Editorial Standards
This article is written by the Gradily team and reviewed for accuracy and helpfulness. We aim to provide honest, well-researched content to help students succeed. Our recommendations are based on independent research — we never accept paid placements.
How to Write a Works Cited Page in MLA Format
Step-by-step MLA 9 Works Cited formatting with examples for websites, books, articles, and more.
Table of Contents
How to Write a Works Cited Page in MLA Format
TL;DR
A Works Cited page lists every source you referenced in your paper, formatted in MLA 9 style. Entries are alphabetized by author's last name, double-spaced, with hanging indentation. Each entry follows a standard template: Author. "Title." Container, other details, date, location.
What Is a Works Cited Page?
The Works Cited page goes at the end of your MLA-formatted paper. It lists every source you cited in your text (using in-text citations like (Smith 42)). Every in-text citation needs a corresponding Works Cited entry, and vice versa.
The MLA 9 Core Template
MLA 9 uses a universal template for ALL source types:
Author. "Title of Source." Title of Container, other contributors, version, number, publisher, publication date, location.
Not every source uses every element. Just include what's available and relevant.
Formatting Rules
- Title: "Works Cited" centered at the top (not bold, not underlined)
- Spacing: Double-spaced throughout
- Font: Same as your paper (usually Times New Roman, 12pt)
- Indentation: Hanging indent (first line flush left, subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches)
- Order: Alphabetical by author's last name
- Page number: Continues from your paper's page numbering
Examples by Source Type
Book
Smith, John. The Art of Writing. Penguin Books, 2024.
Book with Two Authors
Smith, John, and Jane Doe. Writing Together. Oxford UP, 2023.
Journal Article
Johnson, Maria. "The Impact of Social Media on Teens." Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 58, no. 3, 2024, pp. 245-252.
Journal Article with DOI
Johnson, Maria. "The Impact of Social Media on Teens." Journal of Adolescent Health, vol. 58, no. 3, 2024, pp. 245-252. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx.
Website Article
Brown, David. "How to Study Effectively." Education Today, 15 Mar. 2025, www.educationtoday.com/study-tips.
Website with No Author
"Study Tips for College Students." Khan Academy, 2025, www.khanacademy.org/study-tips.
YouTube Video
"How Photosynthesis Works." YouTube, uploaded by CrashCourse, 14 Jan. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=xxxxx.
Social Media Post
@NASAGoddard. "The James Webb Space Telescope has captured..." Instagram, 12 Feb. 2025, www.instagram.com/p/xxxxx.
Common Mistakes
- Not alphabetizing — Entries must be in alphabetical order by author last name
- Using numbers instead of names — Don't number your entries (1, 2, 3...)
- Forgetting hanging indent — Every entry after the first line is indented
- Missing periods — Each main element ends with a period
- Incorrect italics — Book titles and journal names are italicized; article titles are in quotes
- Including sources you didn't cite — Only include sources that appear in your in-text citations
In-Text Citations (Quick Reference)
Every time you reference a source in your paper, include an in-text citation:
- Direct quote: (Smith 42)
- Paraphrase: (Smith 42)
- No author: ("Title" 42)
- No page number: (Smith)
Let Gradily Help You Format
Writing the paper is hard enough — let Gradily help you focus on your argument while we help you keep your formatting clean.
[Try Gradily for Free →]
A properly formatted Works Cited page shows your professor that you're thorough, honest about your sources, and know how to follow academic conventions. It's easy points — don't leave them on the table. 📄
Ready to ace your classes?
Gradily learns your writing style and completes assignments that sound like you. No credit card required.
Get Started Free