How to Cite a Book in Vancouver Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
[#] Author(s). Book Title. Edition. Place of Publication: Publisher; Year.
Citation Components
Reference Number
Numbered [1], [2], etc.
Author(s)
Last name Initial(s).
Book Title
Sentence case. Not italicized in Vancouver.
Edition
2nd ed., Revised ed., etc. Omit for first edition.
Place: Publisher
City: Publisher name; Year
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
Gaw A, Cowan RA, O'Reilly DSJ
Clinical biochemistry: an illustrated colour text
6th ed.
Edinburgh
Elsevier
2019
Formatted Citation
[1] Gaw A, Cowan RA, O'Reilly DSJ. Clinical biochemistry: an illustrated colour text. 6th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2019.
In-Text Citation
[1]
[1], [2], [3]
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
[1] Gaw, A., Cowan, R.A., & O'Reilly, D.S.J. (2019). Clinical Biochemistry: An Illustrated Colour Text. 6th Edition. Elsevier: Edinburgh.
Right:
[1] Gaw A, Cowan RA, O'Reilly DSJ. Clinical biochemistry: an illustrated colour text. 6th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2019.
Why: Use initials without periods, no commas after names, sentence case for title, and Place: Publisher; Year format with semicolon.
Wrong:
[1]. Gaw et al. 2019. Biochemistry. Edinburgh, Scotland.
Right:
[1] Gaw A, Cowan RA, O'Reilly DSJ. Clinical biochemistry: an illustrated colour text. 6th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2019.
Why: List all authors (or at least first 3), include full title, include edition, and publisher name.
Wrong:
[1] Gaw A et al. 2019. Clinical biochemistry. Elsevier, Edinburgh.
Right:
[1] Gaw A, Cowan RA, O'Reilly DSJ. Clinical biochemistry: an illustrated colour text. 6th ed. Edinburgh: Elsevier; 2019.
Why: Don't use 'et al.' in reference list. Use commas between authors. Use Place: Publisher; Year format.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to include the place of publication? ▼
Yes, Vancouver requires: Place of publication: Publisher; Year.
How do I cite an edited book? ▼
Same format, but list editor(s): Editor A, Editor B, editors. Book Title. Place: Publisher; Year.
What if there's no publication place? ▼
Use [Place of publication unknown]: Publisher; Year.
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