APA 6: References

How to Create a References list in APA 6th edition

Notice: This guide provides information about APA 6th edition (2010) formatting and referencing requirements. For information on formatting and referencing requirements for APA 7th edition (2020), please see our updated APA 7 guide.

Information about sources is acknowledged at the end of your work in a references list.

  1. The references list should be on its own page(s). The title, References, is centred at the top of the list.
     
  2. Every source you cite must appear in this list. Sources you have consulted but not cited are not included.
     
  3. The entire list is double-spaced and alphabetized by authors' last names.
    1. Author names are inverted (last name first). Never use the full first name of an author or editor. Use only initials.
    2. In multi-authored sources, maintain the original order of the authors (i.e. do not change Lee, Brown, & Green to Brown, Green, & Lee).
    3. When there are multiple works by one author, list them by publication date (earliest one first).
       
  4. APA Style uses a hanging indent. The first line of each reference is set flush left. Subsequent lines are indented five to seven spaces. Learn how to format a hanging indent in MS Word here: How do I create a hanging indent?
    Sample reference entry in APA formatted with a hanging indent.
  5. In titles of articles and books, capitalize only the first word, the first word after a colon, and proper nouns.
    1. Article and chapter titles are not italicized. Book and periodical (e.g., journal, magazine, newspaper) titles are italicized.
       
  6. Include a digital object identifier (DOI) where available.  A DOI is an alphanumeric identifier that insures there is a persistent link to information on the Internet. It is located on the first page of an electronic journal article near the copyright notice. It is also on the article's database landing page.

See a sample APA reference page.

Our site provides detailed information on reference entries:

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