How to Indent an Essay
Overview
Indent the first line of each paragraph 0.5 inches (one Tab press) from the left margin. This is the standard rule in MLA, APA, and Chicago style. Block quotes use a different indent: the entire passage shifts 0.5 inches right. Works Cited and Reference list entries use a hanging indent (first line flush, subsequent lines indented).
Indentation Rules by Citation Style
| Element | MLA | APA | Chicago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Body paragraphs | 0.5 in. first-line indent | 0.5 in. first-line indent | 0.5 in. first-line indent |
| First paragraph after heading | Indent | Indent | Indent (notes style) or no indent (author-date) |
| Block quotes | 0.5 in. left indent, entire passage | 0.5 in. left indent, entire passage | 0.5 in. left indent, entire passage |
| Works Cited / References | 0.5 in. hanging indent | 0.5 in. hanging indent | 0.5 in. hanging indent |
| Abstract (APA only) | N/A | No indent on first line | N/A |
| The 0.5-inch measurement is consistent across all three styles for all indent types. |
Block Quote Indentation
Block quotes shift the entire passage 0.5 inches from the left margin. They do not use quotation marks because the indentation itself signals that the text is borrowed.
MLA: Block quotes start on a new line, indented 1 inch from the left (the standard 0.5-inch paragraph indent does not apply in addition). The citation comes after the closing period.
APA: Indent the block 0.5 inches. If the block quote contains multiple paragraphs, indent the first line of each subsequent paragraph an additional 0.5 inches. Citation follows the closing period.
Chicago: Indent the block 0.5 inches. Footnote or endnote number follows the closing period for notes-bibliography style; parenthetical citation for author-date style.
Hanging Indent for Works Cited and References
The hanging indent is the opposite of a first-line indent: the first line starts at the left margin, and every continuation line indents 0.5 inches. This format makes the first word of each entry (usually the author's last name) easy to scan.
Both MLA Works Cited and APA References require a hanging indent. To set one:
- Google Docs: Highlight entries, go to Format > Align & indent > Indentation options, set Special indent to "Hanging" at 0.5 inches
- Microsoft Word: Highlight entries, right-click > Paragraph > Special > Hanging, set to 0.5 inches
Never simulate a hanging indent with manual line breaks or spaces. The paragraph setting keeps the formatting intact if the text reflows.
Setting Indentation in Google Docs and Word
Google Docs:
1. Select all body text
2. Go to Format > Align & indent > Indentation options
3. Under "Special indent," choose "First line" and set it to 0.5 inches
4. Click Apply
Microsoft Word:
1. Select all body text
2. Go to the Home tab > click the Paragraph dialog launcher (small arrow in the corner)
3. Under "Special," choose "First line" and set it to 0.5 inches
4. Click OK
Keyboard shortcut (Word): Place the cursor at the start of a paragraph and press Tab. This inserts a 0.5-inch indent by default, but using the paragraph setting is more reliable for consistency across the document.
When Not to Indent
A few specific elements are not indented in academic papers:
- APA abstract: The first line of the abstract is flush left, not indented
- Title and headers: The essay title, section headings, and "Works Cited" / "References" labels are centered, not indented
- Tables and figures: Content within tables and figure captions follows its own alignment rules
- Epigraphs: If you open with a quotation before the introduction, formatting varies by style; check your style guide
Every other paragraph in the body of the essay should be indented without exception.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in standard academic formatting (MLA, APA, Chicago), you indent the first paragraph the same as every other paragraph. Some publication styles skip the indent after a heading, but for student essays, indent every paragraph.
Use the paragraph formatting setting. The Tab key inserts a fixed-width character that may not be exactly 0.5 inches and can cause inconsistencies. Setting a first-line indent in paragraph formatting applies it uniformly and survives formatting changes.
Yes. In APA 7th edition, the first paragraph after a heading is indented the same as any other paragraph. APA does not use an unindented first paragraph after headings, unlike some publishing styles.
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