In MLA writing, page numbers can appear in more places than you might expect, running headers, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page. Misplacing them or formatting them incorrectly could mean an unnecessary grade deduction. Many students are confused about where exactly to insert these numbers. In this guide, I'll walk you through the MLA page number placement rules and show you how to apply them seamlessly using WPS Office.
Part 1: MLA Page Numbers Overview
Running Head with Page Number
Rules:
In MLA format, a running head appears at the top right corner of each page. It should contain the author's last name followed by the page number, with no punctuation in between. The header must be aligned to the right and maintain the same font and size as the document, typically Times New Roman, 12-point font, double-spaced.
Example:
If your last name is Anand and you're on page 3, the header would look like this:
It appears flush right, one-half inch from the top of the page, starting from page one.
In-text Citation with Page Number
Rules:
MLA style uses parenthetical citations within the body of the text to reference sources. These citations include the author's last name and the page number where the information can be found, with no commas between them.
Example:
Suppose you are citing from page 2 of a book by Rifkin:
If the author's name is mentioned in the sentence, only the page number appears in parentheses:
Note: For more insights on MLA in-text citation rules, check the Orange Coast College MLA Guide.
Page Numbers in the Works Cited Page
Rules:
The Works Cited page should be on a separate page at the end of your document. Page numbers continue sequentially; there is no restart. The running head (author's last name and page number) appears in the top right corner, just like on the rest of the document. The page is titled Works Cited, centered at the top, without bolding, underlining, or quotation marks.
Example:
If your last name is Caulfield and the Works Cited page is page 35:
The Works Cited title would be centered, and your list of references would be double-spaced and use hanging indents.
Part 2: How to Create MLA Format Page Numbers in WPS Office
When it comes to setting up MLA format page numbers, WPS Office offers a practical, efficient solution. It's 100% compatible with MLA formatting standards, ensuring you won't lose points for formatting errors.
Some reasons why WPS Office stands out:
Free MLA templates are available to save time.
Built-in citation tools simplify the in-text citation process.
Cloud save helps keep your documents safe and accessible.
WPS AI assistant can assist with rewriting, reformatting, or even expanding in-text citations according to MLA style.
With WPS Office, you can handle MLA page numbers, in-text citations, and Works Cited formatting without the extra hassle, especially if you're tired of dealing with complicated layouts in other word processors.
Instructions for Creating MLA Format Page Numbers in WPS Office
In this section, I'll guide you through how to set up MLA format page numbers correctly using WPS Office. I'll cover headers, in-text citation tips, and final Works Cited page settings.
Setting Running Head with Page Numbers:
Step 1: Open your document in WPS Writer and go to the Insert tab.
Step 2: Select Header & Footer → Edit Header.
Step 3: Type your last name, hit the spacebar once, and then insert the Page Number by selecting Insert → Page Number from the ribbon.
Step 4: Align the header to the right.
Step 5: Ensure the font and size match MLA requirements, usually Times New Roman, 12-point, and double-spaced.
Formatting In-text Citations (Manual Input):
Unlike headers, in-text citations must be inserted manually within the body of the text.
Step 1: After quoting or paraphrasing a source, add the in-text citation.
Step 2: Format it with the author's last name and page number in parentheses, with no punctuation between them.
Example:
(Smith 76)
or
According to Smith, formatting can be tricky (76).
Tip: If you need help ensuring your in-text citations follow MLA style accurately, WPS Office's AI writing assistant can review them for you.
Page Numbers in Works Cited Page (Manual Input):
Step 1: Scroll to the last page of your document where your Works Cited section starts.
Step 2: Confirm the Header with your last name, and the running page number appears here as well; it continues the sequence.
Step 3: Center the title Works Cited at the top of the page. Use regular font (no bold or italics).
Step 4: Double-space all entries and apply a hanging indent to each citation.
Tip: MLA style doesn't require a new numbering sequence on the Works Cited page; it continues naturally from the previous pages.
FAQs
Q1: Should I put my name and the page number on the first page too?
Yes, you should. According to MLA guidelines, MLA format page numbers must appear on every page, including the first one. The header must show your last name, followed by the page number, aligned to the top right. Skipping the first page is a common mistake; don't fall for it.
Q2: What if I have no page numbers in my source?
If your source lacks page numbers, MLA style recommends simply using the author's last name without a page number in the in-text citation. For example:
(Smith)
It's important not to guess or invent page numbers. MLA format emphasizes accuracy, especially for in-text citations.
Q3: Can I start numbering from page 2 instead?
No, you cannot. MLA page numbers must start from page 1. Even if the first page is your title page or introduction, MLA does not exempt it from page numbering. Ensuring consistent MLA style page numbering across the entire document helps maintain professionalism and avoid confusion.
Q4: Does MLA require a title page with a page number?
MLA format typically does not require a separate title page unless specifically requested by your instructor. Standard MLA format begins with your name and course information at the top left of the first page, and the MLA format page numbers appear in the header on the right. However, if a title page is assigned, it would not typically include a page number.
Note: Always double-check assignment instructions; some professors may modify MLA guidelines slightly.
