MLA Format Research Paper Font Size Guidelines
When writing a research paper, students are expected to follow specific formatting guidelines set by their educational institutions and style guides like the Modern Language Association (MLA). The MLA has published specific standards for font choices, sizes, and formatting that students must adhere to produce research and academic papers that conform to MLA style. This article will explore the MLA requirements for font size in a research paper in depth.
MLA Standard Font Size
The default font size recommended by the MLA for body text in a research paper is 12 points. 12 point Times New Roman font is considered the standard by the MLA and should be used unless otherwise specified by an instructor. Using 12 point sizing ensures readability and consistency across all pages of the research paper. It allows for text that is adequately sized to read while also fitting appropriately on standard 8.5 x 11 inch paper.
12 point font should be used for:
The main body text of the paper from the introductory paragraph through to the conclusion.
Block quotes of more than 4 lines that are indented from the left margin.
Footnotes or endnotes if used for citations rather than in-text references.
The bibliography or works cited page at the end of the paper.
Acceptable Alternative Fonts
While Times New Roman 12 point is the MLA standard, some alternative font choices are acceptable if the 12 point size is maintained:
-Arial
-Calibri
-Garamond
-Georgia
-Tahoma
-Verdana
These sans serif or serif fonts can be substituted for Times New Roman as they are all clear, legible typefaces approved by the MLA. Sticking to 12 point sizing across any alternative font choice ensures consistency.
Special Considerations for Font Size
There are a few instances where the MLA allows or requires deviations from the standard 12 point font size:
Footnotes or endnotes can be sized down to 10 point font to fit properly at the bottom of pages without becoming too small to read.
Titles of larger works like books, movies, albums, periodicals, etc. can be 14 point when italicized in-text references or bibliography entries. This distinction emphasizes the title.
Short quotes that are less than 4 lines can remain in 12 point but should not be indented and can be included inline within the surrounding text.
Charts, figures, images, or tables included may vary in font size depending on the size and context but should not be significantly smaller or larger than 12 point to impact readability.
An exceptionally long research paper of say 20+ pages may go down to 11 point font to fit more content on each page but this is an exception that requires instructor approval.
Custom Font Size Requirements
Some instructors may mandate a specific custom font size rather than strictly enforcing the MLA 12 point standard. If this is the case, students must abide by what is required even if it deviates from MLA guidelines. Custom requirements could include:
A specified 11 or 13 point font size for the whole paper.
Different sizing for particular sections like 10 point notes and 14 point text.
A minimum or maximum page count for the paper that necessitates adjusting font size to fit requirements.
Use of a specific font like Calibri 11 point rather than Times New Roman.
Students should always check assignment guidelines or syllabi carefully for any special font size instructions from their professor before beginning a paper. In the absence of custom rules, 12 point Times New Roman remains the standard MLA formatting to follow.
Consistency in Font Size
Consistency across pages is important to consider for font choices and sizing in a research paper. Unless otherwise specified by a professor, the same font (whether Times New Roman 12 point or an approved alternative) should be used for:
The title page
All body text sections
Any headers or footers
Block quotes
Notes/endnotes and citations
The bibliography
Varying the font type, style (italic, bold, etc), or size within a paper disrupts visual consistency which can distract or confuse readers. Only make changes to emphasize certain text as specifically permitted by MLA guidelines. Otherwise, keep all type styled and sized uniformly to adhere to MLA formatting rules.
In Conclusion
Proper MLA font formatting is an essential element of presenting a polished, readable research paper. By default, 12 point Times New Roman should guide font choices unless otherwise directed. Ensure consistency across sections and follow any custom rules from instructors when they deviate from core MLA standards. Maintaining legible, uniform text styling through fonts and sizing shows professors that thoughtful consideration was given to how the paper will be visually evaluated as well as academically assessed.