How to Cite a Journal Article in MLA 9th Edition
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Article Title." Journal Name, vol. #, no. #, Year, pp. page range. DOI or URL.
Citation Components
Author(s)
Last, First. Multiple authors: Last, First, and Last, First.
Article Title
In quotation marks. Capitalize major words (title case).
Journal Name
Italicized. Capitalize major words (title case).
Volume Number
Format: vol. X (include 'vol.' abbreviated).
Issue Number
Format: no. X (include 'no.' abbreviated).
Year
Year of publication.
Page Range
Format: pp. X-X (include 'pp.' for multiple pages).
Real-World Example
Example Source
Chen, Ming, and Lisa Robertson
Digital literacy and academic success
Journal of Educational Research
115
4
2022
456-472
https://doi.org/10.1080/00220671.2021.1234567
Formatted Citation
Chen, Ming, and Lisa Robertson. "Digital Literacy and Academic Success." Journal of Educational Research, vol. 115, no. 4, 2022, pp. 456–472.
In-Text Citation
(Chen and Robertson 456)
(Author page#) or (Author and Author page#)
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Chen, M., & Robertson, L. (2022). Digital Literacy and Academic Success. Journal of Educational Research, 115(4), 456-472.
Right:
Chen, Ming, and Lisa Robertson. "Digital Literacy and Academic Success." Journal of Educational Research, vol. 115, no. 4, 2022, pp. 456–472.
Why: MLA uses author's full first name (not initials), 'and' (not '&'), and quotation marks around titles. Use 'vol.' and 'no.' abbreviations.
Wrong:
Robertson, L. and Chen, M. Digital Literacy and Academic Success. Journal of Educational Research 115:4 (2022): 456-472.
Right:
Chen, Ming, and Lisa Robertson. "Digital Literacy and Academic Success." Journal of Educational Research, vol. 115, no. 4, 2022, pp. 456–472.
Why: List authors in the order they appear in the article. Article title goes in quotation marks. Use proper MLA punctuation.
Wrong:
Chen, Ming, and Lisa Robertson. Digital Literacy and Academic Success. Journal of Educational Research, vol. 115, no. 4, 2022.
Right:
Chen, Ming, and Lisa Robertson. "Digital Literacy and Academic Success." Journal of Educational Research, vol. 115, no. 4, 2022, pp. 456–472.
Why: Article title must be in quotation marks. Always include page range with 'pp.' abbreviation and use en dashes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format multiple authors in MLA? ▼
List the first author as Last, First. Subsequent authors: First Last format with 'and' before the final author: Last, First, and First Last.
Do I need both volume and issue numbers in MLA? ▼
Yes, MLA 9th edition requires both: vol. X, no. X.
Should I include the DOI or URL at the end? ▼
Not required in MLA 9th unless needed for clarity. If included, omit 'https://doi.org/' and write: DOI: 10.1080/xxxxx or just the URL.
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