How to Cite a Journal Article in AMA Citation Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
1. Author(s). Article title. Journal Name. Year;Volume(Issue):page range. doi:
Citation Components
Superscript Number
Superscript 1, 2, 3, etc.
Author(s)
Last name Initial(s). Middle initial if available.
Article Title
Sentence case. No italics or quotation marks.
Journal Name
Full journal title or standard abbreviation.
Year;Volume(Issue)
Format: Year;Volume(Issue):page-page.
DOI
doi: 10.xxxx/xxxxx
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
Chen J, Martinez R, Williams S
Novel approaches to treating autoimmune diseases
The Journal of Immunology
2023
210
5
1234-1248
10.4049/jimmunol.2200891
Formatted Citation
1. Chen J, Martinez R, Williams S. Novel approaches to treating autoimmune diseases. J Immunol. 2023;210(5):1234-1248. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.2200891
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript 1, 2, 3
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
1. Chen, J.; Martinez, R.; & Williams, S. (2023). Novel Approaches to Treating Autoimmune Diseases. Journal of Immunology, 210, 1234-1248.
Right:
1. Chen J, Martinez R, Williams S. Novel approaches to treating autoimmune diseases. J Immunol. 2023;210(5):1234-1248. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.2200891
Why: Use Last Initial format without periods, sentence case for title, journal abbreviations, Year;Volume(Issue):page format, and DOI without space.
Wrong:
1) Chen, J, et al, Novel approaches, Journal of Immunology, Vol. 210, No. 5, pp 1234-1248, 2023
Right:
1. Chen J, Martinez R, Williams S. Novel approaches to treating autoimmune diseases. J Immunol. 2023;210(5):1234-1248. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.2200891
Why: List actual authors (not 'et al.' in reference list), use commas between authors, proper abbreviations, and semicolon/parenthesis format.
Wrong:
1. Chen J, Martinez R, Williams S. "Novel Approaches." Journal of Immunology. 2023. Pages 1234-1248.
Right:
1. Chen J, Martinez R, Williams S. Novel approaches to treating autoimmune diseases. J Immunol. 2023;210(5):1234-1248. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.2200891
Why: Don't use quotation marks for titles. Use journal abbreviations. Format as Year;Volume(Issue):page-page with DOI.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many authors do I list before using 'et al'? ▼
In AMA reference lists, include all authors. In in-text, use first author et al. for 4+ authors.
Should I use abbreviated or full journal names? ▼
AMA prefers standard abbreviations found in MEDLINE/PubMed.
Is DOI required? ▼
Include DOI if available. If no DOI, the citation is still complete with volume/issue/pages.
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