How to Cite a Journal Article in Chicago Manual of Style (Notes-Bibliography)
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
Author. "Article Title." Journal Name vol. #, no. # (Year): page range.
Citation Components
Author(s)
First name(s) Last. Multiple: Author and Author or Author, Author, and Author.
Article Title
In quotation marks. Standard capitalization.
Journal Title
Italicized. Standard capitalization.
Volume
Format: vol. # (abbreviated).
Issue
Format: no. # (abbreviated).
Year
In parentheses: (Year).
Pages
Page range: X-X (use en dash).
Real-World Example
Example Source
Jennifer Chen and Robert Martinez
The impact of social media on cognitive development
Journal of Developmental Psychology
48
3
2022
234-256
Formatted Citation
1. Jennifer Chen and Robert Martinez. "The Impact of Social Media on Cognitive Development." Journal of Developmental Psychology vol. 48, no. 3 (2022): 234–256.
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript number in text with full note in footnote
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
Chen, J., & Martinez, R. (2022). The Impact of Social Media on Cognitive Development. Journal of Developmental Psychology, 48(3), 234-256.
Right:
1. Jennifer Chen and Robert Martinez. "The Impact of Social Media on Cognitive Development." Journal of Developmental Psychology vol. 48, no. 3 (2022): 234–256.
Why: Chicago uses full first names, 'and' not '&', quotation marks for article titles, 'vol.' and 'no.' abbreviations, and parentheses for year.
Wrong:
1. Chen and Martinez, Impact of Social Media, Journal of Developmental Psychology 48 (2022)
Right:
1. Jennifer Chen and Robert Martinez. "The Impact of Social Media on Cognitive Development." Journal of Developmental Psychology vol. 48, no. 3 (2022): 234–256.
Why: Full article title in quotation marks required. Must include issue number and page range with en dash.
Wrong:
1. Chen, Jennifer, and Martinez, Robert. "Article." Journal. 2022. 234-256.
Right:
1. Jennifer Chen and Robert Martinez. "The Impact of Social Media on Cognitive Development." Journal of Developmental Psychology vol. 48, no. 3 (2022): 234–256.
Why: Include full article title. Format volume/issue as vol. X, no. X. Use proper punctuation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format a shortened note after the first citation? ▼
Use author's last name and article title: Chen and Martinez, "Impact of Social Media."
Should I use ibid. for repeated citations? ▼
Yes, use ibid. if citing the same source consecutively, and use page numbers: ibid., 240.
Do I include DOI in Chicago style? ▼
You may include DOI at the end: https://doi.org/xxxxx, but it's optional.
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