don’t mix footnotes and endnotes in the same document: choose one or the other and use them consistently.

In Chicago notes and bibliography style , you can use either footnotes or endnotes, and citations follow the same format in either case.

In APA and MLA style , footnotes or endnotes are not used for citations, but they can be used to provide additional information.

Chicago format doesn’t require you to use any specific font, as long as you choose something readable. A good standard choice is 12 pt Times New Roman.

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• Writing Tips

How to Write and Format a Chicago Style Paper [With Examples]

3-minute read

• 18th August 2023

Are you working on a Chicago style project but struggling with the question, “just what is it?!”

Fear not, this post will walk you through Chicago style basics.

What Is Chicago Style?

The Chicago Manual of Style (CMoS) is a comprehensive style guide primarily used by professional writers, publishers, and researchers. It covers various forms of writing, including books, journals, magazines, and other publications. It’s often the go-to style for publishers and editors. CMoS is also known for its emphasis on scholarly writing and is suitable for a wide range of disciplines, including history, literature, the arts, and social sciences.

However, there’s an important distinction between Chicago style and Turabian style , which is essentially a simplified version of CMoS used in scholarly writing. Turabian omits some of the complexities and focuses on the needs of academic writers, especially those in the humanities and social sciences.

With either style, it’s essential to consult the relevant edition of the style guide specified by your institution or publication: either The Chicago Manual of Style or A Manual for Writers by Kate L. Turabian (currently in its ninth edition).

How Are Chicago Style Citations Formatted?

CMoS emphasizes two primary documentation systems : the notes and bibliography system (often used in the humanities) and the author–date system (preferred in the sciences and social sciences). When formatting a CMoS/Turabian paper, you’ll need to adhere to the guidelines associated with your chosen documentation system.

Notes and Bibliography System:

●  In this system, you’ll use footnotes or endnotes to cite sources within the text.

●  A corresponding bibliography is included at the end of the paper, listing all sources in alphabetical order.

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●  Citations typically include author names, titles, publication details, and page numbers.

Author–Date System:

●  In the author–date system, you’ll incorporate in-text citations within parentheses.

●  A reference list is included at the end of the document, providing full details for each cited source.

●  Citations include author’s last names, publication year, and page numbers (if applicable).

What Does Turabian Style Formatting Look Like?

A well-structured Turabian Style paper should adhere to the following formatting guidelines :

•   Title page : Include the title of your paper, your name, the course name/number, instructor’s name, and the date on a separate page, starting a third of the page down. Alternatively, write the title on the first page.
•   Margins : Apply one-inch margins on all sides.
• Indentation and spacing : Indent paragraphs and double-space the main text.
• Font : Use a legible 12-point font (e.g., Times New Roman).
• Page numbers : Number all pages consecutively in the top right corner, starting with the first page. Alternatively, page numbers may be placed at the bottom center of the page.
• Headings and subheadings : Use headline-style capitalization for headings and subheadings, with different levels distinguished.
• Footnotes or in-text citations: Implement your chosen citation system consistently throughout the paper.
• Bibliography or reference list : Include a comprehensive list of all sources used, following Chicago style citation guidelines for your chosen system.

How Should I Choose Which Chicago Style Documentation to Use?

It’s crucial to find out which specific CMoS system is preferred by your institution, publisher, or field of study. Always consult your assignment guidelines or style manual to determine whether you should use the notes and bibliography system or the author–date system. This choice will significantly impact how you format your citations and references.

Remember that mastering CMoS takes practice. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to crafting polished, professionally formatted papers that meet the expectations of your academic or professional audience.

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How to Format Your Research Paper

• APA 7 Paper Format
• MLA Paper Format

Writing Your Paper: Chicago

Chicago style papers.

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Chicago Style Resources

• How Do I Format My Class Paper in Chicago Style? If your instructor has specific requirements for the format of your research paper, check with them before preparing your final draft. The most common formatting is presented here.

Things to know before you begin:

• Font:  Times New Roman  
• Font Size:  12 point
• Margins:  1 inch
• Paragraphs: All paragraphs should be indented.
• Spacing: All of the text in the body of your paper should be double-spaced.

Typical Chicago style papers have three sections:

• Bibliography

See the tabs below for a breakdown of how each portion should be formatted.

• Sample Papers

Below you will find an example of an accurately formatted CMOS paper. 

• Sample Paper Chicago Style - PDF Click here to see a sample of an accurately formatted CMOS paper.
• Sample Paper Chicago Style - Word Click here to see a sample of an accurately formatted CMOS paper.

• Your title should be centered and place a third of the way down the page. Use Times New Roman 12-point font.
• Capitalize all the words in your title. If there is a subtitle, place it on the second line.
• Place your course name first, then your name, then the due date of the paper. This should be double-spaced and placed in the bottom third of your paper. 

• Start the body of your paper on the first line of a new page.
• Insert the page number in the top right corner of the page using the header function.
• CMS uses footnotes. Place the footnote after any punctuation. Each number must have an entry at the bottom of the page.

• Center the word "Bibliography" on the first line of a new page.
• Your citations should be alphabetical.
• Each entry is single-spaced with one blank line separating entries.
• Be sure to use a hanging indent for any citations that require more than one line.

Need help formatting your Chicago/Turabian style citations using the 17th edition of the  Chicago Manual of Style ? Click the image or link below to go to the citation guide.

• Chicago Style Citations

Need help learning what hanging indents are and how to create them using Google Docs or Microsoft Word? 

• Hanging Indents This page gives a brief description of what they are, where to find information on when and how to properly use them, and also video tutorials on how to create them.

