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How to Cite Graphs in MLA Format

When you are writing a research paper, you may want to include a graph as a helpful visual to engage your reader's interest. While you may find the perfect graph online or in a book, you must cite the source of the graph just like any other outside information. Citing a graph may seem like a daunting task if you have never done so, but if you follow the specifications of the MLA guidelines you should have no trouble.

Instructions

    • 1

      Refer to the graph in the body of your paper as "figure" without capitalization.

    • 2

      Assign the graph a number. If you have three previous visuals in your paper, this specific graph will be "figure 4."

    • 3

      Write a caption below the graph. The caption should be written in plain text and must be followed by a period. In this case, "figure" should be capitalized. For example, "Figure 4."

    • 4

      Complete the caption by adding source information. Begin with the author's name, followed by the title of the graph. In parentheses, include the location of publication, followed by a colon and the name of the publisher. Outside the parentheses record the page number on which the graph was found. Lastly, write the medium in which the graph was located.

      For example: Figure 4. Andrew Smith, Energy Rates Since 2008 (New York: Green Publishers) 21. Print.

    • 5

      Leave the citation out of your "works cited" page. Since you included all of the relevant information in the caption below the graph, you do not need to repeat it.

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