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writing numbers in essays mla

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writing numbers in essays mla

MLA Style Manual

Numbers and dates.

Dates in text should have a number rather than an ordinal.

April 6 (not April 6th)

Punctuate common forms of dates as follows:

April 1967 (no comma) April 6, 1967 (comma after day of month; insert comma after year as well in running text) 1968–1972 (en dash) May–June 1967 (en dash) 1965– (en dash for open-ended date) fiscal year 1958/59 (eliminate century in the second year if it is the same) school year 2004/05 (same as fiscal year) association year 2004/05 (same as fiscal year) 1970s (no apostrophe) the ’70s (apostrophe before year)

For months, use the following forms in references in all publications; do not follow with a period.

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

In MLANET‘s “Find a Job,” use month/date/year format with numerals.

Use numerals, unless the year is at the beginning of a sentence. When referring to a decade, never use an apostrophe before the “s.”

enumerations

Numerical lists imply rank or temporal order (first 1, then 2, or 1 is more important than 2). Do not number if no such order is intended. In lists that are run together in the text and number more than three, use numbered phrases. Set numbers in parentheses without periods.

(1) etc., (2) etc., (3) etc., and (4) etc. then (a) etc., (b) etc., (c) etc., and (d) etc.

When items are indented without numbers, begin each new entry with a bullet, set flush left. When they are indented with numbers, the list is laid out the same way, but the bullet is replaced with a numeral and period.

1. etc.; 2. etc.; 3. etc.; and 4. etc.

Double-check alphabetical lists for correct order.

fractions and ratios

Hyphenate fractions:

A one-third share is sufficient. She filed one-third of the cards.

Ratios may be given with numerals and a colon:

a 1:2 ratio

mathematical symbols

Close up spaces around mathematical symbols such as equal signs and less than or greater than symbols.

n=243 p <0.05

measurements and dimensions

Spelling out measurements is preferred; when abbreviations are necessary, set them without periods.

20 km 30 ft

Spell out whole numbers. Use numerals with a multiplication symbol (×) in fractions.

three-by-five cards 2½ × 6-inch cards

Use the numeric form.

For currencies other than the US dollar, use the following formats.

$36.50 CAD for Canadian dollars (spell out “Canadian dollars (CAD)” the first time it appears) £37.50 for British pounds €42.75 for euros

other well-known currencies

37.50 Sw. fr. (figure followed by appropriate abbreviation)

lesser-known currencies

95 Haitian gourdes (figure followed by full name of currency)

Use (n=) with the “n” lowercase.

Use a comma in numbers higher than 999, with the exception of page numbers and years. Abbreviate “number” as “no.” when necessary or permitted. Always use the numeric form of numbers with decimal places. For numbers less than one, use a zero preceding the decimal point.

In the Journal of the Medical Library Association (JMLA), formerly the Bulletin of the Medical Library Association , text, spell out ordinal numbers less than 100:

third tenth forty-second 103rd 1,912th

In the text of MLAConnect articles, on MLANET, in monographs, and in other publications, abbreviate ordinals greater than nine. Spell out whole numbers in all publications’ text through ninety-nine:

one through 999,999 one million 101 million

In MLANET “Find a Job” ads, all numbers are represented in numeric form.

Spell out and hyphenate fractions.

If any number in a paragraph requires numerals rather than spelled out numbers, (higher than one hundred, decimal, percentage, money, etc., excepting dates), set all the numbers in numerals.

The library in Johnson City received 124 loan requests during a 1-year period. The library in Smithfield, however, received 19 loan requests, and the library in Morgantown only 12.

Do not begin a sentence with a numeral. Write out the number in full, or recast the sentence.

Provide both numbers (n) and percents where applicable when reporting data.

(n=74, 56%)

If the denominator changes frequently, it is useful to present numbers as n=74/258; 29% unless the denominator is noted in the text.

Of 258 respondents, 74 (29%) indicated...

See also “abbreviations: when to use them” in the Abbreviations section.

percentages

In text, use numerals and “%.” Spell out the numeral and the word only if they begin the sentence. Where the percentage is less than 1%, add a decimal point and a zero.

