Chicago Manuscript Format

Chicago Manuscript Format

General Format
To format a document according to Chicago, use the following guidelines:

  • Margins should be no less than 1” (recommended) and no more than 1.5”.
  • Times New Roman or Arial font, size 12, should be used.
  • All manuscript text should be double-spaced, except for block quotations, notes, bibliography entries, table titles, and figure captions.
  • Page numbers are usually right-justified in the header, beginning on the first page with the Arabic number 1.
  • Coursework in Chicago format will include either a separate title page or the title on the first page of the text. If your instructions do not require a title page, the heading of the document should have your name, class information, and date. If the instructions require a title page, it should have the following elements, double-spaced:
    • The title should be a third of the way down the page, centered, and the font may be two to three points larger than the main body text.
    • For subtitles, end the title line with a colon then put the subtitle on the line below the title.
    • Your name, class information, and the date can be inserted a few blank lines after your title.

Note: Individual instructors’ specifications may vary, so check with your instructor before formatting and submitting your work.

Work Consulted

Chicago Style formatting information can be found in A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 9th edition, by Kate Turabian.

Page last updated January 24, 2024.