Choosing the wrong font on an MLA paper might seem like a small detail, but it can cost you points. Professors notice when text looks off too small, too decorative, or not what the style guide asks for. The good news is that MLA's font rules are straightforward once you know what they actually say. Below, you'll find exactly which typefaces MLA accepts, which ones to avoid, and how to pick the right one before you hit submit.

What fonts does MLA actually approve?

The MLA Handbook (9th edition) no longer mandates a single font. It asks students to use a legible, 12-point typeface. That's the official rule simple and flexible. The handbook also recommends that regular type and italic type look different enough that a reader can tell them apart at a glance.

In practice, most instructors still point to Times New Roman as the safest choice. It's been the academic default for decades, and nearly every professor recognizes it as "correct." If your assignment sheet says nothing about fonts, Times New Roman 12 pt is what most graders expect to see. You can read more about how MLA typeface rules work if you want the full breakdown from the handbook.

Can I use a font other than Times New Roman?

Yes. MLA's 9th edition opened the door to other readable typefaces. Here are the most commonly accepted alternatives:

• Georgia a serif font designed for screen reading. Slightly wider than Times New Roman, with clear letterforms.
• Cambria a serif typeface that ships with Microsoft Office. Clean, balanced, and professional.
• Calibri a sans-serif option. Some professors accept it; others prefer a serif font for body text.
• Arial another sans-serif. Legible and widely available, though less traditional for academic writing.

The key test is readability. If a font looks decorative, handwritten, or hard to scan at 12 points, it's not a good fit no matter how much you like it. For more serif-based options that hold up well in academic papers, see our list of readable serif fonts for research papers.

Why does MLA care about fonts at all?

MLA formatting exists to keep academic writing consistent and easy to read. When every paper in a class uses the same typeface and size, the instructor can focus on your ideas instead of struggling with tiny text or decorative scripts. It also levels the field no one gets a visual advantage from fancier formatting.

Fonts also affect page length. Switching from Times New Roman to a wider typeface or a condensed one can change your page count by half a page or more. Professors know this, which is why many still specify Times New Roman in their rubrics. If you're working on a longer project, you may want to look at typefaces suited for thesis writing, where font choice matters even more over dozens of pages.

What font size does MLA require?

MLA specifies 12-point. This applies to the body text, block quotations, and the Works Cited page. Don't use 11-point to squeeze more text onto a page, and don't bump it to 13 or 14 to fill more pages. Both tricks are easy to spot.

Some fonts look smaller or larger than others at the same point size. Calibri, for instance, appears slightly smaller than Times New Roman at 12 points. If you're using an alternative font and something feels off, print a test page and compare it side by side with a Times New Roman sample.

Should headings and the title use a different font?

No. Keep your entire paper in one typeface at 12-point size. That includes the title, section headings (if you use any), the body, and the Works Cited list. MLA does not call for a separate heading style or a font change for emphasis use italics for that instead.

What are common mistakes students make with MLA fonts?

1. Using a decorative or novelty font. Fonts like Comic Sans, Papyrus, or any script-style typeface have no place in academic papers.
2. Mixing fonts throughout the paper. Pick one and stick with it. Don't switch between paragraphs or between the body and the Works Cited page.
3. Adjusting font size to meet page requirements. Changing from 12 pt to 11.5 pt is noticeable. Write stronger content instead.
4. Forgetting to check the assignment sheet. If your professor specifies a font, that overrides general MLA guidance. Always follow your instructor's rules first.
5. Using a rare font that may not display on other computers. If you submit digitally and the grader's machine doesn't have the font, your text may reformat. Stick with system fonts that come pre-installed on most devices.

How do I set my font in Google Docs or Microsoft Word?

In Microsoft Word: Go to the Home tab, find the font dropdown in the toolbar, and select Times New Roman (or your approved alternative). Set the size to 12 in the box next to it. Press Ctrl+A to select all text first so the change applies to the whole document.

In Google Docs: Click the font name in the toolbar (it usually defaults to Arial). Select Times New Roman from the list. If it's not visible, click "More fonts" at the top of the dropdown to search for it. Set the size to 12 in the adjacent box.

Always double-check your formatting after pasting text from another source. Copy-pasting can pull in unexpected fonts or sizes without you noticing.

Quick checklist before you submit

• Font is Times New Roman, Georgia, Cambria, or another clean, readable typeface
• Size is set to 12 pt throughout the entire document
• One consistent font is used in the body, title, headings, and Works Cited
• Regular and italic versions are clearly distinguishable
• You've confirmed your instructor didn't specify a different font on the assignment sheet
• If submitting digitally, the font renders correctly on another device

Next step: Open your paper right now, press Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A on Mac), and confirm your font and size match the requirements. It takes ten seconds and can save you from an easy avoidable mistake. For a deeper comparison of typefaces used across different academic formats, the Purdue OWL's MLA general format guide is a reliable resource worth bookmarking.