89% One hundred percent of the students were in attendance. 0.7%

The following are a few common statistical terms; set them as indicated. Text should be used rather than symbols, except for statistics or formulas.

Do not use ditto marks (") for repeated items; supply the numbers. Provide numbers (n), with percentages (where applicable) in the next column in parentheses. Use an em dash to indicate entries that are not supplied or are irrelevant; use a zero to indicate that a particular universe has none of the items in question. Do not use “0%”; that is mathematically impossible. If both real numbers and percentages happen to be zero, give just the real number and no percentage.

In running text, refer to each table by Arabic numeral. Do not use “see”:

Students preferred electronic reserves to print reserves (Table 1).

See also “figures (illustrations)” in the Miscellaneous section.

telephone numbers

Use the following format:

312.419.9094 x743

Spell out the time of day in text for JMLA .

At seven o'clock, the family rose.

If an exact moment is emphasized, use numerals.

At 7:35 a.m., the family rose.

Always use numerals when “a.m.” or “p.m.” are used.

At 7:00 a.m., the family rose.

Set “a.m.” and “p.m.” close, with periods. Use time zones following a comma, lowercase.

The chapter meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m., central time.

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A Quick Guide to Numbers in MLA Style

A Quick Guide to Numbers in MLA Style

  • Nov 05, 2020
  • Academic Editing
  • Proofreading Tips
  • Referencing and Citations

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Your client might not know all the details of MLA style. As an academic proofreader, then, your work may involve checking that documents follow MLA conventions. Thus, in this post, we’re looking at how to present numbers in academic writing according to MLA style.

Numbers in MLA: Numerals or Words?

MLA style sets out two approaches to numbers. In writing that involves few numbers , the MLA Handbook advises spelling out numbers that can be written as one or two words:

o ne, thirty-six, ninety-nine, one hundred, three million

It also says that plurals of spelled-out numbers should be treated as nouns:

fives, thirties

Other numbers, however, should be presented as numerals:

5¾, 305, 643, 2,798

For writing that uses numbers frequently , meanwhile, the MLA advises:

  • Using numerals with units of measurement (e.g., 55 inches , 800 grams ) and other numbers presented alongside them (e.g., comparisons or reports of experimental data).
  • Expressing larger numbers as a mix of numerals and words (e.g., 7 million , 1.4 billion ).
  • Other numbers should be spelled out if they can be written as one or two words.

In both approaches, the MLA also advises using numerals for:

  • Numbers used with abbreviations or symbols (e.g., 8lbs. , 6:00am , $7.90 ).
  • Addresses (e.g., 635 New Street , 81 5 th Street ).
  • Items in a numbered series (e.g., Year 5 , chapter 3 , volume 4 ).
  • Dates (e.g., September 10, 2020 , August 5, 1996 ).
  • Decimal fractions (e.g., 5.6 , 3.142 ).

In addition, in both styles, numbers should be spelled out at the start of a sentence (or the sentence should be rephrased to avoid starting with a number). When proofreading, then, make sure the guidelines above are applied consistently according to the document type.

Commas in Numbers

MLA style recommends placing a comma after every third digit in large numbers. For example:

However, commas are not used in page and line numbers , addresses , or four-digit years .

Page Ranges in MLA Style

For a range of page numbers in a citation or the Works Cited list, the MLA says to write the second value in the range in full for numbers up to 99. For example:

For larger numbers, though, only the last two digits of the second number should be given. The exception is when more are necessary for clarity:

The rules for years are a little different. If a range of years begins AD 1000 or later, MLA says to omit the first two digits of the second year if they are the same as the first two digits of the first year. Otherwise, though, you should make sure both years are written in full:

If the years discussed fall between AD 1 and 999, though, follow the general rules for inclusive numbers. And make sure ranges of years that begin before AD 1 are written in full.

Punctuating Number Ranges

In published work, MLA follows the convention of using an en dash for number ranges:

She spent her most productive period (1907 –1912) in Amsterdam.

