APA Vs MLA| The Key differences in format and citation

In general both the style of citation whether it is APA versus mla style or another style. But, in writing concepts, academic sheets and papers, proper formatting and making them cited are essential for their authentication. Two types of citation which are common citation styles are APA Versus MLA. In this blog post, you will acknowledge the key differences between APA Vs MLA in a simple way. Also this post will give you insights into when to use APA Vs MLA.

Let’s go through it!

Understanding APA and MLA Citation styles

Before getting deep insight into both the styles let us understand about these two terms in more clear form.

APA citation style : This is mainly used in the subject matter of social science, sociology, theoretical humanities and behaviour and education. Whether you are teacher, faculty, academic writer, scholar or PHD holder it is necessary to cite the book in proper manner. The date of publication is the most relevant aspect taken care of in this type of citation.

APA citation style (American Psychological Association)Let’s get understand:

Field of use: Social science, human behaviour, psychology, and education

Overview: APA style emphasis on the date of publication, which is relevant in disciplines and subject areas which rely on data and research. This style is designed to help researchers quickly locate the source of facts and findings.

MLA citation style : This is the citation style used mainly in the subject matter of literature, arts and philosophy. The main focus is on author name and page number to analyze the text and content clearly.

Field of use: Humanities, literature, and cultural languages

Overview: MLA Style focuses on authorship and page number which is suitable for the subject areas of detailed textual analysis. This style of citation is widely used in schools and colleges.

MLA vs APA Examples: In text citation: (Author’s last name page number) Example: (Lyricana 293)

1. Focuses on page numbers for reference purpose
2. A work cited page at the end of the document is mentioned
3. Ideal for the subject areas that involve interpretation and close reading.
4. Simple in citation without the comma formality.

APA is basically for the subject matters of social sciences, MLA is basically used in humanities. APA requires a separate title page, MLA requires no separate title page. APA requires a reference list, MLA requires works cited. APA title capitalization is in sentence case and MLA is in title case.

What is APA style? Overview and key features

APA style is widely used in sociology, psychology, education and social science. It was developed to standardise the structure and presenting academic writing.

Key Features of APA style

1. General formatting: Acceptable times new roman (12 pt), calibri (11 pt) and others.
2. Margins: 1 inch on all the side of the page
3. Spacing double spaced throughout the paper
4. Page numbers included in the top right corner of every chapter
5. Left alignment in every Chapter.

what is MLA style? Overview and key features

MLA style Modern language association style is widely used formatting and citation style part

1. General formatting: Easily readable fonts like times roman 12 pt, 1 inch on all sides, double spaced throughout including works cited page.
2. Page numbers in the top right corner with the author last name
3. No separate title page, centered paper title and instructor name on upper left corner of the first page.
4. Uses author page format if author is mentioned in the sentence, just include the page number.
5. Starts on a new page titled works cited.
6. Use hanging indent for each entry: Examples of book: Lorence, William. Hamlet. Edited by Barabara and paul, Shakespear library 2024.

APA Vs MLA: Key differences In Formatting

Both APA and MLA have different rules for formatting. But often the doubt is when to use APA Vs MLA. Here’s how they different from each other

In text citations APA Vs MLA Compared

When quoting or paraphrasing it is important to cite sources in the body of the chapters. Here the list of differences in the APA and MLA in text citation.

-Reference List vs Works Cited: How APA and MLA Differ

APA Reference List: The references page given in APA style of citation provides the information about the sources of data and gives clear communication to the ultimate readers.

In text citation:(Authors’s ;Last name, year, P Page number) Example: (Perason, 2025, P.122)

1. Used mainly theoretical areas and subject matters
2. Double spacing and a running head in papers
3. Author date citation system
4. A title page with specific formatting

MLA Reference List: These allow the readers to locate the exact page and part of the data source used in the field. All the end lists of the references are alphabetically ordered in the work cited page.

When to use APA or MLA: Choosing the right citation style

Following are some of the points that can assist you in choosing the right citation style.

1. Field of your study: Select the right style for your academic discipline that makes your study more reliable and authenticate.

2. Consistency: Never try to mix different styles in single paper and choose one and stick on that throughout.

3. Instructor or publisher: Always check the professor and editor preference like what they expect regarding the style.

4. Type of source: Some styles are more accommodating, choose accordingly. For MLA and APA examples the best citation will depend on the type of work and data.

Conclusion

In short it can be concluded that APA requires the title page, and it uses the running head, while in case of the MLA style of citation it uses the heading at the first page and includes the name of the author and page number. In writing both the style serves an essential tool for maintaining academic integrity giving and guiding readers to the original material. Both styles are relevant for clear, ethical and proper communication with readers. Choosing style of citation depends on academic subject, discipline and preferences of academic instructor and publishers.