How do I cite ChatGPT in MLA?

To cite ChatGPT in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.

What does the in-text citation look like for ChatGPT in MLA?

In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is ("Text of your prompt")

How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA (9th edition)

Learn how to cite ChatGPT and other generative AI tools in MLA format (9th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

MLA Works Cited Format

Here is the standard MLA format for citing ChatGPT in your Works Cited page:

"Text of your prompt" prompt. ChatGPT, model or version when available, OpenAI, Day Month Year, public share URL.

MLA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Parenthetical

("Text of your prompt")

Narrative

In response to the prompt, ChatGPT generated the cited text.

Key MLA Formatting Rules

Begin the entry with the prompt text in quotation marks, followed by the word prompt.
List ChatGPT as the container title and OpenAI as the publisher.
Include the model or version as specifically as possible and the date you generated the response.
Prefer a stable public share URL; use the tool's general URL only when no share link is available.
Do not list the AI as an author — MLA treats it as a non-human source.

Step-by-Step Guide

Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your ChatGPT.
Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the MLA (9th edition) template shown above.
Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
Add to your Works Cited: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match MLA requirements.

Evidence and review notes

Worked examples are generated by citeproc from the published CSL definition, not written by a language model. Editorial guidance and sources in this section were reviewed on 2026-08-14.

CSL style record: mla.csl

Editorial sources

MLA Style Center — works cited →

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I cite ChatGPT in MLA?: To cite ChatGPT in MLA (9th edition), include the author, title, date, and source location. Use our free citation generator for automatic formatting.
What is the MLA format for ChatGPT citation?: The MLA format for ChatGPT is: "Text of your prompt" prompt. ChatGPT, model or version when available, OpenAI, Day Month Year, public share URL.
What does the in-text citation look like for ChatGPT in MLA?: In MLA, the in-text citation for the example above is ("Text of your prompt")