However, for simplicity, MLA also permits a hyphen for number ranges in student writing:

She spent her most productive period (1907- 1912) in Amsterdam.

If you’re proofreading student work, then, there is no need to replace hyphens in number ranges. You can simply check that ranges are punctuated consistently.

Roman Numerals

Finally, the MLA Handbook also has a few rules for using Roman numerals :

  • Capitalized Roman numerals are used for the primary divisions in an essay or book outline and as suffixes for the names of persons (e.g., Part I , Henry VII ).
  • Lowercase Roman numerals are only used when citing pages that are so numbered (e.g., in the preface or introduction of a book), with ranges written out in full (e.g., xxv –xxviii , iv –xii ).

If you see Roman numerals in a document, make sure they follow these conventions.

Becoming A Proofreader

Here, we’ve seen what to look out for when proofreading numbers in a document that uses MLA style. But you can learn all about style guides, formatting, and proofreading in general with our Becoming A Proofreader course! Sign up for a free trial today to find out more.

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writing numbers in essays mla

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How to Format Numbers in MLA

Tomas elliott (ma).

  • Published on 03/08/2024

writing numbers in essays mla

Numbers play a crucial role in academic writing, providing clarity and precision to your arguments. In the MLA style, the formatting of numbers follows specific guidelines to ensure consistency and readability throughout your paper. Whether you’re writing a research paper, essay, or any other scholarly work, adhering to MLA conventions for number formatting is essential. In this article, we’ll break down the rules for formatting numbers in MLA style, keeping it simple and easy to understand.

  • Spell Out Numbers in Certain Cases: Numbers which can be written in one or two words should be spelled out. For instance, you would write four, eighteen, ninety-five, three million, or seven billion. This rule applies to most common numbers encountered in everyday writing.
  • Use Numerals for Other Numbers: Numerals should be used for numbers that are not easily expressed in words. Examples include 2¾, 712, 5,037, and 48,000,000. Numerals are particularly appropriate for figures such as measurements, statistics, and precise quantities.
  • Application in Scientific Writing: In scientific writing, it is common to use numerals for various types of data, regardless of their size. This includes units of measurement, statistical expressions, and numerical data in tables and figures. When writing in scientific fields, follow the conventions of your specific discipline while maintaining MLA style guidelines for other aspects of your paper.
  • Formatting Number Ranges: When indicating ranges of numbers, MLA style provides specific instructions. For numbers up to 99, include the entire second number. For example, write 3-17, 65-69, and 85-99. However, for larger numbers, use only the last two digits of the second number. For instance, 111-15, 2,937-46, and 4,587-765.
  • Special Rules for Year Ranges: MLA style has rules for formatting ranges of years, particularly those beginning in 1000 AD. If the first two digits of both years are the same, include only the last two digits of the second year. For instance, write 1965-99 and 2003-08. However, if the first two digits differ, fully write out both years. For example, 1765-1808 and 1985-2024.

To sum up, understanding MLA style’s number formatting is crucial for creating scholarly writing that maintains clarity and uniformity. By adhering to the guidelines provided, you guarantee that your numbers are showcased professionally and are easy for readers to comprehend. Whether you’re indicating quantities, outlining ranges, or referencing statistical information, sticking to MLA conventions will elevate the overall excellence of your academic writing.

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writing numbers in essays mla

Tomas Elliott is completing a PhD in Comparative Literature at the University of Pennsylvania, where he has taught academic writing, research methodologies, and citation practices.

