Footnotes in APA 7 Style: format and examples

What a footnote is

A footnote adds a brief clarification or copyright attribution without unnecessarily interrupting the main text. Any type of paper may contain footnotes, but they should be used sparingly.

If information is necessary to understand the argument, it normally belongs in the main text. If it requires several paragraphs, a table, or an extended explanation, an appendix may be more suitable.

When to use a content footnote

A content footnote expands one idea that strengthens the discussion. It should not contain irrelevant information or open a separate argument.

Example in the text:

The weekly record was maintained throughout the semester.¹

Corresponding note:

¹ Participants could correct each entry for up to 24 hours after a study session.

The main sentence makes sense without the note. The note provides a useful detail for readers who need it.

Copyright footnotes

A footnote may also provide the attribution required when reproducing a lengthy quotation, test, or scale. A reproduced or adapted table or figure carries that attribution in its own note, not in a separate footnote.

Before reusing another person's material, verify its terms of use and any required permission.

How to number footnotes

• Number notes consecutively with Arabic numerals: 1, 2, 3.
• Format each callout as superscript.
• Place it after the relevant punctuation mark.
• Do not leave a space before the callout.
• Do not place footnote callouts in headings.
• If you refer to a note again, write “see Footnote 2” instead of repeating the callout.

Use the word processor's automatic footnote feature. It preserves the numbering and relationship between each callout and note when the document changes.

Where to place footnotes

APA Style allows two options:

1. At the bottom of the page: each note appears on the page where it is mentioned. It may retain the word processor's default font and spacing.
2. On a separate page: all notes appear after the references. Center and bold the label Footnotes; write the notes as indented, double-spaced paragraphs.

Choose one option and apply it consistently. Review where footnotes, tables, and figures collected at the end appear.

What does not belong in a footnote

• A complete reference that belongs in the reference list.
• An explanation essential to the main argument.
• Several unrelated ideas in one note.
• An equation or table that needs its own explanation.
• Information unrelated to the marked sentence.

Checklist

• The note adds one useful idea.
• The main text can be understood without reading it.
• Callouts follow consecutive numbering.
• Every number leads to the correct note.
• Callouts do not appear in headings.
• All notes use the same placement option.