While grammar is key to writing professional and polished research papers, the rules for writing academic papers extend beyond that. Proper citation, research methodology, and adherence to correct formatting are mandatory. However, this is not an easy task, as each style —APA, MLA, and Chicago—has its own set of rules. In this guide, we will cover the formatting guidelines for all three styles and share examples of acceptable formatting and academic citations to help you ensure your work meets the required standards.
What is an academic research paper format?
It includes a set of rules that define how a paper should appear, such as how to write in-text citations, structure the bibliography, and make style choices like when to use digits for numbers and when to spell them out. And mentioned above, the three main academic style guides are APA, MLA, and Chicago.
So, the first question that may have arrived in your mind is which style guide should you follow. Well, this is the primary step to consider: decide your style guide in advance and follow it religiously. But which style to follow depends on the nature of the research paper, here are guidelines that will help you decide:
- APA: Commonly used in the social sciences, such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, and some business topics.
- MLA: Typically used in the humanities, including languages, philosophy, literature, religion, ethics, and the arts.
- Chicago: Used in history, the arts, and some humanities fields. It has two main styles: Notes and Bibliography, which uses footnotes or endnotes for citations, and Author-Date, which is more like APA in its in-text citations.
Universal Formatting Rules for All Research Papers
Before diving into the differences between APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, we share the universal rules that apply to all academic writing formats. These guidelines ensure consistency and professionalism in your research paper, regardless of the style you choose. Here are the key formatting rules that every style adheres to:
- Double-spacing: All text should be double-spaced.
- Paragraph indentations: Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches.
- Paper size: Use standard 8½-by-11-inch paper.
- Margins: Set one-inch margins on all sides.
- Font and size: Typically, use a readable font like Times New Roman in 12-point size.
- Page numbers: Include page numbers in the header or footer.
- Title page: Depending on the style, a title page may be required.
- Headings and subheadings: Use consistent heading levels to organize your paper.
- Oxford comma: Use the Oxford comma (also known as the serial comma) in lists.
- Numbers: Spell out numbers that begin a sentence, heading, or title.
- Hanging indent: In the bibliography or works cited page, use a hanging indent (every line except the first is indented).
By following these common rules, you can ensure your research paper is well-structured and adheres to academic standards.
APA, MLA, and Chicago Style Comparison
Below is a comparative table highlighting the key differences between APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, helping you make informed decisions when selecting a format for your paper:
| Feature | APA | MLA | Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paper structure | Title Page: Required. Includes title, author(s), institution, course, instructor, and the date (student paper). Abstract: Often required. Max 250 words. Running Head: Page number (student); title + page number (professional). Main Body: Starts with title in bold, centered. | No Title Page (optional). First Page Heading: Includes author, instructor, course, date, aligned left. Running Head: Author’s last name + page number, top right Block Quotes: Used for quotations longer than 4 lines. | Title Page: Optional Page Numbers: Required on all pages (top right or bottom center). Block Quotes: Used for quotations longer than 100 words; no quotation marks; indented. Flexible formatting depending on citation system. |
| Style Rules | Formality: Avoid contractions, slang, and editorial “we”. Capitalization: Title case for headings, sentence case in references. Numbers: Spell out 0–9, use numerals for 10+ and in technical contexts. Fractions: Spell out common simple ones (e.g., one-half). Dates: Year, Month Day (e.g., 2025, May 8) Names: Last name first, followed by the initials of the first and middle names (e.g., Smith, J. A.) | Abbreviations: No periods (UK, not U.K.). Capitalization: Title case for all major words Numbers: Spell out one or two words (e.g., ninety-nine); use numerals in series or frequent references Fractions: Spell out common simple ones. Dates: Fully written (e.g., 8 May 2025). Names: Last name first, followed by the full first name (e.g., Smith, John). | Abbreviations: Periods used for initials (e.g., M.L.K.) and abbreviations with lowercase letters. Capitalization: Title case for all major words Numbers: Spell out 0–100 and round large numbers. Use numerals for page numbers, dates, decimals, and percentages. Fractions: Use numerals for fractions (e.g., ½). Author-Date: Year, Month Day; Notes: Day Month Year Names: Last name first, followed by the full first name (e.g., Smith, John). |
| Citation Format (in-text) | Author-Date Format: (Author, Year) — e.g., (Smith, 2020) For direct quotes: (Smith, 2020, p. 156) | Author-Page Format: (Author Page Number) — e.g., (Camus 73) No comma between author and page number. | Two Options: Author-Date: (Author Year) — e.g., (Maziad 1994) Notes-Bibliography: Superscript in text (with footnotes or endnotes): ¹ Galeed, Crusades, 210. |
| Bibliography Format | “References” Page at end. Entries: Last Name, Initials (Year). Title: Publisher. Example: Sobol, M. (2020). Destiny or control of one’s future? Journal Name, 14(9), 443–455. | Works Cited Page Entries alphabetized by author’s last name. Last Name, First Name. Title. Publisher, Year. Example: Camus, Albert. The Myth of Sisyphus. Random House, 1955. | Depends on system used: Author-Date: “References†list. Notes-Bibliography: “Bibliography†list. Example (Bibliography): Maziad, Amin. The Crusades: Abridged Eyes. London: Al Saqi Books, 1994. |
Choosing the right citation style for your research paper is crucial to presenting your work in a professional and academically accepted manner. Whether you opt for APA, MLA, or Chicago, understanding the unique rules and guidelines of each style will help ensure that your paper meets the highest academic standards. While each style has its specific uses depending on your field of study, following universal formatting rules — such as double-spacing, proper page numbering, and consistent headings — will make your paper look polished and well-organized.
By familiarizing yourself with these style guides and applying their formatting rules consistently, you will not only enhance the clarity and readability of your research, but you will also demonstrate your attention to detail and commitment to academic integrity. If you want to ensure that your paper is flawless and perfectly formatted according to the required guidelines, we at Inkorporated offer professional proofreading and editing services. With an eye for detail, our expert editors can help refine your work and make sure it is submission-ready.
With this guide in hand, you are now equipped to choose the best style for your work and present it with confidence. Happy writing!