Is a Works Cited Page Double Spaced? Everything You Need to Know
If you have ever written an essay in MLA format, you have probably asked yourself, is a works cited page double spaced? The short answer is yes, but there is much more to it than a simple yes or no. And understanding the spacing rules for your works cited page goes beyond memorizing a format — it is about presenting your research in a clear, professional way that respects academic standards. Whether you are a high school student, college freshman, or someone returning to academic writing after years, getting these details right can make a significant difference in how your paper is received Simple as that..
What Is a Works Cited Page?
A works cited page is a list of all the sources you referenced in your research paper. It appears at the end of your document and serves as a way for readers to locate the original materials you used. This page is a cornerstone of academic integrity because it gives credit to authors whose ideas, data, or words you borrowed.
Worth pausing on this one Worth keeping that in mind..
The works cited page follows specific formatting guidelines, and one of the most frequently asked questions about it is whether the text should be double spaced. The answer lies in the formatting style you are using, most commonly MLA (Modern Language Association) or APA (American Psychological Association) Easy to understand, harder to ignore. Simple as that..
MLA Works Cited Page Spacing Rules
In MLA format, which is widely used in humanities and liberal arts courses, the works cited page is indeed double spaced. There should be no extra spaces between individual citations. Every line of text on the entire page should be double spaced, from the first entry to the last. This rule applies consistently across the whole page That's the part that actually makes a difference..
Here is a quick checklist for MLA works cited page formatting:
- Double space every line on the page
- No extra spacing between entries
- Use a hanging indent for each citation (the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented half an inch)
- Center the title "Works Cited" at the top of the page
- Use Times New Roman font at size 12
- Include the page number in the top right corner, continuing the header from your essay
The hanging indent is an important detail. So many students get confused about whether the indentation should be first line or subsequent lines. In MLA, it is the subsequent lines that are indented, which creates a clean visual separation between sources.
APA Reference Page Spacing Rules
While the question most often comes up in the context of MLA, it is worth noting that APA style also requires double spacing on the reference page. Even so, APA has a few differences. In APA format:
- The reference page is titled "References" instead of "Works Cited"
- Entries use a hanging indent as well
- The list is arranged alphabetically by the author's last name
- Double spacing applies to every line, just like MLA
Whether you follow MLA or APA, the principle remains the same — your bibliography or reference page is double spaced throughout.
Why Does Double Spacing Matter?
You might wonder why spacing matters so much. Which means after all, it seems like a small detail. But consistency in formatting serves several important purposes.
1. Readability. Double spacing makes the page easier to scan. Readers can follow each entry without getting lost in dense, cluttered text. Academic papers often contain complex citations with multiple elements — authors, titles, publishers, dates, URLs — and proper spacing helps readers parse that information quickly Worth keeping that in mind..
2. Professionalism. Formatting guidelines exist for a reason. Following them shows that you respect the conventions of academic writing. Professors and instructors often deduct points for incorrect formatting, and spacing is one of the most common mistakes students make.
3. Accessibility. Standardized spacing makes it easier for screen readers and assistive technologies to interpret your document. Many universities now require papers to meet accessibility standards, and consistent double spacing is part of that.
Common Mistakes Students Make With Works Cited Spacing
Even when students know the rules, mistakes happen. Here are some of the most common spacing errors on a works cited page:
- Adding extra spaces between entries. This is one of the most frequent errors. Students sometimes hit Enter twice between citations, creating blank lines. In both MLA and APA, you should have no extra spacing between entries.
- Single spacing the entire page. Some students, especially those using word processors with default single spacing, forget to adjust settings before writing their bibliography.
- Inconsistent spacing. Mixing single and double spacing within the same page looks sloppy and can cost you points.
- Incorrect hanging indent. While not directly a spacing issue, an improperly set hanging indent can make the page look unprofessional and harder to read.
How to Set Up Double Spacing in Common Word Processors
Setting double spacing is simple in most writing tools:
Microsoft Word:
- Select the text on your works cited page
- Go to the Home tab
- In the Paragraph section, click the Line and Paragraph Spacing button
- Choose 2.0
Google Docs:
- Highlight the text
- Click Format in the menu bar
- Select Line spacing
- Choose Double
Apple Pages:
- Select the text
- Go to the Format panel
- Under Spacing, set line spacing to Double
Make sure to apply this setting to your entire works cited page, including the title. Many students only double space the entries and leave the title single spaced, which is incorrect.
Does the Works Cited Page Count Toward Your Page Requirement?
Another common question is whether the works cited page counts toward the total number of pages your assignment requires. The answer depends on your instructor's instructions, but in most cases, yes, it does. The works cited page is considered part of your paper, so it should be included when counting pages. That said, some professors may specify whether the works cited page should be counted separately, so always check the assignment guidelines And it works..
Honestly, this part trips people up more than it should.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you double space between each citation on a works cited page? No. You double space every line on the page, but you do not add extra blank lines between individual citations Most people skip this — try not to. Worth knowing..
Is the title "Works Cited" double spaced? Yes. The title should be part of the double-spaced text. There is no extra spacing between the title and the first entry.
What if my instructor says single space the works cited page? Follow your instructor's directions. While MLA and APA standards require double spacing, some professors may have specific requirements for their class.
Does APA use the term "Works Cited"? No. APA uses the term "References" for the bibliography page Simple, but easy to overlook. Turns out it matters..
Can I use 1.5 spacing instead of double spacing? In standard MLA and APA guidelines, only double spacing is acceptable. 1.5 spacing is not recommended for academic papers Easy to understand, harder to ignore. But it adds up..
Final Thoughts
So, is a works cited page double spaced? Consider this: taking the time to set up your formatting correctly from the start will save you from unnecessary revisions and ensure your paper looks polished and credible. Which means absolutely. This small detail is part of a larger system designed to make academic writing clear, consistent, and professional. Which means whether you are formatting in MLA or APA, the rule is consistent — every line on the page must be double spaced, with no extra gaps between entries. The next time you sit down to write a bibliography, remember this rule and let your works cited page reflect the care and effort you put into the rest of your research Still holds up..
