Answered from cited sources · retrieved September 20, 2026
how to cite sources in apa
APA style uses a two-part system consisting of brief in-text citations and a comprehensive reference list at the end of your work.
APA style uses a two-part system to credit sources: brief in-text citations within your writing and a complete reference list at the end of your document. In-text citations typically include the author's last name and the year of publication, and they direct readers to the full details in your reference list. When quoting directly, you must also include a page or paragraph number. The reference list provides full bibliographic information, such as the author, date, title, and source, formatted to allow readers to locate the original material. All sources cited in the text must appear in the reference list, and vice versa.
- In-Text Citations. In-text citations appear in the body of your paper to acknowledge sources. They typically include the author's last name and the year of publication, such as (Luna, 2020) or Luna (2020).
- Direct Quotations. When quoting directly, you must include the page number (e.g., p. 15) or paragraph number if page numbers are unavailable. This helps readers locate the exact material.
- Reference List. The reference list at the end of your paper provides full details for every source cited. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author's surname and use a hanging indent format.
- Digital Sources. For online sources, include a DOI if available. If no DOI exists, use the URL. Ensure all DOIs and URLs are presented as active hyperlinks.
Sources
- Reference examples - APA Styleapastyle.apa.org
- In-Text Citations: The Basics - Purdue OWLowl.purdue.edu
- Citing Sources: Introduction & In-Text Citations - APA Publication Manual 7th ed. - Research Guides at University of Alabama - Birminghamguides.library.uab.edu
- APA7th referencinguniskills.library.curtin.edu.au
- APA 7library.unimelb.edu.au
- Reference List: Textual Sources - Purdue OWL® - Purdue Universityowl.purdue.edu
- FAQ: How do I cite sources in APA Style?libanswers.snhu.edu
- APA STYLE GUIDEmvcc.edu
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