APA vs MLA: Key Differences Explained
APA and MLA are the two most widely used academic citation styles. They differ in their fields of use, in-text citation format, reference list structure, and how they handle dates and page numbers.
Quick Comparison: APA vs MLA
| Feature | APA (7th Edition) | MLA (9th Edition) |
|---|---|---|
| Used in | Psychology, Education, Social Sciences | Humanities, Literature, Languages |
| In-text citation | (Author, Year) | (Author Page) |
| Reference list name | References | Works Cited |
| Date placement | After author name | At end of entry |
| Publisher location | Not required | Not required |
| DOI / URL | Required when available | Required when available |
| Access date | Only when source may change | Always for web sources |
| Author format | Last, F. M. | Last, First |
When to Use APA vs MLA
Use APA when writing about:
- Psychology and psychiatry
- Education and learning theory
- Sociology and social work
- Business and economics
- Nursing and health sciences
- Communication and media studies
Use MLA when writing about:
- English literature and composition
- Foreign languages and linguistics
- Film, theatre, and performing arts
- Cultural and media studies
- Philosophy and comparative religion
- Art history
In-Text Citation Comparison
APA — Author-Year format
Format: (Author, Year)
“Research shows that sleep deprivation impairs memory consolidation (Walker, 2017).”
Page number only required for direct quotes: (Walker, 2017, p. 45)
MLA — Author-Page format
Format: (Author Page)
“The role of sleep in memory has been extensively studied (Walker 45).”
Year not included in in-text citation — only author and page number
Book Citation Comparison
APA:
Walker, M. (2017). Why we sleep: Unlocking the power of sleep and dreams. Scribner.
MLA:
Walker, Matthew. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams. Scribner, 2017.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main difference between APA and MLA?
APA uses (Author, Year) in-text citations and is used in social sciences. MLA uses (Author Page) and is used in humanities. The reference list in APA is called 'References'; in MLA it is 'Works Cited'.
Which style is easier?
MLA is generally considered simpler for beginners because in-text citations only require the author's last name and a page number. APA has more detailed requirements for the reference list, including specific formatting for different source types.
Can I use APA and MLA in the same paper?
No. Choose one citation style and use it consistently throughout your paper. Check your assignment guidelines to confirm which style is required.
Do APA and MLA both require a title page?
APA (7th edition) requires a title page for most academic papers. MLA does not require a separate title page — instead, the identifying information appears at the top of the first page.