APA Footnotes | Format & Examples
Introduction to APA Footnotes
In APA Style, in-text citations are the primary method for citing sources. However, footnotes can be used to:
- Provide additional information
- Offer copyright attribution
Footnotes can appear either at the bottom of relevant pages or be grouped together on a separate page at the end of the document.
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Formatting Footnotes in APA
Footnotes in APA Style use superscript numbers and should be formatted in consecutive order. Footnote numbers typically appear at the end of a sentence or clause, following the period or other punctuation.
Example:
- In-text footnote: The findings of the study are consistent with other research.¹
There are exceptions to consider:
- Footnotes in Parentheses: If a footnote relates to text in parentheses, place the footnote number inside the parentheses.
Example: Although reduced caffeine intake had noticeable short-term effects on the subjects’ moods and energy levels—this was measured using multiple methods²—their energy levels did not fluctuate as frequently as those in the control group (whose daily caffeine intake was not reduced³). - Footnotes with Dashes: For material offset by a dash, place the footnote number before the dash.
Example: The subjects—whose mood was assessed across multiple conditions²—showed varied responses. - Avoid Repeating Footnotes: Instead of repeating footnotes, refer back to previous notes using phrases like “see Footnote 3” or similar.
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Placing Footnotes
Footnotes can be placed at the bottom of the page or at the end of the paper. You have the flexibility to choose based on your preference.
- Footnotes at the Bottom of the Page: Use your word processor to automatically insert footnotes at the bottom of the page. This method ensures that each superscript number matches the correct footnote and separates it from the main text. Footnotes should be single-spaced, with a single space between the superscript number and the footnote text.
- Footnotes at the End of the Paper: Place footnotes on a separate page, following the reference page. The page should be titled “Footnotes” in bold and centered. Footnotes on this page should be double-spaced, with a single space between the superscript number and the text, and presented in the order they appear in the text.
Note: Although commonly called endnotes, they are referred to as footnotes in APA Style.
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Types of Footnotes
- Content Footnotes: These provide additional details to clarify points or direct readers to related sources. Keep these notes brief—preferably one paragraph. For longer material, consider including it in an APA appendix.
Example: Content Footnote
1 See Atwell (2005), chapter 1, for a more detailed analysis of this approach.
- Copyright Footnotes: Use footnotes to acknowledge permissions for copyrighted material that exceeds fair use guidelines. If you reproduce an image or infographic, include the copyright note in the caption rather than a footnote.
Example: Copyright Footnote
1 From Theories of Human Development: A Comparative Approach (p. 155), by Michael G. Green and John A. Piel, 2010, Routledge. Copyright 2010 by Taylor & Francis. Reprinted with permission.
For more information on footnotes and citation guidelines, visit Datapott Analytics.
