When writing an academic research paper, it's important to follow the right format. The research paper format goes beyond just citing sources or using proper research methods. 

You need to structure and write your paper according to the specific rules of one of the three main research paper formats: APA, MLA, or Chicago. Each format has its own set of guidelines.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the key formatting rules you need to know. We’ll cover the details for each research paper format: APA, MLA, and Chicago. Plus, we’ll give examples of how to properly cite sources in each style, helping you follow the correct research paper format for your paper.

What is a research paper format?

A research paper format is a set of rules that guide how to write an academic research paper. These formats have different guidelines on things like in-text citations, how to organize your bibliography, and even style choices like when to spell out numbers.

While there are a few other styles, the three main research paper formats used today are APA, MLA, and Chicago.

Style guide comparison: Which formatting guidelines to use

The first step in writing your research paper is choosing the right format. It’s best to decide which style you’ll use for citations and writing before you start writing. This will save you time and effort later when you need to edit.

The format you choose depends on the subject of your research paper. Professors may specify which style to use, but if they don’t, here’s a general guide:

• APA: Used for social sciences like psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, and some business topics.

• MLA: Used for humanities subjects such as languages, literature, philosophy, religion, ethics, and the arts.

• Chicago: Common for history and unique topics.

These formats differ in paper structure and other rules, but the biggest difference is how they handle academic citations.

You can check out our article on citation examples to see the differences and learn how to create them.

Common rules for all research paper formats

Before we dive into the differences between APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, let's look at some rules that are the same for all three formats. These are universal guidelines for academic writing that you should follow, no matter the style:

• Double-spaced text

• Paragraphs should have a 0.5-inch indentation

• Printed on 8½-by-11-inch paper

• One-inch margins on all sides (except for running heads)

• Use the Oxford comma (serial comma) in lists

• Spell out numbers that begin a sentence, heading, or title

• Entries in the bibliography should use a hanging indent (every line except the first is indented)

APA style guide

The APA format, created by the American Psychological Association, is often used in the social sciences. This style focuses on clarity and formality to match the scientific nature of its disciplines. In APA, dates and years of publication are especially important in citations.

APA Paper Structure

• Title Page: Every APA paper needs a title page. It should include the paper's title and the names of the authors. For student papers, add the school name, course number, instructor's name, and the assignment due date. Professional papers should also include the authors' affiliations and a note on the authors.

• Running Head: Each page in APA papers requires a running head. For student papers, this will only include the page number, placed at the top right. Professional papers also include a shortened version of the paper’s title (50 characters or less), placed at the top left.

• Abstract: Not all APA papers require an abstract, but when they do, it appears right after the title page. The abstract should be a brief summary (under 250 words) of your paper. The word “Abstract” should be centered and in bold at the top of the page, and the text should be unindented. You can organize the abstract in a paragraph or in sections like Objective, Method, Results, and Conclusion.

• First Page: The first page of text includes the paper's title, centered and in bold, with title case capitalization.

APA Style Rules

• Formality: Avoid contractions (like "don't" or "can't") and informal language. Instead of using "we" to refer to everyone, be specific. For example, say “people” or “the average person.”

• Capitalization: Use title case for all headings, tables, and figure titles (capitalize the first letter of each important word). For the titles of works in your reference list, use sentence case (only capitalize the first letter of the first word).

• Fractions: If the fraction is simple and common, like one-half or one-third, spell it out.

• Numbers: Spell out numbers from zero to nine, but use numerals for 10 and above. However, some rules always require numerals:

  • Numbers with units of measurement (9 inches)

  • Numbers in a series (Chapter 4)

  • Times and dates (4:17 p.m., 7/20/69)

  • Ages (5 years old)

  • Scores and points (7–1)

  • Money ($3.50)

  • The number itself (the number 8)

  • Statistical or mathematical functions (10:1, 3 times as many)

APA Citation Formats

For in-text citations where the source details are not mentioned in the text, use parenthetical citations. This should include the author’s last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma. If you’re using a direct quote, also include the page number (abbreviated as "p."), a timestamp, or another location indicator, separated by a comma.

Example: (Sobol, 2021)

Example with direct quote: (Sobol, 2021, p. 455)

APA Bibliography Formatting

Every source you use in your research paper needs a full citation on the reference page. In APA style, this page is titled “References,” which is centered and in bold at the top of the page. The reference page comes after the text of your paper, but before any tables or appendices.

Each citation typically includes the author’s full name (with the last name first), the title of the work, the publication date, and sometimes the type of source.

Example: Sobol, M., Przepiórka, A., Meisner, M., & Kuppens, P. (2021). Destiny or control of one’s future? Fatalistic time perspective and self-esteem in extroverts and introverts. The Journal of General Psychology, 149(4), 443–455.

Different types of sources (books, online articles, videos, etc.) have their own citation formats. For more details, refer to our full APA citation guide.

MLA style guide

The MLA format, created by the Modern Language Association, is commonly used for research papers in the arts and humanities. It's one of the most popular styles, especially for high school and undergraduate students. MLA focuses on the creators and authors of works, emphasizing their contributions in citations.

MLA Paper Structure

Block Quotes: When using direct quotes longer than four lines (or three lines for poetry), set them as block quotes. These should be indented 0.5 inches on both sides and separated from the rest of the text. Don’t use quotation marks. Place the parenthetical citation after the punctuation.

