Always include a page number when you use a direct quotation — no exceptions in APA, MLA, or Chicago. For paraphrases, APA 7 encourages page numbers whenever you can point to a specific passage but does not require them; MLA 9 requires page numbers for any paraphrase that references a specific passage; Chicago always requires page numbers in footnotes whether direct or paraphrased.
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The logic behind the rule is reader-service: a page number lets any future reader open the source and verify your claim. That is the core job of a citation. If a claim is a synthesis of an entire source, page numbers add nothing and are omitted. If a claim points to a specific sentence or passage, page numbers are required (or strongly encouraged) so the reader can find it.
The core rules by style
| Citation type | APA 7 | MLA 9 | Chicago | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Direct quote (inline) | Required: (Walker, 2017, p. 107) | Required: (Walker 107) | Required in footnote | | Direct quote (block) | Required | Required | Required | | Paraphrase, specific passage | Encouraged | Required | Required | | Paraphrase, whole-work synthesis | Not required | Not required | Use "passim" or omit | | Summary of an entire book | Not required | Not required | Not required |
APA 7: quotes always, paraphrases encouraged
APA 7 is clear on direct quotes: always include a page number with "p." for one page or "pp." for a range.
- Single page: (Walker, 2017, p. 107)
- Page range: (Walker, 2017, pp. 107-109)
- No page (e.g., web source): use paragraph number (Walker, 2017, para. 4) or heading (Walker, 2017, Discussion section)
For paraphrases, APA 7 states page numbers are "encouraged" when the reader would benefit from being able to find the specific passage. In practice, this means:
- Paraphrasing a specific finding, argument, or data point? Include the page.
- Summarizing the source's overall argument? Omit.
Many instructors require pages on paraphrases regardless. When in doubt, include.
MLA 9: pages required for any specific reference
MLA 9 is stricter on paraphrases than APA 7. If you are referring to a specific passage — even paraphrased — include the page number.
- Direct quote: (Walker 107)
- Paraphrase of specific finding: (Walker 107)
- Whole-work summary: (Walker)
MLA allows omitting pages only when you are making a general claim about the entire work. For anything specific, pages are required.
Chicago: footnotes always include pages
In Chicago (notes-bibliography), every footnote citation includes a page number for any quote or specific paraphrase. The footnote short form looks like:
Direct quote: 2. Walker, Why We Sleep, 107.
Paraphrase of a specific section: 3. Walker, Why We Sleep, 120-22.
Whole-work reference (rare in footnotes): use "passim" to indicate the idea appears throughout: 4. Walker, Why We Sleep, passim.
Sources without page numbers
Web articles, ebooks without stable page numbers, podcasts, videos, and interviews all need alternative locators:
- APA 7: use paragraph number (para. 4), section heading (Introduction section), or timestamp for audio/video (Walker, 2021, 14:25).
- MLA 9: use paragraph number, section heading, or timestamp. Omit nothing — give the reader some way to locate the passage.
- Chicago: use paragraph number, section heading, or timestamp in the footnote.
Ebook page numbers that vary by device (e.g., Kindle location numbers) are not acceptable locators in APA 7 because they differ across devices. Use chapter and paragraph or section heading instead.
How to format page numbers in each style
| Style | Single page | Range | Multiple separate pages | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | APA 7 | (Walker, 2017, p. 107) | (Walker, 2017, pp. 107-109) | (Walker, 2017, pp. 107, 115) | | MLA 9 | (Walker 107) | (Walker 107-09) | (Walker 107, 115) | | Chicago | 107 | 107-09 | 107, 115 |
MLA abbreviates page ranges (107-09 instead of 107-109) for pages 100 and above within the same hundred. APA writes them out in full (107-109). Chicago follows the same abbreviation rule as MLA.
Common mistakes
- No page on a direct quote. Always a formatting deduction. Never skip.
- Using "pg." or "pages" instead of "p." / "pp." Wrong in APA; use the period-abbreviation form.
- Including "p." in MLA. MLA does not use "p."; it is just the number: (Walker 107), not (Walker p. 107).
- Citing Kindle location numbers. Not acceptable; use chapter or section plus paragraph number.
- Page on an entire-work summary. Adds noise; omit if you are not pointing to a specific passage.
When page numbers change the citation form
For sources cited multiple times, the short form still includes a page number for each use — see cite the same source multiple times. For block quotes, the page number placement is different (after the final period instead of before) — see block quote when to use. And for multi-author sources, page numbers come after et al. — see et al. when to use.
For the full rulebook on citation formatting, see our research paper guide. When you want a citation workflow that handles page locators automatically, start on our citation page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a page number for a paraphrase?
In MLA 9, yes, whenever you are referring to a specific passage. In APA 7, it is encouraged but not required; when in doubt include it. In Chicago, always required in the footnote.
What if the source has no page numbers?
Use paragraph numbers, section headings, or timestamps. APA 7 specifically allows "para. 4" or "Introduction section" as locators. Never leave a direct quote without a locator of some kind.
Is it "p. 107" or "pg. 107"?
In APA 7 and Chicago, use "p." (single page) and "pp." (multiple pages). "Pg." is informal and not acceptable in formal academic citations. MLA uses no abbreviation at all.
How do I cite a page range?
APA: pp. 107-109. MLA: 107-09 (abbreviated if same hundred). Chicago: follow MLA abbreviation. Use an en dash, not a hyphen, in formal typesetting, but most word processors auto-correct.