How to reference a website in MLA 9
A web page reference in MLA 9 has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author page)
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 5 parts
Author. “Title.” Site name, Year, Web address.
. 2 · TITLE“Why Students Struggle to Sleep.”3 · SITE NAMEStudent Sleep Project, 4 · DATE2025, 5 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle.
- 2 · TitleCapital letters for the main words (KanBananza adds them). In double quotation marks.The main heading on the page, not the words in the browser tab.
- 3 · Site nameIn italics.The name of the whole website, often in the logo or the page header.
- 4 · DateThe year.The date it was published or last updated, often near the title or at the bottom.
- 5 · Web addressThe full web address.Copy it from the address bar, so nothing is mistyped.
Two places, one source
Many students sleep less in exam weeks (Green).
The author, and the page when there is one.Green, Amara. “Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, 2025, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle.
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
Made by an organisation
Give the organisation’s name where the author goes.
Riverside Media Bureau. “Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, 2025, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle.
In your essay: (Riverside Media Bureau)
No author
Start with the title instead.
“Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, 2025, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle.
In your essay: (“Why Students Struggle to Sleep”)
No date
Leave the date out. And add the date you looked at it, after “Accessed”.
Green, Amara. “Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
In your essay: (Green)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “and”.
Green, Amara, and Ravi Patel. “Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, 2025, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle.
In your essay: (Green and Patel)
Four or more authors
Give the first author, then “et al.”, which means “and others”. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, Amara, et al. “Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, 2025, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle.
In your essay: (Green et al.)
Easy to get wrong
A web address in your essay
NOT QUITEMany students sleep less in exam weeks (www.example.org).
RIGHTMany students sleep less in exam weeks (Green).
Check your university’s version
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
This guide follows the MLA Handbook, 9th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a website in the text?
Give the author, in brackets: (Green)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how MLA 9 sets it out: Green, Amara. “Why Students Struggle to Sleep.” Student Sleep Project, https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.
Is MLA 9 the same at every university?
Some schools and departments make small changes to MLA. Your course handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.