MLA vs Chicago: Key Differences
MLA and Chicago are two of the most widely used citation styles in academia, but they differ in important ways. MLA (Modern Language Association 9th Edition) the standard citation style for the humanities. Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition) america's most trusted style guide for authors, editors, and publishers. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right format for your paper.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MLA | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Citation System | Author-Date | Author-Date |
| In-Text Format | (Author Page) | (Author Year) |
| Reference List Name | Works Cited | Reference List |
| Edition | 9th edition | 17th edition |
| Common Fields | Literature, Languages, Arts, Humanities, Cultural Studies | History, Social Sciences, Arts, Humanities, Publishing |
When to Use MLA
MLA (Modern Language Association 9th Edition) uses a parenthetical author-date citation system with (Author Page) in-text citations and a Works Cited at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Literature, Languages, Arts, and related fields.
When to Use Chicago
Chicago (Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition) uses a parenthetical author-date citation system with (Author Year) in-text citations and a Reference List at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in History, Social Sciences, Arts, and related fields.
See the Difference in Action
Try our interactive comparison tool to compare MLA and Chicago citations side by side using your own sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between MLA and Chicago?
- MLA and Chicago differ in their in-text citation format, reference list structure, and the academic disciplines that use them. MLA uses (Author Page) in-text citations with a Works Cited, while Chicago uses (Author Year) with a Reference List.
- Which is better, MLA or Chicago?
- Neither MLA nor Chicago is inherently better. The right choice depends on your academic discipline, your instructor's requirements, or the journal you are submitting to. Check your assignment guidelines or target publication to determine which style to use.
- Can I switch between MLA and Chicago?
- Yes, you can switch between MLA and Chicago using CitationEasy's free citation generator. Simply select the desired style and your citations will be reformatted automatically. However, you should only use one style per paper unless your instructor says otherwise.