How to Cite a Web Address in APA Format
Academic papers written about scientific topics, such as psychology or sociology, often use the American Psychological Association’s (APA) style guidelines to cite references. The APA guidelines have specific instructions for citing references to online websites.
Instructions
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Web Address with Author
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List first the name(s) of authors or contributors in the entry. Cite the last name first, followed by first and middle initial. For instance, the entry may begin: Smith, J.B., Jones, I., & Potter, M.G.
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Include the last edited date of the Web page in parentheses after the contributors' names. The date should list the year first, followed by month and day, if available. Now it should read: Smith, J.B., Jones, I., & Potter, M.G. (2010, Aug. 8).
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Add the title of the Web page or Web document in italics after the date, so it will now read: Smith, J.B., Jones, I., & Potter, M.G. (2010, Aug. 8). APA Style Guidelines.
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Finish the entry with the full Web page. First state “Retrieved from” and then insert the entire Web page. It should now read: Smith, J.B., Jones, I., & Potter, M.G. (2010, Aug. 8). APA Style Guidelines. Retrieved from http://apastyleandyou.com/guidelines.
Web Address with No Author
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List the title of the Web page first when there is no author available. The title is not italicized when it is the first part of the entry: APA Style Guidelines.
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List the year of the last edited date for the Web address in parentheses: APA Style Guidelines. (2010).
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Add “Retrieved” and insert the date when you found the information from the Web page. Add “from” and insert the full web page: APA Style Guidelines. (2010). Retrieved August 11, 2010, from http://apastyleandyou.com/guidelines.
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Tips & Warnings
In-text citations should list only the Web site for the reference.
Consult the APA style guide manual if you have any further questions regarding citations.
References
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