How to Format a Paper in Chicago Style

Start by configuring the basic document layout. Set one-inch margins on the top, bottom, left, and right sides of every page. Use a standard, professional font - Times New Roman in 12-point size is the academic default. Set your line spacing to double-spaced for the main body text. However, block quotes, table titles, and figure captions should be single-spaced. Ensure the text is left-aligned rather than justified, leaving a 'ragged' right edge which is easier to read.

Chicago style typically requires a dedicated title page. Center the title of your paper about one-third of the way down the page in all capital letters. If there is a subtitle, place a colon after the main title and write the subtitle on the next line. Move down several lines and center your full name. At the bottom of the page, center the course name, instructor name, and the date. Do not include a page number on the title page; the numbering begins on the first page of the actual essay.

Place page numbers in the top right-hand corner of the header. Use Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3). In Chicago style, the title page counts as page zero and does not display a number. Therefore, your first page of text will display the number 2. Some instructors may also require your last name to appear next to the page number in the header, though the standard manual only requires the digit itself.

The hallmark of Chicago style is the footnote system. Whenever you quote or paraphrase a source, insert a superscript number at the end of the sentence or clause. This number corresponds to a citation at the bottom of the same page. The first time you cite a source, provide a full citation. For subsequent citations of the same source, use a shortened note consisting of the author's last name, a shortened title, and the page number. Ensure footnotes are single-spaced, but leave a blank line between individual notes.

List all sources used in your research on a separate page titled Bibliography. Center the title at the top of the page. Arrange entries alphabetically by the author's last name. Use a hanging indent for each entry: the first line is flush left, and all subsequent lines are indented 0.5 inches. While the main body of your paper is double-spaced, bibliography entries should be single-spaced with a single blank line between each entry to maintain clarity.