How to Cite Journal Articles in MLA Format [2026 Guide]

Journal articles are foundational sources in academic research. This comprehensive guide explains how to cite both print and digital journal articles using MLA 9th edition format, including articles from online databases, open access journals, and traditional print publications.

Understanding Journal Citations in MLA Style

Academic journals are scholarly periodicals that publish peer-reviewed research articles. In MLA format, journals function as containers for articles, similar to how websites contain web pages. The journal title is italicized, while the article title appears in quotation marks.

MLA 9th edition treats print and online journal articles similarly, with minor differences based on how you accessed the article. This unified approach reflects the reality that most academic research today happens through online databases, even for articles originally published in print.

Basic Format for Journal Article Citations

The standard format for a journal article citation includes these elements:

Core Elements of Journal Citations

Journal articles typically include these MLA core elements:

1. Author: The researcher(s) who wrote the article
2. Article Title: In quotation marks, using title case
3. Journal Title: Italicized container name
4. Volume Number: Preceded by "vol."
5. Issue Number: Preceded by "no."
6. Publication Year: Just the year for journals
7. Page Range: Using hyphens (e.g., 45-67)
8. DOI or URL: Digital object identifier or stable link

Step-by-Step Citation Instructions

Step 1: Identify the Author(s)

List the author's name in Last Name, First Name format. For multiple authors, list the first author this way, then others in First Name Last Name order.

Single author:

Two authors:

Three or more authors:

Step 2: Format the Article Title

Place the article title in quotation marks using title case. Capitalize the first word, last word, and all major words. Include any subtitle after a colon.

Step 3: Include the Journal Title

Italicize the journal title in title case. Omit any introductory articles (The, A, An).

Step 4: Add Volume and Issue Numbers

Include the volume number preceded by "vol." and the issue number preceded by "no.". Most academic journals use both, though some only have volume numbers.

Step 5: Include Publication Year and Pages

Add the publication year followed by the page range. Use "pp." before page numbers and separate the range with a hyphen. Omit page numbers if the article is unpaginated (common for online-only journals).

Step 6: Add DOI or URL

Include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) when available, as it's the most stable locator for digital articles. Format as "doi:" followed by the identifier without "https://doi.org/". If no DOI exists, use a stable URL.

Print vs. Digital Journal Articles

Print Journal Article

For articles read in print format, omit the DOI or URL but include all other elements:

Digital Journal Article with DOI

Digital Article without DOI

Articles from Online Databases

When accessing articles through library databases like JSTOR, ProQuest, or EBSCOhost, you don't need to include the database name if you include a DOI. The DOI is preferred as it provides direct access to the article regardless of database.

In-Text Citations for Journal Articles

Standard In-Text Citation

Include the author's last name and page number in parentheses:

Multiple Authors

Three or More Authors

Author Named in Sentence

No Page Numbers (Online Articles)

Special Cases and Variations

Article with Subtitle

Online-Only Journal (No Page Numbers)

Journal with Only Volume Numbers

Preprint or Accepted Manuscript

Special Issue Article

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Including Database Names Unnecessarily

Don't include the database name (JSTOR, ProQuest, etc.) if you have a DOI. The DOI provides permanent access to the article regardless of which database was used to find it.

2. Incorrect DOI Formatting

Use "doi:" followed by the identifier, not the full URL "https://doi.org/10.1234/example". MLA prefers the compact format.

3. Forgetting Volume and Issue Numbers

Both volume and issue numbers are important for locating journal articles. Don't omit them even if you include a DOI.

4. Wrong Punctuation Between Elements

Use commas between most elements, but use a period after the article title (before the journal title). Pay attention to punctuation: vol. 42, no. 3, not vol 42 no 3.

5. Incorrect Author Format with Multiple Authors

Only invert the first author's name. For two authors, use "Last Name, First Name, and First Name Last Name." For three or more, use "Last Name, First Name, et al."

6. Omitting Page Numbers for Print Articles

Always include page numbers (pp. 123-145) for print articles and online articles that use traditional pagination. Only omit for online-only journals without page numbers.

7. Using Article Numbers Instead of Pages

Some online journals use article numbers (Article 12345) instead of page numbers. In these cases, include the article number: "Article 12345" or "Art. 12345".

8. Incorrectly Formatting Issue Numbers

Always use "no." before issue numbers, not "#" or "issue". Correct format: "no. 3" not "#3" or "issue 3".

Finding Citation Information

Locating all necessary citation elements for journal articles:

• Title page: Usually contains author names, article title, and sometimes the DOI
• Header/Footer: Often shows journal title, volume, issue, and page numbers
• First page: Typically displays full citation information including DOI
• Database record: Contains complete citation details when accessing through library databases
• Journal website: Article landing pages show all publication metadata

Why Journal Citation Accuracy Matters

Accurate journal citations are crucial in academic writing. They allow readers to locate the exact articles you referenced, enable verification of your research claims, and give proper credit to researchers. In academic contexts, correct citation format demonstrates your scholarly competence and attention to detail.

Journal articles represent peer-reviewed research, making them among the most reliable sources in academic writing. Citing them correctly shows respect for the scholarly process and helps readers assess the quality and relevance of your sources.

Understanding DOIs

Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) are permanent identifiers for scholarly articles. Unlike URLs, which can change if a journal moves to a new platform, DOIs remain constant. This makes them the preferred location element for digital articles. Most academic journals assign DOIs to all published articles, and these are typically displayed prominently on the article page or in the PDF.

Generate Perfect Journal Citations

While understanding journal citation format is essential, creating properly formatted citations can be time-consuming. Our citation generator handles the details for you, ensuring accuracy and consistency across all your sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I always need both volume and issue numbers?

Include both when available. Some journals only use volume numbers, in which case you only include that. Check the journal's own citation information.

What if I can't find a DOI?

Use a stable URL instead. For older articles or certain journals, DOIs may not exist. The journal's website URL for the article is acceptable.

Should I include month of publication?

For academic journals, include only the year. Months are used for magazines and newspapers, not scholarly journals.

How do I cite an article I accessed through a database?

Include the DOI if available. You don't need to mention the database name. If there's no DOI, you may include the database URL, though a direct journal URL is preferred.

Conclusion

Mastering journal article citations in MLA format is essential for academic success. By understanding the core elements—author, article title, journal title, volume, issue, year, pages, and DOI—you can confidently cite any journal article you encounter in your research. Remember that consistency and attention to detail are key, and don't hesitate to use citation tools to ensure accuracy in your work.