MLA format can have footnotes and/or endnotes, but more commonly uses parenthetical citations and work cited. They each also typically use a different numbering system, which allows the reader to determine where they should look for the additional information (either in the footer of the page, or at the end of the document).ĪPA format only uses parenthetical citations/reference list. Footnotes are used as a citation vehicle for a short citation, while endnotes can contain more text without compromising the format of the paper. While the content in footnotes and endnotes can look the same, they serve different functions. in the footer) and endnotes are located at the end of a complete document, or sometimes at the end of a chapter or section.

Footnotes are found at the bottom of a page (i.e.

The most obvious difference between footnotes and endnotes is the placement of each within a paper. Though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, footnotes and endnotes have a few key differences. They provide writers with a clear method in directing the reader to further information on the research topic and additional citations. The information in the text body is marked with a superscript number 1 (raised number), and the corresponding source citation and note is at the bottom (or the foot) of the page the superscript appears on.īoth footnotes and endnotes are common writing tool features implemented when using various citation styles. Here’s a run-through of everything this page includes:Ī footnote is a type of in-text citation. Your instructor may also ask you to create an annotated bibliography where you also include a short paragraph summarizing and evaluating each source along with its full reference. No matter which of these types of in-text citations you use, you will need to include a works cited list or bibliography at the end of your paper that includes the full references for your sources. Three of the terms that sometimes get mixed up are footnotes, endnotes, and parenthetical citations.

There is a lot of terminology when it comes to citations and giving proper credit to sources.

Endnote example of a book citation