Page Abbreviations: p., pp., or pg.?
Page abbreviations are style-dependent. MLA documents p. and pp. in relevant works-cited contexts, while Chicago often omits them but allows them for clarity or consistent house style; “pg.” should not be substituted automatically.
For MLA/Chicago-style scholarly references, use the documented forms “p.” and “pp.” when page abbreviations are needed; Chicago may omit them unless clarity or house style calls for them.
Key details
Important caveats
Chicago Boundary
Chicago often omits p./pp. in citations but allows them when they improve clarity or when house style uses them consistently.
Pg Boundary
For MLA/Chicago-style scholarly references, prefer the forms those authorities document—p. and pp.—rather than assuming “pg.” is the standard citation abbreviation.
Further guidance
Singular Plural
MLA documents “p.” and “pp.” in relevant source-list contexts, conventionally corresponding to page and pages.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- MLA Style Center — volume, issue, and page abbreviations (opens in a new tab)Modern Language Association · Documents MLA use of p. and pp. before page numbers in relevant works-cited contexts
- Chicago Q&A — p. and pp. before page numbers (opens in a new tab)The Chicago Manual of Style / University of Chicago Press · Chicago guidance that p. and pp. can be used for clarity and may follow house style