The reference list is an essential component of academic writing. It provides the complete details of all the sources cited in the text, allowing readers to locate and verify the works you used in your research. The reference list appears at the end of your work and follows a specific format in APA 7th edition.
Every in-text citation must have a corresponding entry in the reference list (except for personal communications), and each reference list entry must be cited in the text.
Arrange entries alphabetically by the surname of the first author.
Use hanging indentation (the first line flush left, subsequent lines indented).
Double-space the entire reference list.
Include the author, date, title, and source for each reference, formatted according to the type of material (book, journal article, conference paper, website, etc.).
Ensure consistency and accuracy—small details such as punctuation, italics, and capitalization matter in APA style.
On the following subpages, you will find examples and guidelines for formatting different types of references.