The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely used citation format in academic and professional writing. One of the key elements of APA style is the page number format, which can be confusing for some writers. In this article, we will simplify citations by explaining the APA page number format and providing examples of how to use it correctly.
Understanding APA Page Number Format
In APA style, page numbers are used to identify the location of a source within a larger work, such as a book or journal article. The page number format varies depending on the type of source being cited. For example, a book with a single author would be cited with the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers, separated by commas. On the other hand, a journal article with multiple authors would be cited with the authors’ last names, publication year, and page numbers, separated by commas.
Page Number Formats for Different Sources
The APA page number format differs for various sources, including books, journal articles, and online sources. For books, the page number format is as follows: (Author’s Last Name, Publication Year, pp. Page Numbers). For example: (Smith, 2020, pp. 12-15). For journal articles, the page number format is: (Author’s Last Name, Publication Year, pp. Page Numbers). For example: (Johnson, 2020, pp. 23-26).
| Source Type | Page Number Format |
|---|---|
| Book | (Author's Last Name, Publication Year, pp. Page Numbers) |
| Journal Article | (Author's Last Name, Publication Year, pp. Page Numbers) |
| Online Source | (Author's Last Name, Publication Year, para. Paragraph Number) |
Using Page Numbers in In-Text Citations
In-text citations in APA style typically include the author’s last name, publication year, and page numbers, separated by commas. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 12) or (Johnson, 2020, pp. 23-26). When citing a source with multiple authors, separate the authors’ names with commas and use the ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example: (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020, pp. 12-15).
Examples of In-Text Citations with Page Numbers
Here are some examples of in-text citations with page numbers: (Smith, 2020, p. 12), (Johnson, 2020, pp. 23-26), and (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020, pp. 12-15). Notice that the page numbers are included in the in-text citation, along with the author’s last name and publication year.
The APA page number format can seem complex, but with practice and patience, writers can master it. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, writers can ensure that their citations are accurate and consistent, which is essential for academic and professional writing.
What is the APA page number format for a book with a single author?
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The APA page number format for a book with a single author is: (Author’s Last Name, Publication Year, pp. Page Numbers). For example: (Smith, 2020, pp. 12-15).
How do I cite a journal article with multiple authors in APA style?
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To cite a journal article with multiple authors in APA style, separate the authors’ names with commas and use the ampersand (&) before the last author’s name. For example: (Smith, Johnson, & Williams, 2020, pp. 12-15).
What is the difference between “p.” and “pp.” in APA page number format?
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In APA page number format, “p.” is used for a single page, while “pp.” is used for multiple pages. For example: (Smith, 2020, p. 12) for a single page, and (Johnson, 2020, pp. 23-26) for multiple pages.