Learn how to cite in MLA

  • How to Cite Religious Works in MLA
  • How to Cite a Blog Comment in MLA
  • How to Cite a Dictionary Entry in MLA
  • How to Cite a Blog Post in MLA
  • How to Cite a Podcast in MLA Format
  • How to Cite Wikipedia Article in MLA
  • How to Format Page Extents in MLA
  • Handling Missing Citation Elements in MLA
  • Cite a Book Published Before 1900 in MLA
  • How to Cite TikTok in MLA
  • How to Cite LinkedIn in MLA
  • Journal Article in Another Language in MLA
  • How to Format Quotation Marks in MLA
  • How to Cite Chapter in Edited Book in MLA
  • How to Format Italics in MLA
  • Introduction, Preface or Foreword in MLA
  • How to Format Lists in MLA
  • How to Cite Multivolume Works in MLA
  • How to Format Works Cited List in MLA
  • How to Format DOIs and URLs in MLA
  • How to Cite Republished Book in MLA
  • How to Cite Reddit in MLA
  • MLA Capitalization in Foreign Languages
  • Cite Book in Another Language in MLA
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  • How to Format Abbreviations in MLA
  • How to Cite Translated Book in MLA
  • How to Format Fonts in MLA
  • How to Cite E-Book in MLA
  • How to Format Headings in MLA
  • How to Use Line Spacing & Margins in MLA
  • How to Cite a Book With Editor in MLA
  • How to Cite an Online Journal in MLA
  • How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA
  • How to Cite Facebook in MLA
  • How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA
  • MLA In-Text Citation Examples
  • How to Cite a Book in MLA
  • How to Cite X in MLA
  • How to Format Dates in the MLA Style
  • How to use Titles in the MLA Style
  • How to Cite a Website in the MLA Format
  • How to Format Various MLA Contributors
  • How to Cite a Webpage in the MLA Format
  • How to Cite YouTube Videos in MLA
  • How to Cite MLA Social Media Citations

IRSC Libraries Home

MLA Style Guide, 8th & 9th Editions: Formatting Your MLA Paper

  • Works Cited entries: What to Include
  • Title of source
  • Title of container
  • Contributors
  • Publication date
  • Supplemental Elements
  • Book with Personal Author(s)
  • Book with Organization as Author
  • Book with Editor(s)
  • Parts of Books
  • Government Publication
  • Journal Article
  • Magazine Article
  • Multivolume Works
  • Newspaper Article
  • Other Formats
  • Websites, Social Media, and Email
  • About In-text Citations
  • In-text Examples
  • How to Paraphrase and Quote
  • Citing Poetry
  • Formatting Your MLA Paper
  • Formatting Your Works Cited List
  • MLA Annotated Bibliography
  • MLA 9th Edition Quick Guide
  • Submit Your Paper for MLA Style Review

MLA recommends using 12-point Times New Roman font or another readable typeface (e.g. serif ).

Line Spacing & Margins

Use double-spacing throughout the entire paper.

Leave 1 inch margins on the top, bottom, and each side.

Indent the first line of each paragraph half an inch from the left margin.

Quotes longer than 4 lines should be written as a block of text a half an inch from the left margin.

Heading and Title

An MLA research paper does not need a title page, but your instructor may require one. If no instructions are given, follow the MLA guidelines below:

Type the following one inch from the top of the first page, flush with the left margin (double spacing throughout).

Your Instructor's Name

Course Number or Name

Center the title on the next line. Follow the rules for capitalization. Do not italicize, underline, or bold the title. An exception is when your title includes a title.  Example:  The Attitude toward Violence in A Clockwork Orange

Indent the next line and begin typing your text.

Include your last name and page numbers in the upper right-hand corner of every page. The page numbers will be one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. If your instructor prefers no page number on the first page, begin numbering from 2 on the second page.

Sample Papers from MLA

There are sample papers available in the MLA Style Center. Check them out to see the correct formatting.

Styling Headings and Subheadings

According to the MLA Style Center website, writers should avoid using headings in shorter papers. If you are writing a longer research paper, you may want to include headings and subheadings to help organize the sections of your paper. Advice from the MLA Style Center :

"Levels

The paper or chapter title is the first level of heading, and it must be the most prominent.

Headings should be styled in descending order of prominence. After the first level, the other headings are subheadings—that is, they are subordinate. Font styling and size are used to signal prominence. In general, a boldface, larger font indicates prominence; a smaller font, italics, and lack of bold can be used to signal subordination. For readability, don’t go overboard: avoid using all capital letters for headings (in some cases, small capitals may be acceptable):

Heading Level 1

Heading Level 2

Heading Level 3

Note that word-processing software often has built-in heading styles.

