How to cite in MLA
- MLA is selected. Choose the source type: website, book, journal article, newspaper article or online video.
- Fill in the authors (one per line), title, publication details, date and URL or DOI.
- Copy the formatted reference with italics into Word or Google Docs, use the in-text citation shown underneath, and add references to your list, which is sorted alphabetically.
About MLA 9th edition
MLA style, from the Modern Language Association, is the standard in English, literature, languages and the humanities. It is built on "core elements" in a fixed order: author, title of source, title of container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date and location. In-text citations look like (Smith and Khan 45), with a page number when quoting, and (Smith et al.) for three or more authors. A typical reference list entry for a web page looks like: Smith, Jane, and Ahmed Khan. “How Bees Choose Which Flowers to Visit.” Science Today, 14 May 2024, www.example.org/bees-flowers. Accessed 3 June 2025.
MLA uses full first names, title case, quotation marks for articles and web pages, and italics for the larger container such as a website, journal or book. Months longer than four letters are abbreviated (Jan., Feb., Sept.). Always check the result against your institution's style guide, especially for unusual sources. References are generated in your browser and your list is saved on this device only.
FAQ
How do I cite a website in MLA 9?
Author. “Title of Page.” Website Name, Day Month Year, URL. An access date is optional but recommended.
What is a container in MLA?
The larger work that holds the source, such as a website, journal, newspaper or anthology.
Should I include https:// in MLA?
MLA 9 recommends leaving out http:// or https:// unless your instructor prefers it.