The Modern Language Association (MLA) style is a widely used citation style for writing academic papers, particularly in the humanities and liberal arts. One aspect of MLA style that is sometimes required is the use of tables to present data or other information in a concise and organized way. Here is an overview of the basic formatting guidelines for tables in MLA style.
First, it's important to understand that tables should only be used when necessary to present information in a clear and concise way that would be difficult to present in the text of the paper. If the information can be effectively presented in the text, it is generally preferred to do so.
When using a table in an MLA paper, it should be labeled with a descriptive title and numbered consecutively (e.g., Table 1, Table 2, etc.). The title should be placed above the table and centered, while the table itself should be placed as close as possible to the relevant text in the paper.
In terms of the actual formatting of the table, the table should be set up with clear, concise headings that are left-aligned. Each row and column should be labeled clearly, and the table should be clearly separated from the surrounding text by using a double line above and below the table.
It is also important to use consistent formatting within the table, including aligning numbers to the right and using consistent font sizes and styles. Avoid using vertical lines or other decorative elements, as they can make the table difficult to read.
When citing a table in the text of the paper, you should use the phrase "Table X" followed by the appropriate page number, for example: "As shown in Table 1, the results were quite consistent across all groups."
In the works cited list at the end of the paper, you should include the full citation for the source of the table, including the author, title, and publication information.
In summary, the proper formatting of tables in MLA style involves using clear and concise headings, labeling rows and columns clearly, and citing the source of the table in the works cited list. By following these guidelines, you can effectively present data and other information in a clear and organized way in your MLA papers.
