How to Cite a Book Chapter in Vancouver Style
Learn the exact format with examples, in-text citations, and common mistakes to avoid.
Citation Format
Basic Template
[#] Chapter Author(s). Chapter title. In: Editor(s), editors. Book Title. Edition. Place: Publisher; Year. p. page range.
Citation Components
Reference Number
Numbered [1], [2], etc.
Chapter Author
Last name Initial(s).
Chapter Title
Sentence case. Not italicized.
In:
Use 'In:' before editor information.
Editor(s)
Last name Initial(s), editors. (plural for multiple)
Book Info
Title. Place: Publisher; Year. p. page range.
Real-World Example
Example Source
1
Smith J
Pathophysiology of heart disease
Williams M
Cardiovascular medicine
Oxford
Oxford University Press
2021
45-78
Formatted Citation
[1] Smith J. Pathophysiology of heart disease. In: Williams M, editor. Cardiovascular medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2021. p. 45-78.
In-Text Citation
[1]
[1], [2]
Common Mistakes
Wrong:
[1] Smith, J. 'Pathophysiology.' In Williams, M. (Ed.), Cardiovascular Medicine, pp. 45-78.
Right:
[1] Smith J. Pathophysiology of heart disease. In: Williams M, editor. Cardiovascular medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2021. p. 45-78.
Why: Use 'In:', full chapter title, 'editor' designation, complete publication info, and 'p.' for pages.
Wrong:
[1]. Smith J. Chapter Title. Cardiovascular Medicine. 2021. Pages 45-78.
Right:
[1] Smith J. Pathophysiology of heart disease. In: Williams M, editor. Cardiovascular medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2021. p. 45-78.
Why: Include 'In:' and editor information. Include place and publisher. Use 'p.' before page range.
Wrong:
[1] Smith, J., et al. (2021). Pathophysiology. In: M. Williams (Ed.). Cardiovascular Medicine, 45-78.
Right:
[1] Smith J. Pathophysiology of heart disease. In: Williams M, editor. Cardiovascular medicine. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2021. p. 45-78.
Why: Use initials without periods, write 'editor' (not 'Ed.'), include full publication information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I format multiple editors? ▼
Editor A, Editor B, editors. (Use plural 'editors' for 2+)
Do I always need page numbers? ▼
Yes, Vancouver requires complete page range of the chapter.
What if the chapter author is also the editor? ▼
Cite the published version: Author. Chapter Title. In: Author, editor. Book Title...
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