The threshold for when to use block quotes depends on your style guide: APA requires block quotes at 40+ words, MLA uses 4 or more lines of prose, and Chicago recommends block formatting for quotes exceeding 100 words. Understanding these thresholds ensures proper formatting and helps you decide whether to quote directly, paraphrase, or summarize source material.

This guide covers quote length requirements across major style guides, formatting rules for inline and block quotes, and best practices for web writing.

Quick Reference: Block Quote Thresholds by Style Guide

Important note: These thresholds are minimums. You can always format shorter quotes as block quotes for emphasis, but quotes exceeding these lengths must be formatted as block quotes.

APA Style Quote Requirements

The 40-Word Rule

APA 7th Edition uses a strict word count threshold for determining quote format.

Inline quotes (under 40 words):

• Integrate directly into your paragraph text
• Enclose in double quotation marks
• Include page number in citation: (Author, Year, p. XX)
• Punctuation goes inside quotation marks (American style)

Block quotes (40+ words):

• Start on a new line
• Indent entire block 0.5 inches from left margin
• No quotation marks around the text
• Double-spaced throughout
• Period comes before the parenthetical citation
• No additional indent for first line

APA Block Quote Formatting Example

When a quote reaches 40 words, format it as follows:

Smith (2023) argued that effective writing requires understanding audience expectations:

Academic writing demands precision in citation format because readers rely on consistent formatting to locate sources, verify claims, and build upon existing research. Without standardized approaches, the scholarly communication process breaks down entirely. (p. 45)

Why 40 words? The APA Publication Manual established this threshold based on readability research. Quotes longer than 40 words disrupt paragraph flow when embedded inline and benefit from visual separation.

Counting Words for APA

What counts toward the 40-word limit:

• All words in the quoted passage
• Hyphenated words count as one word
• Numbers written as words

What doesn’t count:

• Your attribution phrase (“According to Smith…”)
• The parenthetical citation
• Material you add in brackets

Tip: Use a word counter before formatting. Quotes between 35-45 words are easy to misjudge without counting.

MLA Style Quote Requirements

The Four-Line Rule

MLA 9th Edition uses line count rather than word count to determine quote format.

Prose quotations:

• Inline: 1-3 lines in your paper
• Block quote: 4 or more lines

Poetry quotations:

• Inline: Up to 3 lines of verse
• Block quote: 4 or more lines of verse

Drama quotations:

• Always block quote dialogue between characters
• Prose speeches follow prose rules

MLA Line Counting Details

How to count lines: Lines refer to how the quote will appear in your paper, not how it appears in the source.

Factors affecting line count:

• Your paper’s margins
• Font and font size (typically 12pt Times New Roman)
• Line spacing (double-spaced for MLA)

Practical approach: Type the quote into your document with standard MLA formatting. If it spans four or more lines, use block format.

MLA Block Quote Formatting

MLA block quotes have specific requirements:

• Indent entire block 0.5 inches from left margin
• No quotation marks
• Maintain double spacing
• Period before parenthetical citation
• Works Cited entry required

For prose: Maintain paragraph breaks from the original if quoting multiple paragraphs.

For poetry: Preserve line breaks and spacing from the original. If the line is too long, indent continuation by 0.25 inches.

Chicago Style Quote Requirements

The 100-Word Guideline

Chicago Manual of Style 17th Edition recommends block format for quotes of 100 words or more.

Key distinction: Chicago calls this a “general guideline” rather than a strict rule. Use judgment based on:

• Quote length relative to your paragraph
• Visual impact on the page
• Whether the quote needs special attention

Chicago’s flexibility:

• Shorter quotes can be blocked for emphasis
• Slightly longer quotes can stay inline if flow demands it
• Context and document style matter

Chicago Block Quote Formatting

Notes-Bibliography style:

• Single-space within block quotes
• Add extra line space before and after
• Reduce type size by one point (optional)
• No quotation marks unless quoting within the quote

Author-Date style:

• Similar to APA formatting
• Indent from left margin
• No quotation marks
• Citation follows final punctuation

Chicago Considerations for Dialogue

When quoting dialogue:

• Short exchanges: Keep inline with quotation marks
• Extended dialogue: Use block format regardless of word count
• Maintain original paragraph breaks for speaker changes

AP Style for Journalists

AP Quote Guidelines

AP Stylebook doesn’t specify a word count threshold but follows general principles:

Use block format when:

• Quote spans two or more paragraphs
• Quote requires special emphasis
• Full text of a statement matters

Keep inline when:

• Brief excerpts support your narrative
• Partial quotes provide context
• Breaking up would lose impact

Journalism Best Practices

Quote selection:

• Quote only what advances the story
• Use the speaker’s most compelling words
• Paraphrase mundane information

Attribution placement:

• First reference: “Smith said” after the quote
• Subsequent references: Attribution can precede quote
• Long quotes: Break with attribution mid-quote

Web Writing: Quote Length for Digital Content

Online Readability Considerations

Web content has different requirements than academic or print publishing:

Screen reading factors:

• Readers scan rather than read linearly
• Long quotes may be skipped entirely
• Mobile screens make long blocks overwhelming
• Visual separation helps comprehension

