MLA vs Chicago Style

Understand the key differences between MLA and Chicago citation styles. Learn when to use each format and how their header requirements differ.

View Comparison Generate MLA Header

MLA vs Chicago Style: Quick Comparison

Feature MLA Style Chicago Style
Primary Use Humanities, Literature, Language Arts History, Literature, Arts
Header Format Name, Instructor, Course, Date Title page with full details
Running Header Last name + page number Shortened title + page number
In-Text Citations Author-page (Smith 23) Footnotes or endnotes
Bibliography Works Cited Bibliography
Font Times New Roman 12pt Times New Roman 12pt
Spacing Double spacing Double spacing
Title Page Usually not required Required

When to Use MLA vs Chicago Style

Use MLA Style For:

  • English literature courses
  • Foreign language studies
  • Cultural studies
  • Comparative literature
  • Literary criticism papers
  • Film studies
  • Media studies
  • Undergraduate humanities papers
Best for: Papers analyzing literary works, cultural phenomena, or language-based research.

Use Chicago Style For:

  • History courses
  • Art history
  • Music history
  • Philosophy papers
  • Religious studies
  • Graduate-level research
  • Book manuscripts
  • Professional publications
Best for: Historical research, archival sources, and extensive footnote documentation.

Header Format Differences

MLA Format Header

Johnson 1
Sarah Johnson
Professor Smith
English 101
24 September 2025
The Evolution of Modern Poetry

Modern poetry has undergone significant transformations...

MLA Header Features:

  • No title page required
  • Header info in upper left corner
  • Running header: Last name + page number
  • Paper title centered below header
  • Double spacing throughout

Chicago Style Header

The Evolution of Modern Poetry



Sarah Johnson

Professor Smith

History 201

24 September 2025

Chicago Style Features:

  • Separate title page required
  • Title centered and larger
  • Author info centered below title
  • Running header: Shortened title + page number
  • More formal presentation

Citation Style Differences

MLA In-Text Citations

Format: (Author Page)

According to recent research, "poetry has evolved significantly in the digital age" (Smith 45).

MLA Works Cited:

Smith, John. Modern Poetry Trends. Academic Press, 2024.

Chicago Footnote Citations

Format: Superscript number with footnote

According to recent research, "poetry has evolved significantly in the digital age."¹

¹ John Smith, Modern Poetry Trends (Academic Press, 2024), 45.

Chicago Bibliography:

Smith, John. Modern Poetry Trends. Academic Press, 2024.

Detailed Format Comparison

Paper Structure

MLA Structure

  1. Header information (upper left)
  2. Paper title (centered)
  3. Introduction paragraph
  4. Body paragraphs
  5. Conclusion
  6. Works Cited page

Chicago Structure

  1. Title page
  2. Introduction paragraph
  3. Body paragraphs with footnotes
  4. Conclusion
  5. Bibliography
  6. Optional: Appendices

Documentation Style

MLA Documentation

  • Parenthetical citations in text
  • Author-page format
  • Works Cited page
  • Minimal footnotes
  • Focus on author and work

Chicago Documentation

  • Footnotes or endnotes
  • Full publication details
  • Bibliography page
  • Extensive footnote system
  • Historical context emphasis

Pros and Cons of Each Style

MLA Style

✅ Advantages

  • Simple, streamlined format
  • Easy to learn and implement
  • Focuses on author and work
  • Less space taken by citations
  • Widely accepted in humanities
  • No title page required

❌ Limitations

  • Limited historical context
  • Less detailed source information
  • Not ideal for extensive research
  • Minimal explanatory notes
  • Less formal appearance

Chicago Style

✅ Advantages

  • Comprehensive documentation
  • Excellent for historical research
  • Detailed source information
  • Professional appearance
  • Flexible footnote system
  • Supports extensive commentary

❌ Limitations

  • More complex to learn
  • Time-consuming footnotes
  • Takes more page space
  • Requires title page
  • Can be overwhelming for beginners

Which Style Should You Choose?

Check Your Assignment

Always use the style specified by your instructor or institution. When in doubt, ask!

↓

Consider Your Subject

Literature/Language → MLA
History/Arts → Chicago

↓

Evaluate Your Sources

Many primary sources → Chicago
Literary analysis → MLA

Generate MLA Header MLA vs APA Comparison