How to Cite Page Numbers in APA Format

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The American Psychological Association citation style, which is used for essays in areas of study including education, nursing and social sciences, provides specific guidelines for citation of page numbers. According to the sixth edition of the “Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association,” the specific format for page numbers varies slightly depending on the number of pages being cited and also varies between in-text citations and reference list entries.

In-Text Citations

When only one page is being cited in text, the word page is abbreviated as p. and placed in the parentheses of an in-text citation after the year. For example, (Author, 1962, p. 1). When more than one page is being cited in-text, a pp. is placed in the parentheses of an in-text citation after the year. For example, (Author, 1962, pp. 1-2).

Reference List Entries

When citing a book chapter or an article from a newspaper, p. and pp. are used as they are for in-text citations. For example, Author, A. (1962). Article title here. Newspaper, pp. 1-5. When citing a magazine or journal article, the p. or pp. is omitted when a journal or magazine includes a volume or issue number. For example, Author, A. (1962). Article title here. Magazine 1(1), 1-5. When a magazine or journal article does not include a volume or issue number, the p. or pp. remains. For example, Author, A. (1962). Article title here. Journal, pp. 1-5. The name of the newspaper, magazine, or journal in each citation is italicized.