A Simple Guide to the Six Most Common Referencing Styles

If you’re writing an academic essay, dissertation, or research paper, you must acknowledge every source you consult. Different disciplines prefer different referencing styles, and knowing which one to use helps you cite accurately and avoid plagiarism. This guide provides a quick overview of six widely used referencing styles, with simple examples to show how each style works.

Harvard Referencing Style

Harvard is one of the most widely used author–date systems, especially in UK and Australian universities. Citations include the author’s surname and the year in brackets.

Harvard referencing examples

Citation at the end of a sentence
Digital learning tools can significantly improve student engagement (Smith, 2020).

Integrated into the text
Smith (2020) argues that digital learning tools improve student engagement.

Learn more about Harvard referencing style…

IEEE Referencing Style

IEEE is commonly used in engineering, computing, and technology fields. It uses numbered citations in square brackets, assigned in the order sources appear in the text.

IEEE referencing examples

Citation at the end of a sentence
AI-driven systems can optimise network performance [1].

Integrated into the text
A recent study [1] highlights major improvements in network optimisation.

Learn more about IEEE referencing style…

APA Referencing Style

APA (American Psychological Association) is widely used in psychology, education, and social sciences. Like Harvard, it uses an author–date system but with stricter formatting rules.

APA referencing examples

Citation at the end of a sentence
A recent study found that students frequently rely on AI for academic support (Jones, 2019).

Integrated into the text
Jones (2019) found that students frequently rely on AI for academic support.

Learn more about APA referencing style…

Chicago Referencing Style

Chicago (Notes & Bibliography version) is often used in the humanities. It uses superscript footnote numbers, with full citation details given at the bottom of the page.

Chicago referencing examples

Citation at the end of a sentence
Studies show that digital archives are reshaping historical research.1

Footnote example
1. Maria Clarke, “Digital Archives and Historical Practice,” Journal of Digital History 14, no. 2 (2019): 88.

Learn more about Chicago referencing style…

MLA Referencing Style

MLA (Modern Language Association) is frequently used in literature, media studies, and other humanities subjects. MLA citations include the author’s surname and page number, without a comma.

MLA referencing examples

Citation at the end of a sentence
Students now use digital tools in most of their coursework (Roberts 45–46).

Integrated into the text
Roberts notes that students increasingly rely on digital tools (45–46).

Learn more about MLA referencing style…

Vancouver Referencing Style

Vancouver is used mainly in medicine, nursing, and the sciences. It uses a numeric citation system, with either bracketed numbers or superscripts.

Vancouver referencing examples

Citation at the end of a sentence
Wearable health devices improve long-term patient monitoring (1).
—or—
Wearable health devices improve long-term patient monitoring.1

Integrated into the text
A recent study (1) demonstrated improvements in long-term patient monitoring.
—or—
A recent study1 demonstrated improvements in long-term patient monitoring.

Learn more about Vancouver referencing style…

Summary

Understanding different referencing styles helps you format your citations correctly and avoid plagiarism. Whether your field uses Harvard, APA, Chicago, MLA, IEEE, or Vancouver, each style has its own rules for in-text citations and reference lists. If you have questions or want detailed examples, feel free to leave a comment.

Top 10 FAQs About Referencing Styles

Referencing styles ensure you credit original authors, avoid plagiarism, and present your research professionally and consistently.

Styles differ in how they format in-text citations, reference lists, punctuation, and the order of information (e.g., author–date vs. numbered systems).

Mixing styles is not allowed. You must use one style consistently throughout your paper.

Most styles use the title in place of the author. The exact formatting depends on the style.

Yes, but always double-check formatting, as automated tools can make mistakes—especially with italicisation, punctuation, and ordering.

Your university, department, or journal will specify the required style. Always check their guidelines first.

No.
Author–date styles (Harvard, APA) use author surname + year.
Numbered styles (IEEE, Vancouver) use citation numbers

No. Facts widely known by your audience do not need citations. If unsure, cite it.

Use other location markers such as paragraph numbers, chapter titles, or omit the locator if the style allows (e.g., MLA for websites).

AI citation rules vary across universities. Many treat AI output as personal communication or require a descriptive entry in the reference list. Always check your institution’s policy.

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