Placement of Footnotes in APA Style | Formatting & Examples Full Guide of 2023

This site is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you, if you purchase through links.

Step right up! Does the footnote go after the period in APA? It’s an important question if you’re adhering to APA style guidelines.

The answer is yes, typically footnotes appear at the end of a sentence or clause, after any punctuation like periods and commas. Footnote numbers should be superscripted and must appear in consecutive order throughout your paper.

On this page, we’ll break down all there is to know about the placement of footnotes in APA format. This includes examples for formatting them correctly within parentheses, as well as content notes and copyright permission acknowledgements.

So read on for everything you need to understand how to best use footnotes according to APA standards!

Placement of Footnotes in APA Style

To properly place footnotes in APA style, remember that the footnote should come after any punctuation mark except for a dash. If the information in the footnote applies only to that specific content within parentheses, then it should be placed inside the parentheses.

Footnotes Placement After the Period

You’ll place the footnote number after the period or other punctuation mark, except when it follows a dash—then it goes before. Footnote rules help ensure citation clarity and content relevance. In-text considerations like period placement maintain footnote consistency.

Proper footnote formatting promotes readability while acknowledging sources through copyright attribution.

Footnotes Placement Within Parentheses

Inside the parentheses, if it only applies to that specific content, a superscript Arabic numeral is used to indicate the subsequent reference. This placement clarity ensures that readers can easily identify and locate additional information provided in footnotes.

By using parenthetical footnotes within APA formatting, you can seamlessly incorporate supplemental details without disrupting the flow of your text. The period and citation come before the footnote number for proper in-text citation adherence.

Properly placed footnotes enhance reader comprehension while maintaining APA style guidelines.

Formatting Footnotes in APA

Numbering footnotes in APA style is an important aspect of formatting. To indicate superscript Arabic numerals, you should place the number at the end of a sentence or clause, following any punctuation except for a dash.

Numbering Footnotes

Number your footnotes with superscript Arabic numerals in order of appearance. The numbering should follow punctuation, except for a dash where it precedes the dash. If a footnote applies only to specific content within parentheses, place the number inside the parentheses.

Subsequent references can use parenthetical notes. Footnotes typically go at the bottom of each page or on a separate page after all references. Double-check that your numbers match up correctly with their corresponding notes in consecutive order.

Indicating Superscript Arabic Numerals

Place the superscript Arabic numerals at the end of a sentence or clause, following any punctuation mark except for a dash. This style, known as Superscript Style, is used to indicate footnotes in APA formatting.

The numeric notation allows readers to easily locate and reference additional information provided in the footnotes. By adhering to this footnote format and correctly numbering each note, you ensure clear and organized citation presentation within your paper.

Content Footnotes in APA Style

When incorporating extra information or clarifications in your APA paper, consider using content footnotes. This enhances readers’ understanding and engagement. Keep footnotes brief, just a couple sentences if possible.

Use footnotes sparingly to clarify or provide examples supporting points in the main text.

Rather than elaborate details or citations, summarize key points concisely and meaningfully in footnotes. For instance, provide a brief example or data excerpt. Integrate more complex supplemental information into the main text or appendix instead.

Also consider incorporating footnote content into the main paragraph itself through a few extra sentences.

Overall, be very selective, focused and concise with footnotes to maximize their contribution.

Copyright Footnotes in APA Style

To properly cite copyrighted material exceeding fair use, you’ll need to obtain and include permission in your paper.

Begin by obtaining written permission from the copyright holder, typically through a formal letter or email. Once obtained, include the necessary information in a footnote at the bottom of the page or on a separate page after references.

The number assigned to each footnote should be placed after any punctuation except for dashes and before parentheses if it only applies to that particular content within parentheses.

By adhering to these guidelines and including proper copyright permissions in your paper’s footnotes, you can ensure compliance with APA standards while avoiding potential citation challenges related to using copyrighted material without authorization.

Special Considerations for Footnotes in APA Style

When using footnotes in APA style, there are a few special considerations to keep in mind. The footnote number always follows punctuation, except for dashes, where it precedes the dash. Footnotes can provide supplemental information or grant copyright permission and should be formatted as superscript Arabic numerals in order, either at the bottom of the page or on a separate page after references.

Placement of APA footnotes

You’ll notice small superscripts attached to the end of the period. In APA style, footnotes come after the period or comma that ends the sentence. The superscript number comes after punctuation, except for dashes, where it comes before.

Place footnotes in parentheses when they are relevant to the content. For subsequent references, use a parenthetical note. Limit footnotes to providing clarification, additional content, or copyright permissions to avoid disrupting the text.

Make sure to carefully check that footnote numbers match their corresponding notes.

Types of APA footnotes

Avoiding copyright permissions for your class paper is a breeze because, honestly, who has the time? APA Style footnotes are typically used sparingly but can be handy for adding additional information or clarifying points.

When using footnotes in APA style, remember to number them with superscript Arabic numerals and place them at the bottom of the page or on a separate page after references. Keep your footnotes brief and simple, saving complex ideas for incorporation into the text or appendix instead.

Formatting APA footnotes

Make sure to number your footnotes with superscript Arabic numerals in the order they appear in your paper, and remember that the number should follow punctuation except for a dash.

Place footnotes at the bottom of the page or on a separate page after references.

Use double spacing within and between footnotes.

Indent the first line of each footnote.

Follow page number and header formatting requirements.

Check that footnote numbers match correct notes.

Formatting footnotes properly ensures clarity and adherence to APA style. Following guidelines shows attention to detail, aids comprehension, and demonstrates respect for publishing standards.

Though atypical in APA style, footnotes serve specified purposes when needed.