Citation Generator (APA / MLA / Chicago)
Create accurate citations in seconds. Enter your source details and choose APA 7th, MLA 9th, or Chicago format — get a formatted citation and reference list entry.
How to use Citation Generator (APA / MLA / Chicago)
The citation generator creates properly formatted references for books, journal articles, websites and newspaper articles in APA 7th, MLA 9th and Chicago citation styles. Fill in the source details, click Generate Citation, and copy the reference list entry and in-text citation ready to paste into your paper.
- Select the citation style: APA 7th, MLA 9th or Chicago.
- Choose the source type: Book, Journal Article, Website or Newspaper.
- Fill in the author, title, year and other fields relevant to your source.
- Click Generate Citation and copy the reference list entry or in-text citation.
Your data never leaves your device — 100% private processing.
APA vs MLA vs Chicago — choosing the right style
APA (American Psychological Association) is standard in social sciences, psychology and education. MLA (Modern Language Association) is used in humanities, literature and arts. Chicago style comes in two variants: Notes-Bibliography (humanities) and Author-Date (sciences). Always check your institution's or journal's requirements before submitting.
| Style | Used in | In-text format | Date position |
|---|---|---|---|
| APA 7th | Social sciences, psychology | (Author, Year) | After author in reference list |
| MLA 9th | Humanities, literature | (Author Page) | Near end of reference |
| Chicago | History, arts, some sciences | Footnote number or (Author Year) | Varies by variant |
Common citation mistakes to avoid
The most common citation errors are: missing the access date for websites (required in APA and MLA), incorrect author name order (last name first in reference list, first name first in-text for MLA), omitting the DOI for journal articles when available, and inconsistent punctuation. Always double-check against the official style manual for your required format, particularly for unusual source types like podcasts, social media posts or conference papers.
Glossary
- Reference list
- The full list of sources cited in a paper, appearing at the end.
- In-text citation
- A brief parenthetical reference within the text pointing to the reference list.
- DOI
- Digital Object Identifier — a persistent URL for academic articles.
- Bibliography
- A list of sources consulted, whether cited in the text or not; broader than a reference list.
Related reading
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why use Citation Generator (APA / MLA / Chicago)?
- Clear explanations alongside every calculation
- Covers common academic tools: GPA, citations, grade conversion
- Works on any device without installation
- Designed for both students and educators
Common use cases
- Calculate your current GPA or predict your semester GPA
- Convert grades between grading systems
- Generate properly formatted APA or MLA citations
- Calculate reading time for an essay
- Convert between different grading scales for international students
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