- Format follows your assigned style (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard) — not a generic template.
- Fix margins, font, spacing and page numbers before the final proofread.
- Every in-text citation needs a matching reference list entry.
First question: which style?
Your assignment sheet usually names a style. If it does not, ask. Common defaults:
- APA 7 — psychology, education, many social sciences. See our APA format guide.
- MLA 9 — literature and many humanities courses. See our MLA format guide.
- Chicago / Turabian — history and some humanities. See Chicago and Turabian.
- Harvard — common at UK universities (local variants). See Harvard referencing.
Not sure how APA and MLA differ? Read APA vs MLA.
Shared formatting basics (most student papers)
| Element | Typical student setting |
|---|---|
| Margins | 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides |
| Font | APA allows several (e.g. 12-pt Times New Roman, 11-pt Calibri, 11-pt Arial). MLA commonly uses 12-pt Times New Roman. Follow your brief. |
| Spacing | Double-space the whole paper unless told otherwise |
| Paragraphs | First-line indent; do not add extra blank lines between paragraphs |
| Page numbers | APA: page number in the header. MLA: last name + page number |
APA 7 student paper skeleton
- Title page: title, your name, affiliation, course, instructor, date (student version — no running head required for student papers unless your school asks).
- Text: start on a new page with the title repeated, bold, centred.
- Level 1 headings: centred, bold, title case.
- In-text: author–date (Smith, 2024, p. 12).
- References: new page, hanging indent, alphabetical.
MLA 9 paper skeleton
- No separate title page by default: first page has your name, instructor, course, date, then centred title.
- Header: last name and page number, top right.
- In-text: author–page (Smith 12).
- Works Cited: new page, hanging indent, alphabetical.
Formatting checklist before you submit
- Style named on the brief matches your citations and reference list.
- Margins, font and spacing match the guide.
- Every in-text citation has a reference-list entry, and every entry is cited.
- Quotations over your style’s length threshold use the correct block format.
- Figures and tables have numbers, titles and sources if required.
- File name and cover sheet follow department rules.
Tools that help formatting (not writing)
Zotero and ZoteroBib can generate references in APA, MLA and many other styles — always spot-check against the official examples. Google Docs and Word templates help with double spacing and page numbers. None of them invent your argument.
Quiet next step: open the APA or MLA guide for worked examples, or build structure with the essay outline maker.
Frequently asked questions
What is the standard research paper format?
There is no single standard. Use the style your assignment names — often APA, MLA, Chicago or Harvard — including margins, font, citations and the reference list.
Do research papers need a title page?
APA student papers usually include a title page. MLA usually does not, unless your instructor asks for one.
What font and spacing should I use?
Double spacing is typical. APA allows several fonts; MLA commonly uses 12-pt Times New Roman. Follow your brief first.
Can a citation generator format the whole paper?
Generators help with references. You still set margins, headings, title page rules and check every entry.
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