Need help learning what footnotes are and  how to create them  using Google Docs or Microsoft Word? 

• Footnotes This page gives a brief description of what they are, where to find information on when and how to properly use them, and also video tutorials on how to create them.
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MLA : Northern Essex Community College Library. "Title of Page." Title of LibGuide, Date updated, URL.

College-wide Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition

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CHICAGO MANUAL OF STYLE 17TH Ed, Research Paper

The Chicago Style offers two types of citations: bibliography style and reference list style. This guide assists with the bibliography style. Please consider your instructor's assignment requirements.

Your Chicago-style research paper should have the following components:

1. Chicago-style title page

2. The body of the paper with correct margins, in-text citations, etc.

3. Endnotes or footnotes

4. Bibliography 

Paper-Formatting Tip Sheets   (Margins, Title page, Citations, Crafting a paper & more)

Please contact an Eastern Florida State College Librarian if you experience any barriers to accessing these materials or need research help. Cocoa 321-433-7662 Melbourne 321-433-5576 Palm Bay 321-433-5275 Titusville 321-433-5036

"College-wide Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition" by Marian Smith.  CC by 4.0 .

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• Chicago Style Guide (Purdue OWL) Purdue Online Writing Lab (OWL) provides extensive explanation and examples of Chicago style.
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Please note: Chicago Manual of Style has two different citation options:

• Notes-Bibliography Style
• Author-Date Reference Style

If you are unsure which one to use, please contact your instructor.

Chicago Manual of Style Formatting

Formatting Citations and the Works Cited/Reference List

• Chicago Style Citation Guide An excellent guide to using the Chicago style citation format from Western Oregon University Library.
• Chicago Style Citation Guide (Seattle)   This useful guide from the Seattle Central Community College Library covers the basics of the Chicago citation style in an easy to use format.
• Chicago Style Guide Chicago citation style guide from the Santa Fe College (Gainesville, FL) Library.

Other Resources

• Term Paper Handbook for Chicago (Turabian) Style A detailed guide on how to format your research paper in the Chicago citation style from the Sierra College Writing Center. Includes examples citations of notes and a bibliography.

Chicago Manual of Style Citation and Research Paper Examples

Citation Examples

• Citation Examples from the Chicago Manual of Style Online

Research Paper Examples

• Chicago Style Sample Paper (Purdue OWL)  An example of a paper written in the Chicago citation style, including extensive explanatory notes and examples. (Footnotes and bibliography.)
• Chicago Style Sample Research Paper: Notes/Bibliography Style  OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue University. Notes and Bibliography (NB) Style
• Chicago Style Sample Paper: Author/Date Style  OWL (Online Writing Lab) at Purdue University. Author/Date Style

Chicago Manual of Style Tutorials

• Chicago Style: The Basics   A video tutorial created by the OWL at Purdue.​​​​​​​
• Chicago Manual of Style Citations Tutorial  This tutorial from Western Michigan University Libraries covers the difference between the two basic citation styles used in CMOS.
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Chicago Manual of Style (CMS) /Turabian Citation Style: Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition Sample Papers

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CMS Sample Papers

Cms 17th edition changes, part iii: source citations and indexes.

Note:  In previous editions of the  Manual , source citations were referred to as  documentation .

Chapter 14: Notes and Bibliography

• The use of  ibid.  is now discouraged in favor of shortened citations. ( 14.34 )

Source: https://www.chicagomanualofstyle.org/help-tools/what-s-new.html

• Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition Sample Paper
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Chicago Style Citation Guide: Sample Papers

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Chicago Style Options

Chicago Manual of Style offers the option to use footnotes, endnotes or parenthetical in-text citations featuring an author / date format. Footnotes or endnotes allow for citation information to be easily accessible at the bottom of each page (footnotes) or at the end of the paper (endnotes). Notes also allow for supplemental explanatory text to be included in the paper at the place it is most relevant. The notes format is used primarily in the disciplines of the humanities (history, religion, philosophy, art, etc.). The author / date format is used primarily in the disciplines of the physical, natural and social sciences (biology, chemistry, sociology, etc.).

The author / date format is similar to MLA and APA citation styles. The following sample papers present all three formats.

Footnotes / Endnotes sample papers

Footnotes, which are located at the bottom of each page, acknowledge which parts of the paper reference particular sources. Footnotes should match with a superscript number at the end of the sentence referencing the source. Footnotes should begin with 1 and continue numerically throughout the paper. Do not start the order over on each page.

• Footnotes sample paper
• Endnotes sample paper

Author / Date sample paper

Author / date in-text citations are briefly cited in the text, usually in parentheses, by author’s last name and date of publication. The short citations are amplified in a list of references, where full bibliographic information is provided.

• CMOS Author-Date Sample Paper

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Chicago Manual of Style -- Notes and Bibliography

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         This guide is based on the 17th edition of Chicago Manual of Style   (Call No. Z 253 .U69 2017 ) .

        Chicago Manual of Style Online -- Library's subscription of online version of the complete Chicago   Manual of Style. The Notes and Bibliography contains detailed explanations and examples.

          This guide is on how to cite sources, such as books, articles, online resources and other types of sources. It gives a brief introduction to the basic forms of notes (footnotes/endnotes) and bibliography. 

          Click on the items on the left column for what you need. These include the following.

What is a Format or Style?

Links to other chicago style guides and sample papers.

Purdue OWL: Chicago Manual  of Style

Chicago Style Citation Quick Guide

  Writing Guides: Plagiarism

Examples of Chicago- Style Documentation

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