How to Do a Reference List in APA Format

The American Psychological Association (APA) has a very particular, official way of work citing references. Properly citing a reference in APA format is a formality that must be followed for many reasons. Follow these steps in order to create a reference list using the American Psychological Association format.

Always include the author's name when citing in APA format. A reference list should include the proper and correctly spelled name of the individual who write the information. Spell out the entire last name and only abbreviate the first (and possibly middle) name in this reference format.

The name of the text that you pulled information from is also included in APA reference list format, as well as any sub-categorical titles. APA reference format requires listing the publication date of the works from which you borrowed.

Make sure to include any and all information in the APA format about different volumes of the work, or which revised edition it may be. List the publisher's location in the APA reference list. Abbreviate the location following the APA format; use the two letter abbreviation of the state.

American Psychological Association format style includes listing the page numbers from which you referenced your borrowed work. It should be set up so that anyone could look at your APA reference list and be able to find the referenced author's work themselves.



If there is more than one author on a publication that you have utilized, alphabetize numerous authors on an APA reference list by their last names. The formatting will otherwise be the same.