APA vs MLA Citation: Key Differences

What is the difference between APA and MLA citation styles?

APA uses author-date format (Smith, 2022) while MLA uses author-page format (Smith 45). APA is common in sciences, MLA in humanities.

APA 7th Edition Format

APA: (Author, Year). MLA: (Author Page). Use APA for psychology, education, science. MLA for literature, arts.

Example Citation

APA: (Smith, 2022, p. 45) | MLA: (Smith 45)

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Related APA Guides

→ How to Cite a Website in APA (7th Edition)
→ APA Citation with No Author
→ APA Citation with No Date (n.d.)
→ How to Cite an Organization as Author in APA

Quick APA Rules

  • Author: Lastname, F. I.
  • Up to 20 authors listed
  • No author → title first
  • No date → (n.d.)
  • Books/journals → italicized
  • DOI: https://doi.org/…
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