Consistency

Consistency in the styling of headings and subheadings is key to signaling to readers the structure of a research project. That is, each level 1 heading should appear in the same style and size, as should each level 2 heading, and so on. Generally, avoid numbers and letters to designate heads unless you are working in a discipline where doing so is conventional. Note that a heading labeled “1” requires a subsequent heading labeled “2,” and a heading labeled “a” requires a subsequent heading labeled “b.” 

In a project that is not professionally designed and published, headings should be flush with the left margin, to avoid confusion with block quotations. (The exception is the paper or chapter title, which is centered in MLA style.)

For readability, it is helpful to include a line space above and below a heading, as shown in this post.

No internal heading level should have only one instance. For example, if you have one level 1 heading, you need to have a second level 1 heading. (The exceptions are the paper or chapter title and the headings for notes and the list of works cited.) You should also generally have text under each heading.

Capitalization

Capitalize headings like the titles of works, as explained in section 1.2 of the MLA Handbook.

The shorter, the better."

Modern Language Association. "How Do I Style Headings and Subheadings in a Research Paper?" MLA Style Center., 13 December 2018,  style.mla.org/styling-headings-and-subheadings .

MLA Style Paper Template

  • MLA 9th Edition Paper Template This template was created and saved as a Word template for Microsoft Word 2016. The process for saving and using the template is the same for the instructions given above for 2013.

You can save a personal template in Microsoft Word (IRSC students, download Office for free, see a librarian if you need help). Above is a template you can use every time you need to set-up a research paper using MLA style format. Simply open the template and type your own information every time you need to write an MLA style paper. Microsoft Word will allow you to save personal templates. Once you have the template opened in Word

Click "Save as"

Give the file a name

Under "Save as type", select Word Template

writing numbers in essays mla

Then when you open Word, you will be able to choose a template rather than a blank document. You might have to select Personal to find your template.

writing numbers in essays mla

Sample MLA Paper

MLA 8th Edition Paper Formatting

How to Use the MLA Style Template

Formatting Group Project Papers

For a research paper written collaboratively by several students, such as for a group project, create a title page instead of listing all authors in the header on page 1 of the essay. On the title page, list each student's full name, placing one name on each double-spaced line. After the final student name, enter the professor's name. After the professor's name, give the course name. The last line of the heading will be the date in 5 August 2021 format. Press Enter a few times to move down the page then give the paper title, centered.

MLA 9th Group Research Project Title Page Example

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writing numbers in essays mla

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How to Write Out Numbers in MLA Format

The Modern Language Association established their documentation format in order to create consistency among papers and publications focused on language and literature. Following those standards throughout your paper not only with citations, but also for other elements of format such as the use of numbers, constructs an easy-to-read document that shows your attention to detail.

According to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Seventh edition), for most MLA style papers, spell out numbers written in one or two words such as "two" or "three hundred." If you begin a sentence with a number, spell it out, even if it is a date or other number that uses more than two words. When using large numbers, as long as they do not start the sentence, you can use a combination of numerals and words, such as "3.6 billion." Write out spans of time such as "sixteenth century."

Use numerals for large numbers that do not allow for a smooth combination of numbers and words, such as "151." In papers that rely heavily on numbers, focusing on mathematical or scientific concepts or containing many statistics, use numerals before measurement terms, such as "3 centimeters" and data comparisons such as "the scores rose from 7 to 12." Use numbers to represent amounts of money, in addresses, with symbols such as "%" and "lb.," in decimal representations and for specific dates.

Use the same structure for all portions of ideas that demonstrate a comparative relationship, such as "4 of the 310 members." Use commas between every three digits from the right in large numerals ("1,000" and "352,000,000"). Type symbols such as "$" for money amounts and percentages in MLA. Use consistent order for information in dates: day-month-year with no punctuation (12 January 1990) or day-month-year with a comma after the day and another after the year unless the date appears at the end of a sentence (January 12, 1990).

  • MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (7th edition); Modern Language Association; 2009

Kristie Sweet has been writing professionally since 1982, most recently publishing for various websites on topics like health and wellness, and education. She holds a Master of Arts in English from the University of Northern Colorado.

