Yes, research papers are double spaced by default. APA 7, MLA 9, and Chicago (author-date) all require 2.0 line spacing throughout the entire document — title page, body, block quotes, references or works cited, footnotes, and appendices. No extra space between paragraphs; no single-spaced sections unless your instructor's rubric explicitly overrides the style guide.
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"Double spaced" means exactly one blank line between each line of text (line spacing = 2.0 in Word or Google Docs). It does not mean extra space before or after paragraphs, and it does not mean hitting Enter twice between paragraphs. Getting this wrong costs easy formatting points.
Quick rules by style
| Style | Body spacing | Block quotes | References | Footnotes | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | APA 7 | Double | Double | Double | Double (per APA 7) | | MLA 9 | Double | Double | Double (Works Cited) | Double | | Chicago (author-date) | Double | Single (blocks) or Double | Double | Single, space between entries | | Chicago (notes-bibliography) | Double | Single (blocks) | Double | Single, space between entries |
Note the Chicago exception: in traditional Chicago, block quotes and footnotes are single-spaced, with a blank line between footnote entries. APA and MLA keep everything double-spaced uniformly.
How to set it in your word processor
Microsoft Word:
- Select all text (Ctrl+A / Cmd+A).
- Home tab, Paragraph panel, click the line spacing icon.
- Choose 2.0.
- In the same panel, set "Spacing Before" and "Spacing After" both to 0 pt. This is the step most students skip, which causes extra gaps between paragraphs.
Google Docs:
- Select all (Ctrl+A / Cmd+A).
- Format menu, Line and paragraph spacing, Double.
- Also from the same menu, Remove space before paragraph and Remove space after paragraph.
Pages (Mac):
- Select all.
- Format panel, Style tab, Spacing: Double.
- Before and After paragraph: 0 pt.
What counts as double spacing (and what doesn't)
- Line spacing 2.0 with 0pt before/after paragraphs — correct.
- Line spacing 1.5 or "at least" — wrong; reads as single to graders.
- Line spacing 1.0 with an extra blank line between paragraphs — wrong; APA and MLA both require true 2.0 throughout.
- Line spacing 2.0 with 12pt after paragraphs — wrong; causes double gaps between paragraphs. Rubrics flag this.
- Line spacing "exactly 24pt" — technically works for 12pt font but fragile; stick to 2.0.
What about the title page and references?
APA 7 and MLA 9 both require double spacing on the title page and the references or Works Cited page. Do not single-space your bibliography even though it looks cleaner; graders trained on the style manuals will dock it.
APA 7 allows a double-spaced reference list with no extra space between entries, but each entry uses a hanging indent on the second and subsequent lines. MLA 9 uses the same pattern: double spaced throughout, hanging indent on each entry.
Common exceptions to watch for
- Specific course rubrics. Some professors require single-spaced block quotes even in MLA, or 1.5 spacing for lab reports. The course rubric always overrides the default; read it before submitting.
- Journal submissions. Many journals request single-spaced or 1.5 spacing with tighter margins — this is a publication format, not the standard student research paper default.
- Tables and figures. APA 7 allows single or 1.5 spacing inside tables and figure captions if it improves readability.
- Appendices. Usually double spaced, but some disciplines (computer science, engineering) allow single spacing for code blocks.
When a rubric conflicts with the style guide, follow the rubric and note the deviation if the rubric does not.
Why double spacing matters
Two reasons. First, it creates room for instructor margin comments and markup, which is the original purpose. Second, it standardizes page counting — a 10-page paper means the same thing across students when everyone is on 2.0 spacing with 12pt Times New Roman or 11pt Calibri and 1-inch margins. Our note on font choice for research papers covers that pairing.
For the full formatting picture (margins, headings, page numbers, title page), see our research paper guide. If you are tracking length now and wondering whether your paper is actually the right size, our answer on how long a research paper should be pairs well.
When you are ready to start the draft with formatting already set, our research paper page gives you a structured starting point with double spacing and the right margins baked in.
Frequently asked questions
Is 1.5 spacing ever acceptable for a research paper?
Rarely. Some journals and internal reports use 1.5, but APA 7, MLA 9, and Chicago all require 2.0 for student papers unless a course rubric explicitly says otherwise.
Do I double space the title page?
Yes. APA 7 and MLA 9 both require double spacing on the title page. Keep the line spacing consistent across the entire document.
Should there be extra space between paragraphs?
No. Double spacing is built into the line spacing itself. Adding extra spacing before or after paragraphs creates visible gaps that most rubrics flag.
What about block quotes?
In APA 7 and MLA 9, block quotes are also double spaced. In traditional Chicago, block quotes are single spaced. Always check which style your course requires.