Web-appropriate quote length:

• Inline: 1-2 sentences (under 50 words)
• Pull quote/block: 2-4 sentences maximum
• Longer material: Consider summarizing

Blog and Article Best Practices

When to use block quotes online:

• Highlighting expert opinions
• Featuring testimonials
• Reproducing important statements
• Setting up analysis or response

Formatting for web:

• Use visual styling (indent, border, background)
• Keep block quotes under 100 words
• Consider pull quotes for emphasis
• Add context before and after

Mobile considerations:

• Long block quotes fill entire mobile screens
• Break very long quotes into multiple blocks
• Ensure adequate contrast for readability

When to Paraphrase Instead of Quote

Paraphrasing Advantages

Not everything needs direct quotation. Consider paraphrasing when:

The language isn’t distinctive:

• Factual information
• Standard explanations
• Data and statistics
• Common knowledge

You need to condense:

• Source is verbose
• Only part of the content is relevant
• Summary is more effective

Integration matters:

• Quote would disrupt your voice
• You need to maintain argument flow
• Multiple sources cover similar ground

Quote Selection Criteria

Keep direct quotes for:

• Precise language that can’t be improved
• Technical definitions
• Distinctive voice or style
• Legally or historically significant wording
• Controversial or surprising claims

Rule of thumb: If you can say it better or more concisely in your own words, paraphrase. If the original language is essential, quote.

Balancing Quotes and Original Content

Academic papers:

• Quotes should support your analysis, not replace it
• Ratio guideline: 80% your words, 20% quoted material
• Introduce and discuss every quote

Web content:

• Quotes add credibility and authority
• Don’t let quotes dominate your content
• Always provide context and commentary

Common Quote Length Mistakes

Mistake 1: Over-Quoting

Problem: Using lengthy quotes when summary would suffice.

Signs of over-quoting:

• Block quotes longer than 150 words
• Multiple block quotes per page
• Quotes without commentary
• Quoting entire paragraphs when sentences would work

Solution: Quote selectively. Extract the key sentences that make your point.

Mistake 2: Choppy Quote Integration

Problem: Short quotes interrupting sentence flow.

Example of choppy quoting: The author believes “effective” communication requires “clear” expression of “complex” ideas.

Better approach: The author argues that effective communication requires clear expression of complex ideas, noting that “clarity should never sacrifice nuance” (Smith, 2023, p. 12).

Mistake 3: Incorrect Threshold Application

Problem: Applying one style guide’s rules to another.

Common errors:

• Using 40-word threshold for MLA papers
• Counting lines for APA format
• Applying strict rules to Chicago’s flexible guidelines

Solution: Check your required style guide. Don’t assume rules transfer between styles.

Mistake 4: Missing Block Format

Problem: Long quotes formatted inline because writer didn’t count.

Why this matters:

• Violates style guide requirements
• Creates readability issues
• May affect grades or publication acceptance

Prevention: Always count quote length during editing. When in doubt, count words.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use block format for quotes under the threshold?

Yes, shorter quotes can be block-formatted for emphasis in all major style guides. The thresholds are minimums, not exact requirements. However, overusing block format for short quotes can make your document look fragmented.

How do I handle a quote that’s just at the threshold (exactly 40 words for APA)?

At exactly 40 words, APA requires block format. When you’re on the boundary, count carefully. If the quote is 38-39 words, consider whether you can trim it or add a few words to clarify which format to use.

Should I include ellipses when shortening quotes?

Use ellipses (…) to indicate omitted material within a quote. You don’t need ellipses at the beginning or end unless the meaning is unclear without them. APA uses three spaced periods; Chicago uses three unspaced periods.

Do nested quotes count toward the word limit?

Yes, everything within your quoted passage counts toward the threshold, including any quotes within the quote. The nested quote uses single quotation marks in American style.

How do I cite a block quote that spans multiple paragraphs?

Indent the first line of each paragraph an additional 0.5 inches in APA and MLA. Maintain original paragraph breaks from the source. Only one citation is needed at the end of the entire block.

What if my style guide isn’t listed here?

Most other style guides (Turabian, AMA, IEEE) base their quote formatting on one of the major styles. Turabian follows Chicago. AMA and scientific styles often follow APA-like conventions. Check your specific guide’s manual.

Key Takeaways

• APA uses 40 words as the strict threshold for block quotes
• MLA uses 4 lines of prose as typed in your paper
• Chicago recommends 100 words but allows flexibility
• AP Style uses block format for quotes spanning multiple paragraphs
• Web writing benefits from shorter quotes (under 100 words) for readability
• Paraphrase when the original language isn’t essential to your point
• Always count quote length during editing to ensure correct formatting

Conclusion

Proper quote formatting demonstrates attention to detail and adherence to scholarly standards. Whether you’re writing academic papers, professional documents, or web content, understanding when to use inline versus block quotes ensures your work meets expectations. Remember that the thresholds serve readability—longer quotes need visual separation to remain comprehensible. When in doubt, count your words before finalizing format. Try our free letter counter → to quickly verify quote length and ensure you’re using the correct format for your style guide.