What should the margin size be for the research paper?

In academic writing, particularly for research papers, standard margins are typically set at 1 inch on all sides. This size helps ensure that there is enough white space for readability and also allows for comments or markings by reviewers or instructors without encroaching too much into the text. A 1-inch margin is widely accepted across various formatting styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago styles, providing a consistent appearance for the document.

Other margin sizes, such as 0.5 inches, 1.5 inches, or 2 inches, do not align with these conventional standards and could hinder the professional presentation of the paper. For example, narrower margins like 0.5 inches may lead to a cramped appearance, while larger margins can significantly reduce the amount of content that fits on a page, impacting the overall length of the document. Therefore, opting for 1-inch margins is the recommended practice in research writing.