AMA Style

This page includes formatting guidelines for in-text citations and your reference list. Use the specific example pages (books, articles) for unique formatting of in-text citations and references. The AMA Style 11th edition is available online.

Placement of the Reference Number (In-text Citations)

• Use superscript numbers.
  Example
  The 2 largest studies to date included 26 patients² and 18 patients.³
  The 2 largest studies^2,3 to date included 26 patients and 18 patients.
• Place the numbers at the point of reference in text, figures, tables, or boxes.
• Each source is numbered in the order it is cited.
• Within the sentence, the number is after a comma and before colons and semicolons.
  Example
  Previous research shows,⁴…
  The derived data were as follows⁵:
• The numeric citation typically is not placed at the end of the sentence. However, if necessary, place the number after the period.
  Example
  The study states … for the best results.¹⁷
• When citing the same source more than once, use the original number but include the specific page you are referencing. Include a lowercase p and no period.
  Example
  Cortez's⁶ initial research provided greater insight into college student drinking patterns. Smith⁷ reported that the alcohol consumption of college students decreased in their senior year which supported Cortez's^6(p33) and King's⁸ earlier findings.
• Use commas without spaces to separate two sources cited at the same point.
  Example
  The case studies^15,16 indicated participants resisted negative change.
• For three or more references in numerical order and cited at the same point, use a hyphen to join the first and last numbers.
  Example
  Meta-analysis of current research shows,^9–14…
• When using a direct quote, place the numerical citation after the closing quotation marks and include the page number.
  Example
  The study concludes that “without knowledge of the T-cell receptor, most immunologists will find it difficult to advance their research."^21(p6)
• When using authors names in a sentence, use the last name only. Use the word ‘and’ for two authors. Use ‘et al’ for three or more authors.
  Example
  One author: Cortez⁶ reported…
  Two authors: Gilbert and Reed² reported…
  Three or more authors: Harris et al³ reported…

Reference List

• References are listed numerically in the order they are cited in the text.
• Each reference is listed separately.
• If the reference wraps to a second line, do not use a hanging indent.
• Each author is listed by last name and first & middle name initials without periods or spaces.
• For seven or more authors, include the first 3 authors and then follow with “et al.”
• Do not use ‘and’ between authors’ names.
• Book Titles: italicize and capitalize all major words and proper pronouns. Do not capitalize the, an, a, in, for, or but, unless this word begins the title.
• Book Chapter Titles: capitalize only the first word.
• Journal Article Title: capitalize only the first word.
• Journal Titles: abbreviate and italicize.
  • Use the LTWA (List of Title Word Abbreviations) website to find the correct abbreviations.
    The AMA Manual of Style section 13.10 Names of Journals provides a list of abbreviations for common journals and words.
    An alternative list for abbreviations is available from Web of Science.