Reference in Numeric Style

Use numeric citations to simplify the paper-writing process and keep your citations organized! Use only one number for each source you cite, and repeat the number if you reference the source in multiple parts of the paper. Format the numbers in brackets or superscript, and add page numbers if you are referencing a page-specific item. Write your reference list numerically instead of alphabetically, and include specific details about the sources you’ve used (e.g., dates, article titles, specific web addresses).

Steps

Citing Numerically in the Text

1. Place a number directly after listing the source. Numerical citations should be placed in sequence throughout the paper, starting with “1”. The citations should go directly after a mention of a source (e.g. “In his final publication, Foucault (16) claimed that…”) Format your numerical citations in round brackets, square brackets, or superscript.
   • When referring to indirectly to a source, place the number at the end of your sentence. For instance, “Gender is a social construct perpetuated by social norms (3).”
2. Put quotation marks around direct quotations. Indicate direct quotes from a source clearly, with quotations marks. If you are inserting a long quote (more than four sentences) into your text, indent the block quotation. Avoid using overly long quotes unless they are directly pertinent to your paper.
   • E.g., “McLuhan wrote, “the medium is the message” (12)…”.
3. Include page numbers when necessary. Add a page number to the in-text portion of your numeric citation if you’ve borrowed content from a specific part of a document. This may include using a table, picture, or diagram from a source, or borrowing a concept or argument specific to a certain part of a document. To reference multiple pages, use the abbreviation “pp.” instead of “p.”.
   • If the page numbers are listed in roman numerals, do not include the abbreviation “p.” or “pp.” in front of them.
4. Use the same citation number for the same source. Do not use more than one number for the same document. If you cite the same source more than once in a paper, re-use the number that you used initially. If you are referencing a different part of the text, indicate a page numbers or a section number.
5. Group together multiple citations. If you cite more than one source in the same sentence, there are two options for how to format it. Group the citation numbers together by placing the numbers in the same set of brackets, separated by commas. Alternatively, present each citation number in its own set of bracket, and separate these individual citations with commas.
   • For instance, write either “"Several recent studies [3,5,6] have suggested that..." or “Several recent studies [3], [5], [6] have suggested that...".
   • If you are using superscript for your numeric citations, place the citation numbers together, separated by commas.

Composing a Reference List

1. List sources in numerical order. Add a list of your citations at the end of your work. All references should be listed in the numeric order they follow in your text, and not alphabetically. Add the heading “References” to this list.
2. Cite all authors of a document. If a source has multiple authors, list all of them in the full citation. Write each other’s family name, then the initial of their first name separated by a comma. The word and should be included before the final author’s name. List authors in the same order that they are listed on the publication.
3. Provide specific details for web citations. For the sake of precision, reference specific parts of websites instead of just the general homepage. Look for the credits, document titles, and publication years to provide complete references. A full website reference should include:
   • The name of the author or editor
   • The title of the website
   • The year it was last updated
   • The word "online" in brackets ([[Online])
   • The phrase “Available from:”, followed by the complete URL address
   • The date you accessed the information
4. Cite journal articles with specific page numbers. Journal articles should be cited with specific details, including the issue number and the article’s page number. If a journal article is available both in print and online, cite the paper version. Be sure to include all the necessary information, which includes:
   • The last name and first initial of the author
   • The title of the article
   • The title of the journal, written in italic font
   • The year it was published
   • The issue number of the journal
   • The page numbers for the article you are referencing

Sources and Citations

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See also

• Write a Works Cited Page
• Quote a Quote
• Cite Sources in MLA Format
• Avoid Plagiarism
• Cite an Essay
• Quote and Cite a Poem in an Essay Using MLA Format
• Cite a Wikipedia Article in MLA Format
• Cite a YouTube Video in MLA
• Cite a Web Site in APA With No Author, Date, or Page Number
• Cite a Website

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