MLA Citation Generator
Create correct MLA 9th edition Works Cited entries in seconds. Autofill from a DOI or type the details, then copy the reference and in-text citation. Free, no sign-up.
What MLA style is (and who uses it)
MLA (Modern Language Association) style is the standard in the humanities — literature, languages, cultural studies. It uses an author–page in-text system, like (Smith 24), pointing to a full entry on a Works Cited page. This tool follows MLA 9.
The MLA 9 "container" model
MLA 9 describes every source with the same set of elements, in order: Author. "Title of Source." Title of Container, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location. You only include the elements that apply.
Journal article
Author. "Article Title." Journal Name, vol. X, no. Y, Year, pp. 00–00. DOI or URL.
Book
Author. Title of Book. Publisher, Year.
Website
Author. "Page Title." Website Name, Day Month Year, URL. Accessed Day Month Year.
MLA in-text citations
- Standard:
(Smith 24)— no comma between name and page. - Author named in the sentence:
(24) - Three or more authors:
(Smith et al. 24)
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Try CiteGood free →Frequently asked questions
How do I cite a source in MLA 9?
MLA 9 uses a 'container' model: Author. "Title of Source." Title of Container, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location. Not every element applies to every source — you include the ones that do.
What does an MLA in-text citation look like?
MLA uses author–page: (Smith 24). If you name the author in the sentence, give just the page: (24). There is no comma between the author and the page number.
How do I handle three or more authors in MLA?
List the first author, then 'et al.': Smith, John, et al. In the in-text citation, use (Smith et al. 24).
Is this MLA generator free?
Yes — free, no sign-up, MLA 9th edition for journal articles, books, and websites, with the matching in-text citation.