Home / Guides / Citation Guides / MLA Format / MLA page numbers

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.

writing numbers in essays mla

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
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  • et al Usage
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  • Paraphrasing
  • Page Numbers
  • Sample Paper
  • Works Cited
  • MLA 8 Updates
  • MLA 9 Updates
  • View MLA Guide

Citation Examples

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  • Website (no author)
  • View all MLA Examples

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Q. Do I spell out numbers when referencing chapters in MLA?

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Answered By: Katie Hutchison Last Updated: Oct 14, 2016     Views: 7391

This is what the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers had to say on the subject of numbers:

For Literature and Other Infrequent Number Subjects

"If you are writing about literature or another subject that involves infrequent use of numbers, you may spell out numbers written in one or two words" (such as one, thirty-six, ninety-nine, one hundred, fifteen hundred, etc.) and "represent other numbers by numerals" (such as 2 1/2, 101, 137, 1275, etc.).

To form the plural of a spelled out number, treat it like an ordinary noun. (such as sixes, sevens, etc.)

For Science and Statistics

"If your project is one that calls for frequent use of numbers, say a paper on a scientific subject of a study of statistical findings, uses numerals for all numbers that precede technical units of measurement" (such as 16 amperes, 5 milliliters, etc.).

For Inclusive Numbers

In a range of numbers, use numbers only and give the second number in full for numbers through ninety-nine.

For example: 2-3, 21-47, 10-12, 89-99

For larger numbers, give only the last two digits of the second number, unless more are necessary.

For example: 96-101, 103-04, 395-401, 923-1001, 1003-05, 1608-774

For additional information on numbers, including Roman numerals percentages, and money, see pages 81-85 in the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers.

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Sample Essays: Writing with MLA Style

Congratulations to the students whose essays were selected for the 2023 edition of Writing with MLA Style! Essays were selected as examples of excellent student writing that use MLA style for citing sources. Essays have been lightly edited. 

If your institution subscribes to MLA Handbook Plus , you can access annotated versions of the essays selected in 2022 and 2023. 

Writing with MLA Style: 2023 Edition

The following essays were selected for the 2023 edition of Writing with MLA Style. The 2023 selection committee was composed of Ellen C. Carillo, University of Connecticut (chair); Rachel Ihara, Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York; and Tarshia L. Stanley, Wagner College.

Caroline Anderson (Pepperdine University)

“ L’Appel du Vide : Making Spaces for Sinful Exploration in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde ”

Hunter Daniels (University of South Carolina, Aiken)

“Biblical Legalism and Cultural Misogyny in The Tragedy of Mariam ”

Aspen English (Southern Utah University)

“Putting the ‘Comm’ in Comics: A Communication-Theory-Informed Reading of Graphic Narratives”

Raul Martin (Lamar University)

“The Book-Object Binary: Access and Sustainability in the Academic Library”

Grace Quasebarth (Salve Regina University)

“Finding a Voice: The Loss of Machismo Criticisms through Translation in Isabel Allende’s The House of the Spirits ”

Writing with MLA Style: 2022 Edition

The following essays were selected for the 2022 edition of Writing with MLA Style. The 2022 selection committee was composed of Ellen C. Carillo, University of Connecticut; Jessica Edwards, University of Delaware (chair); and Deborah H. Holdstein, Columbia College Chicago.

Kaile Chu (New York University, Shanghai)

“Miles Apart: An Investigation into Dedicated Online Communities’ Impact on Cultural Bias”

Sietse Hagen (University of Groningen)

“The Significance of Fiction in the Debate on Dehumanizing Media Portrayals of Refugees”

Klara Ismail (University of Exeter)

“Queering the Duchess: Exploring the Body of the Female Homosexual in John Webster’s The Duchess of Malfi ”

Yasmin Mendoza (Whittier College)

“Banning without Bans”

Niki Nassiri (Stony Brook University)

“Modern-Day US Institutions and Slavery in the Twenty-First Century”

Samantha Wilber (Palm Beach Atlantic University)

“‘Pero, tu no eres facil’: The Poet X as Multicultural Bildungsroman”

Writing with MLA Style: 2019 Edition

The following essays were selected for the 2019 edition of Writing with MLA Style. The 2019 selection committee was composed of Jessica Edwards, University of Delaware; Deborah H. Holdstein, Columbia College Chicago (chair); and Liana Silva, César E. Chavez High School, Houston, Texas.

