How to Use Footnotes in APA Style: A Simple Guide
Learn how to properly use footnotes in APA Style, including formatting tips and best practices to keep your writing clear and concise.
Video transcript
Footnotes in APA Style are used sparingly, usually to provide additional content or acknowledge copyright permission. To add a footnote, place a superscript number in the text, corresponding to the footnote at the bottom of the page. Format the footnote with a superscript number followed by a single space and the note itself. Keep it concise and ensure it doesn’t distract from the main content.
Questions and answers
When should I use footnotes in APA Style?
Footnotes in APA Style should be used sparingly, primarily to provide additional content that is supplementary or to acknowledge copyright permissions.
How do I format a footnote in APA Style?
Place a superscript number in the text that corresponds to a footnote at the bottom of the page, which starts with the same superscript number followed by a space and the note, keeping it concise.
Do footnotes replace in-text citations in APA Style?
No, footnotes do not replace in-text citations; they are used mainly for additional information or copyright acknowledgments without distracting from the main text.