How to Cite a Website 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 or Organization. "Page Title." Website Name. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.
Citation Components
Author or Organization
Full name as listed. Use organization name if no author.
Page Title
In quotation marks.
Website Name
Full name of website.
Access Date
Month Day, Year (e.g., June 15, 2023).
URL
Full web address.
Real-World Example
Example Source
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
COVID-19 Vaccines
CDC.gov
June 15, 2023
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/
Formatted Citation
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "COVID-19 Vaccines." CDC.gov. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/.
In-Text Citation
1
Superscript numeral (1) in text, with full note in footnote
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
CDC. COVID-19 Vaccines. www.cdc.gov. Retrieved 2023.
Right:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "COVID-19 Vaccines." CDC.gov. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/.
Why: Use full organization name. Page title in quotation marks. Include complete access date with month, day, and year, plus full URL.
Wrong:
1. CDC, 'Vaccines,' CDC.gov, accessed online 2023
Right:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "COVID-19 Vaccines." CDC.gov. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/...
Why: Use proper full names, quotation marks, complete access date format, and full URL with protocol.
Wrong:
1. Disease Control and Prevention Centers. Vaccines article. CDC website. 2023.
Right:
1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "COVID-19 Vaccines." CDC.gov. Accessed June 15, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/...
Why: Use correct official name, full page title in quotation marks, complete date format, and full URL.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the access date for websites? ▼
Yes, Chicago style requires the access date for websites. Format: Accessed Month Day, Year.
What's the difference between a note and bibliography entry? ▼
Notes are used in footnotes/endnotes (full details first time, shortened after). Bibliography lists all sources at the end with simplified format.
Should I use the full URL or a shortened version? ▼
Use the full URL including the protocol (https://www...). You can remove 'https://www.' if the domain is clear.
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