Catherine Charlton (University of King’s College, Nova Scotia)

“‘Coal Is in My Blood’: Public and Private Representations of Community Identity in Springhill, Nova Scotia”

Alyiah Gonzales (California Polytechnic State University)

“Disrupting White Normativity in Langston Hughes’s ‘I, Too’ and Toni Morrison’s ‘Recitatif’”

Meg Matthias (Miami University, Ohio)

“Prescriptions of (Living) Historical Happiness: Gendered Performance and Racial Comfort in Reenactment”

Jennifer Nguyen  (Chaminade University of Honolulu)

“The Vietnam War, the American War: Literature, Film, and Popular Memory”

Emily Schlepp (Northwest University)

“A Force of Love: A Deconstructionist Reading of Characters in Dickens’s  Great Expectations ”

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  1. When to Spell Out Numbers

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  5. Setting up MLA Format Paper in Google Docs Step-by-Step (2020)

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COMMENTS

  1. MLA : Publications : MLA Style Manual: Numbers and Dates

    Do not begin a sentence with a numeral. Write out the number in full, or recast the sentence. Provide both numbers (n) and percents where applicable when reporting data. (n=74, 56%) If the denominator changes frequently, it is useful to present numbers as n=74/258; 29% unless the denominator is noted in the text.

  2. Numbers: Writing Numbers

    Repeat numbers in commercial writing. The bill will not exceed one hundred (100) dollars. Use numerals in legal writing. The cost of damage is $1,365.42. Numbers in series and statistics should be consistent. two apples, six oranges, and three bananas. NOT: two apples, 6 oranges, and 3 bananas. 115 feet by 90 feet (or) 115' x 90'.

  3. MLA Format

    Cite your MLA source. Start by applying these MLA format guidelines to your document: Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman. Set 1 inch page margins. Use double line spacing. Include a ½" indent for new paragraphs. Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page. Center the paper's title.

  4. MLA Formatting and Style Guide

    MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (9th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

  5. A Quick Guide to Numbers in MLA Style

    For a range of page numbers in a citation or the Works Cited list, the MLA says to write the second value in the range in full for numbers up to 99. For example: 5-7. 12-19. 43-55. 78-99. For larger numbers, though, only the last two digits of the second number should be given. The exception is when more are necessary for clarity: 102-07.

  6. General Format

    Writers sometimes use section headings to improve a document's readability. These sections may include individual chapters or other named parts of a book or essay. Essays. MLA recommends that when dividing an essay into sections you number those sections with an Arabic number and a period followed by a space and the section name.

  7. How to Format Numbers in MLA

    For numbers up to 99, include the entire second number. For example, write 3-17, 65-69, and 85-99. However, for larger numbers, use only the last two digits of the second number. For instance, 111-15, 2,937-46, and 4,587-765. Special Rules for Year Ranges: MLA style has rules for formatting ranges of years, particularly those beginning in 1000 AD.

  8. Using Numbers

    When Should I Use Numerals? Use numerals if you are writing an essay about a scientific subject or an essay that includes frequent use of numbers, like statistical findings. Always use numerals: in front of units of measurements. Example: 5 millimeters. with abbreviations such as 6 lbs., 4:20 p.m., $9, 2", 4%. in dates: Example: April 1, 2014.

  9. How to: Numbers and Pronouns

    In MLA format, the best practice is to spell numbers that can be written in one of two words. Examples are: one million, or one-half. For more complicated numbers, or numbers that require more than two words, type them. Examples could be: 365, 5.76, or 2 1/2. In terms of number ranges: always type them in as Arabic numbers.

