Chicago 18 General Format

The following information is an abridged version of the style and formatting guidelines found in the Publication Manual of the Chicago Manual of Style, 18th ed. (2024).  This sheet is to serve as a ready reference; more in-depth descriptions can be found in the handbook.

Chicago 18 General Format Information

  • Chicago uses two basic systems of citation:
    • Notes & Bibliography System: used in literature, history, and the arts
  • Author-date System: used in the physical, natural, and social sciences
  • Ask your professor which system they prefer.

Notes & Bibliography System

  • In this system, sources are acknowledged by placing a superscript number at the end of the sentence containing the quote or paraphrase. The corresponding number at the bottom of the page (footnote) or at the end of a paper (endnote) contains the full citation.
    • Ask your professor whether they prefer footnotes or endnotes.

Author-Date System

This system is comprised of two indispensable parts: a complete list of sources cited (Reference List), and in-text citations, usually in parentheses.

Page Format

Margins

Margins should be set to one inch on all sides.

Line Spacing

The entire text, including block quotes, should be double-spaced. (Some professors prefer block-quotes single spaced.) If you are using the Notes & Bibliography System, the notes and bibliography are typically single-spaced, but double-spaced between entries.

Paragraphs

Text should be flushed left, and the first line of each paragraph should be indented one-half inch.

Spacing between Sentences

Text should be double-spaced, with no extra space between paragraphs.

Font

Use plain serif fonts, like 12 pt. Times New Roman.

Title Page

Research papers usually require a title page (professors typically require a title page, so make sure to check with your instructor).

Page Numbers

Page numbers appear flushed to the right in the header of the first page of a text and of subsequent pages.

Note: The title page should NOT have a page number

Chicago 18 Sample Title Page

Title

Centered and about a third the way down from the top of the page.

Note: When subtitles apply, end the title with a colon and place the subtitle on the next line

Author Information

Centered, below the title. Include:

  • Your Name
  • Course Name and Title
  • Professor’s Name
  • Date
A title page. The title is in bold type and is centered, and rests about a third the way down from the top. Toward the bottom of the document, but with a few lines beneath it, is the heading. The heading is four lines of text, double spaced, consisting of the author, the course name, the course's professor, and the date.