Citation Generator
Generate accurate citations in APA, MLA, or Chicago style for books, websites, journals, and more.
This document is a template for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for your specific needs.
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How to use this calculator
- 1
Select your citation style (APA, MLA, or Chicago).
- 2
Choose the source type (website, book, journal, etc.).
- 3
Fill in the author, title, publisher, and year.
- 4
Add the URL and access date for online sources.
- 5
Copy the formatted citation into your reference list.
Frequently asked questions
Which citation style should I use?
APA is standard for psychology, education, and social sciences. MLA is used in humanities and literature. Chicago is common in history, arts, and some sciences. Always check with your instructor or publisher which style is required.
What does "n.d." mean in a citation?
"n.d." stands for "no date" — used when a publication date cannot be determined. In APA, it replaces the year: (Author, n.d.). Always try to find the original publication date before using n.d.
Do I need to cite everything?
Cite any idea, quote, data, image, or fact that is not your own original thought or common knowledge. Failure to cite sources constitutes plagiarism, which carries serious academic consequences.
What is a DOI?
A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent ID for academic articles, like 10.1000/xyz123. It's more reliable than a URL because DOIs never change even if a journal moves. Always use a DOI in citations when available.
Free Citation Generator — APA, MLA, Chicago
APA vs MLA vs Chicago — which to use
APA (American Psychological Association) is the go-to for social sciences, psychology, nursing, and business. MLA (Modern Language Association) dominates English, literature, and humanities courses. Chicago style (also called Turabian) is preferred in history and some arts disciplines. When in doubt, ask your instructor — using the wrong style costs marks even when the content is correct.
Common citation mistakes to avoid
The most common citation errors are: missing access dates for websites, incorrect author name format (APA requires Last, First Initial; MLA uses Last, First), forgetting to italicise book and journal titles, using the URL instead of the DOI for journal articles, and inconsistent formatting across entries. Our generator handles these rules automatically.
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