Tables and Illustrations
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Modern Language Association updated their guidelines on April 1, 2016. We have not yet updated this section of Resources for Researchers to reflect these changes. We have ordered a copy of the new guidelines and will update as soon as possible.
The following rules apply to tables
- Place tables near the text to which they relate
- Label with the word "Table" followed by an Arabic numeral (e.g. 1, 2, 3; not i, ii, iii)
- Include a caption on the line below the table and number
- Place the table number and caption above the table
- Double space between the table number and caption
- Double space information in the table
The following rules apply to all other illustrations except for musical citations
- Place illustrations near the text to which they relate
- Label with the word "Fig."""for "figure"""followed by an Arabic numeral (e.g. 1, 2, 3; not i, ii, iii)
- Include a caption on the line below the table and number
- Place the table number and caption below the illustration
- Double space between the figure number and caption
Musical citations follow all of the rules of illustrations except that that they are labeled "Ex."""for "example"""instead of "Fig."
Download an MLA Template
Download a template that has margins, heading, and other information formatted using MLA requirements.
