Are MLA Citations Numbered? A Simple Guide for Google Docs Users

If you’re working on a research paper or essay in Google Docs and wondering whether MLA citations are numbered , you’re not alone. The Modern Language Association (MLA) format is widely used in humanities, and understanding its citation rules is key to submitting polished, professional work.

Let’s break it down: No, MLA citations are not numbered in the in-text citation or in the Works Cited page. Instead, MLA uses author-page style for in-text citations and organizes the Works Cited list alphabetically by the author's last name.

Below is a step-by-step guide to help you format MLA citations correctly in Google Docs , and a helpful tool to streamline the process.

How to Format MLA Citations in Google Docs

1. Start with the Correct Document Format

Before diving into citations, make sure your document follows MLA guidelines:

1. 12-point Times New Roman font
   
2. Double-spaced lines
   
3. 1-inch margins
   
4. A header with your last name and page number (use Insert > Page numbers in Google Docs)
   

2. Insert In-Text Citations Properly

In MLA format, in-text citations include the author's last name and page number, like this:

(Smith 23)

To add an in-text citation in Google Docs:

1. Type your quote or paraphrased sentence.
   
2. Follow it with the citation in parentheses, before the period.
   

Tip: Don’t number citations or footnotes in MLA unless your professor specifically requests it.

3. Create a Works Cited Page

Your Works Cited section should appear on a new page at the end of your document. Here's how to set it up:

1. Go to the end of your paper and choose Insert > Break > Page break .
   
2. Title the page “Works Cited” (centered).
   
3. Use a hanging indent (select your citations, then go to Format > Align & Indent > Indentation options , and choose “Hanging”).
   

4. Alphabetize Your Sources

MLA does not number citations in the Works Cited list. Instead:

1. Arrange sources alphabetically by the author’s last name .
   
2. If no author is listed, alphabetize by the first word of the title (ignore "A", "An", or "The").
   

FAQ: MLA Citations in Google Docs

Are MLA citations numbered?

No, MLA format does not use numbered citations. Both in-text citations and the Works Cited list rely on author names and page numbers, not numerical references.

What if I’m using a source with no author?

In your in-text citation, use a shortened version of the title. In the Works Cited page, alphabetize by that title.

Can I use footnotes in MLA?

Footnotes are generally used sparingly in MLA and only for supplementary content. They are not used for standard citations.