First-Page Heading: While title pages are optional in MLA, the first page must include a heading, aligned to the left. This heading should include:

• Author’s name

• Instructor’s name

• Course number

• Due date

Running Head: Every page must include a running head with the author’s last name and page number, aligned to the right.

MLA Rules for Style

Abbreviations: Don’t use periods with abbreviations (e.g., use UK, not U.K.).

Numbers: Spell out numbers or fractions that can be written in one or two words (e.g., ninety-nine, twenty million, one-fifth). For other numbers, use numerals. Also, use numerals for items in a series (e.g., Chapter 4) or when numbers are discussed frequently (e.g., between 50 and 150 people).

Dates: Write out full dates using the month-day-year or day-month-year format. Don’t abbreviate dates.

Names: Use a person’s full name the first time you mention them. After that, use only their surname (last name). Include particles like de, O’, or von in surnames.

MLA Citation Formats

In-text citations in MLA use parenthetical citations with the author’s last name and, if possible, the page number, timestamp, or another location indicator. Do not include commas or abbreviations for the page number.

(Camus 78)

MLA Bibliography Formatting

In MLA, the bibliography is called the "Works Cited" page. It appears at the end of your paper, with the title "Works Cited" centered at the top. Entries are listed alphabetically by the first word, usually the author's last name.

Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus and Other Essays. Translated by Justin O'Brien, Random House, 1955.

Chicago Style Guide

The Chicago format stands out from APA and MLA because it allows more flexibility. Instead of strict formatting rules, it provides options, letting writers choose the method that best fits their work.

One key area of flexibility is in citation systems. Chicago offers two main options: Author-Date and Notes-Bibliography. The Author-Date system is similar to APA and MLA, using parenthetical citations in the text. On the other hand, the Notes-Bibliography system uses footnotes or endnotes to cite sources, keeping the text uninterrupted.

This adaptable approach makes Chicago style suitable for various types of research and writing.

Chicago Paper Structure

• Page Numbers: Include page numbers on every page. Place them in the top right or bottom center of the page.

• Block Quotes: For direct quotes that are five lines or longer, use block quotes. Indent these quotes 0.5 inches, and don’t use quotation marks.

• Capitalization: Use title case for all headings.

Chicago Rules for Style

• Abbreviations: Add periods for abbreviations that end with lowercase letters and for initials in names (e.g., J.K. Rowling). If the entire name is initialized (like MLK), no periods are needed. Use all caps without periods for other abbreviations (e.g., NASA).

• Numbers:

  • Spell out numbers from zero to one hundred and large round numbers like one thousand or one million.

  • Simple fractions, such as one-fifth, should also be spelled out.

  • Use numerals when combining whole numbers with fractions (e.g., 3 ?).

  • Always use numerals for:

    • Measurements or symbols (e.g., 3 km)

    • Percentages (e.g., 7%)

    • Decimals (e.g., 0.333).

Chicago Citation Formats: Author-Date

The author-date citation style in Chicago format works similarly to APA and MLA. It uses parenthetical citations that include the author’s last name and the year of publication. If needed, you can add a page number or location indicator without abbreviations. Note that there’s no comma between the author’s name and the year, but a comma separates the page number or location.

Example:
(Maalouf 1984)
(Maalouf 1984, 215)

Notes-Bibliography Citation Style

The notes-bibliography system in Chicago format uses footnotes (at the bottom of the page) or endnotes (at the end of a chapter or section). This format is helpful if your paper has many citations, as it avoids interrupting the flow of reading with parenthetical references.

In the text, citations are marked with superscript numbers that match corresponding notes. If your paper includes a bibliography, notes use a short format, showing only the author’s name, a shortened title, and the page number:

1. Maalouf, Crusades, 210.

If there is no bibliography, the first note for a source must include the full citation:

1. Amin Maalouf, The Crusades through Arab Eyes (London: Al Saqi Books, 1984).

For all later references to the same source, you can use the short format.

Chicago Bibliography Formatting

Chicago format offers flexibility in its bibliography. The title at the top varies depending on the citation system: use “Bibliography” for the notes-bibliography system and “References” or “Works Cited” for the author-date system.

For formatting, the author’s last name comes first, followed by the first name. Titles are written in title case, where all major words are capitalized.

Example:
Maalouf, Amin. The Crusades through Arab Eyes. London: Al Saqi Books, 1984.

Key takeaways

Most research papers follow one of three main formats: APA, MLA, or Chicago. The choice usually depends on the subject or your professor’s requirements.

• APA is commonly used for social sciences.

• MLA works best for arts and humanities.

• Chicago is preferred for history and specialized topics.

Each style has specific rules for formatting, like when to spell out numbers or how to create academic citations.

You can find the basics for each format above or check out our detailed guides for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles to learn more.

Research paper format FAQs

What are the differences between APA, MLA, and Chicago reference styles?

The three main research paper formats, APA, MLA, and Chicago each have unique rules for structuring papers and creating academic citations. These styles are often chosen based on the subject: APA is used for social sciences, MLA for arts and humanities, and Chicago for history or specialized topics.

Can I use more than one citation style in a research paper?

No, you should stick to one research paper format throughout your paper. Mixing styles can cause confusion because each format has rules that may conflict with others.

What are common mistakes to avoid in research paper formatting?

Make sure to follow the correct guidelines for citing different types of sources. For example, citing a book follows a different format than citing an online article, even within the same style. Always double-check your citations to avoid errors.