  10. How do I style percentages?

    The general guideline is to use the percentage symbol with numerals and to use the word percent with spelled-out numbers. In statistical copy that calls for frequent use of numbers, it's appropriate to use numerals, and so the percentage symbol would be used, as in the following example, drawn from a report on a census of language enrollments ...

  11. MLA Style Guide, 8th & 9th Editions: Formatting Your MLA Paper

    The page numbers will be one-half inch from the top and flush with the right margin. If your instructor prefers no page number on the first page, begin numbering from 2 on the second page. ... Simply open the template and type your own information every time you need to write an MLA style paper. Microsoft Word will allow you to save personal ...

  12. PDF The Rules Regarding the Use Numerals in APA and MLA Styles

    The general rule regarding the use of numbers is to use words to express numbers in one or two words (i.e., one, five, thirty-six, ninety-nine, one hundred, etc.) and represent other numbers by numerals (MLA, 98). Some other MLA rules regarding numbers include: • Hyphenate compound numbers from twenty-one to ninety-nine, compounds with a

  13. How to Write Out Numbers in MLA Format

    According to the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (Seventh edition), for most MLA style papers, spell out numbers written in one or two words such as "two" or "three hundred." If you begin a sentence with a number, spell it out, even if it is a date or other number that uses more than two words. When using large numbers, as long as ...

  14. MLA page numbers

    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 ...

  15. When referring to a person's age, do I use numerals or words?

    To decide whether to use numerals or words to refer to a person's age, follow the advice in sections 2.127 and 2.128 of the MLA Handbook. In discussions where few numbers appear, spell out ages that can be written in a word or two (2.127). For example: Johanna came to the United States from Germany …

  16. How are notes numbered and placed in the MLA's books?

    In edited collections of essays, the MLA places notes at the end of each essay and restarts note numbering at 1. We follow the same numbering practice for chapters in monographs (books written by a single author or coauthors) but sometimes place the notes at the end of the book instead of after each chapter. Read more on creating and styling ...

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    This guide follows the 9th edition (the most recent) of the MLA Handbook, published by the Modern Language Association in 2021. To cite sources in MLA style, you need. In-text citations that give the author's last name and a page number. A list of Works Cited that gives full details of every source. Make sure your paper also adheres to MLA ...

  18. MLA In-text Citations

    Revised on March 5, 2024. An MLA in-text citation provides the author's last name and a page number in parentheses. If a source has two authors, name both. If a source has more than two authors, name only the first author, followed by " et al. ". If the part you're citing spans multiple pages, include the full page range.

  19. Q. Do I spell out numbers when referencing chapters in MLA?

    This is what the MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers had to say on the subject of numbers: For Literature and Other Infrequent Number Subjects. "If you are writing about literature or another subject that involves infrequent use of numbers, you may spell out numbers written in one or two words" (such as one, thirty-six, ninety-nine, one ...

  20. MLA Formatting Lists

    MLA Formatting Lists. Note: This page is new and reflects added guidance published in the latest version of the MLA Handbook (i.e., MLA 9). Though they should be used sparingly, lists are a great way to convey information in an easily digestible and recognizable format. Lists are either integrated into the prose or set vertically, dependent on ...

  21. Sample Essays: Writing with MLA Style

    Congratulations to the students whose essays were selected for the 2023 edition of Writing with MLA Style! Essays were selected as examples of excellent student writing that use MLA style for citing sources. Essays have been lightly edited. If your institution subscribes to MLA Handbook Plus, you can access annotated versions of the essays selected …

  22. MLA In-Text Citations: The Basics

    MLA (Modern Language Association) style is most commonly used to write papers and cite sources within the liberal arts and humanities. This resource, updated to reflect the MLA Handbook (9th ed.), offers examples for the general format of MLA research papers, in-text citations, endnotes/footnotes, and the Works Cited page.

  23. Welcome to the Purdue Online Writing Lab

    Mission. The Purdue On-Campus Writing Lab and Purdue Online Writing Lab assist clients in their development as writers—no matter what their skill level—with on-campus consultations, online participation, and community engagement. The Purdue Writing Lab serves the Purdue, West Lafayette, campus and coordinates with local literacy initiatives.