How to Cite a Journal Article in IEEE Citation Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
[#] Author(s), "Article Title," Journal Title, vol. #, no. #, pp. page range, Month Year, doi: or [Online]. Available:
Citation Components
Reference Number
Numbered [1], [2], etc.
Author(s)
Initial(s). Last Name, multiple separated by commas.
Article Title
In quotation marks. Title Case.
Journal Name
Standard abbreviations (use italics): vol., no.
Volume/Issue/Pages
vol. #, no. #, pp. X-X
Date/DOI
Month Year, doi: or [Online]. Available: URL
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
J. A. Smith and M. K. Johnson
Advanced Methods in Data Analysis
IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory
68
5
3214-3231
May
2022
10.1109/TIT.2022.3156789
Formatted Citation
[1] J. A. Smith and M. K. Johnson, "Advanced Methods in Data Analysis," IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 68, no. 5, pp. 3214–3231, May 2022, doi: 10.1109/TIT.2022.3156789.
In-Text Citation
[1]
[1], [2], [3]
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
[1] Smith, J.A., Johnson, M.K. (2022). Advanced Methods... IEEE Transactions on Information Theory, 68(5), 3214-3231.
Right:
[1] J. A. Smith and M. K. Johnson, "Advanced Methods in Data Analysis," IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 68, no. 5, pp. 3214–3231, May 2022, doi: 10.1109/TIT.2022.3156789.
Why: Use numbered format [1], Initial(s). Last format, article title in quotation marks, journal abbreviations, 'vol.' and 'no.' abbreviations, and DOI.
Wrong:
[1]. Smith and Johnson (2022), "Advanced Methods." IEEE, vol. 68, Issue 5.
Right:
[1] J. A. Smith and M. K. Johnson, "Advanced Methods in Data Analysis," IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 68, no. 5, pp. 3214–3231, May 2022, doi: 10.1109/TIT.2022.3156789.
Why: Use initials, no parentheses for year, include full title, use 'no.' for issue, and include page range with 'pp.'.
Wrong:
[1] Smith J.A. et al. 2022. Methods. IEEE Information Theory. Pages 3214-3231.
Right:
[1] J. A. Smith and M. K. Johnson, "Advanced Methods in Data Analysis," IEEE Trans. Inform. Theory, vol. 68, no. 5, pp. 3214–3231, May 2022, doi: 10.1109/TIT.2022.3156789.
Why: Use Initial(s). Last format with periods, full article title, standard journal abbreviations, and complete date information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use full journal names or abbreviations? ▼
IEEE typically uses abbreviations found in the IEEE standard journal title abbreviations list.
When do I use DOI vs. URL? ▼
Use DOI if available (preferred). If no DOI, use [Online]. Available: URL.
How do I format multiple authors? ▼
Initial(s). Last Name, Initial(s). Last Name, separated by commas or 'and' for clarity.
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