MLA Format Checker
MLA Format Checker
Check your paper for common MLA 9 formatting requirements. Paste your text or upload a .docx file.
MLA 9 Formatting Check
Based on the formatting we can detect, your paper appears to follow these MLA 9 requirements. Some MLA requirements depend on context and should be reviewed before submission.
What the Format Checker Looks For
This checker provides suggestions based on common MLA 9 conventions. Some formatting decisions require human review and context. We do not claim 100% MLA compliance.
How to Use the Format Checker
- Paste your content. Copy your paper text and paste it into the text area, or upload a .docx file.
- Run the check. Click "Check My Paper" to analyze your formatting.
- Review the results. Results are grouped by category (Paper Structure, Formatting, Works Cited) with pass, warning, and info states.
- Follow suggestions. Address any warnings by editing your paper. Use the MLA Formatter to fix formatting issues automatically.
Understanding the Results
Each check result falls into one of four categories:
- Pass. The checker found evidence that this MLA requirement is met.
- Warning. Something may need attention. Review the suggestion and fix if applicable.
- Info. The checker couldn't determine this from the text alone. Human review may be needed.
Warnings don't necessarily mean your paper is wrong — they flag areas where the checker couldn't confirm proper formatting. Some checks depend on document layout that isn't visible in plain text.
What the Checker Cannot Detect
This checker analyzes text content, not document formatting. It cannot reliably detect:
- Exact font family or size. Pasted text doesn't carry font information.
- True document margins. Margins are a page-layout property, not a text property.
- Actual page breaks. The checker can't see where Word places page breaks.
- Line spacing in the original document. Blank lines between paragraphs suggest spacing, but can't confirm double-spacing.
- Running headers. The checker doesn't analyze the running header with last name and page number.
For complete formatting verification, use the MLA Formatter, which applies all formatting rules when creating your document.
Common MLA Formatting Problems
The MLA heading requires four lines: student name, instructor, course, and date. All four are required.
MLA papers need a centered title below the heading. It should be in plain text — not bold, underlined, or in a larger font.
MLA uses double-spacing throughout. There should be no extra blank lines between paragraphs.
If you cite sources in your paper, you need a Works Cited page at the end.
MLA dates should be in Day Month Year format — for example, 15 September 2024, not September 15, 2024.
Every opening quotation mark should have a matching closing mark. The checker flags potential mismatches.