Begin with the assignment
Check the instructor’s required template and current MLA instructions before choosing a font. A department can specify a particular family even when the general style guidance is broader.
Keep the chosen font consistent across the main text and references unless the required template explicitly defines another role.
Compare roman and italic text
MLA emphasizes that ordinary and italic forms should be clearly distinguishable. Inspect an actual sentence containing a book title rather than choosing from a font menu name alone.
A genuine italic style can differ from software-generated slanting. Use the selected family’s available style and check the exported document.
Use the size as part of the layout
A standard value such as 12 points is a starting part of MLA’s formatting guidance. It is not a measurement of every letter’s visible height. Avoid shrinking the type to force a page count.
Margins, line spacing and page numbering have their own requirements; choosing a font does not finish the paper format.
Read the family background
The Times New Roman guide covers its history and styles. Compare APA font options only when that is the actual required style; the two formats should not be mixed by accident.
Your questions, answered.
Is Times New Roman the only MLA font?
MLA’s cited research-paper guidance presents it as an example of a readable typeface. Follow any narrower instructions from your instructor.
Does changing the font complete MLA formatting?
No. Line spacing, margins, headings, citations and other requirements are separate.
Sources & background
Sources supporting this page’s explanations. Practical examples are our editorial suggestions.