APA Bibliography: Format, Examples, and Tips

An APA bibliography lists all the sources you consulted during your research — including those you did not cite directly in your paper. While APA format typically uses a reference list, a bibliography is sometimes required for comprehensive documentation or annotated bibliography assignments.

This guide explains how to format a standard or annotated bibliography in APA format (7th edition), with examples and layout guidance. You’ll also learn how APA bibliographies differ from reference pages and when to include one.

APA Bibliography vs Reference List: What’s the Difference?

In APA Style, a reference list includes only the works you directly cite in your writing. A bibliography , by contrast, includes all sources you consulted — whether cited or not.

Feature Reference List Bibliography
Purpose Lists only cited sources Lists all consulted sources
Placement At the end of your paper Also placed at the end
Required? Always required in APA Optional (unless assigned)
Includes Annotations? No Yes (in annotated bibliographies)

Unless your instructor or institution specifically requests a bibliography or an annotated bibliography, use a standard reference list in APA format.

How to Format an APA Bibliography Page (7th Edition)

An APA bibliography should follow the same formatting rules as a reference list, but may include additional sources. Here's how to format it correctly:

  • Title: Use the word Bibliography centred and bold at the top of the page.
  • Font: Use a readable font such as 12pt Times New Roman or 11pt Arial.
  • Spacing: Double-space all entries.
  • Alphabetical Order: Arrange sources by the first author’s surname.
  • Hanging Indent: Indent each entry 0.5 inches (1.27 cm) after the first line.

The format is identical to a reference list — entries are styled according to source type (books, websites, articles, etc.), using APA guidelines.

APA Bibliography Examples

Below are examples of standard APA bibliography entries and annotated bibliography entries. All entries follow APA 7th edition guidelines.

📘 Standard APA Bibliography Entry

King, S. (2011). 11/22/63: A novel . Scribner.

This is a regular entry that would appear in a typical APA reference list or standard bibliography.

📝 Annotated APA Bibliography Entry

Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The new psychology of success . Random House.

This book explores how our beliefs about ability shape learning. Dweck presents research-based strategies to help develop a growth mindset, making it valuable for educators and students alike.

In an annotated bibliography, each entry includes a brief descriptive or evaluative paragraph, typically 100–150 words.

When and Why to Use an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography may be assigned by your instructor or required for research-heavy projects. It helps demonstrate your understanding of source material and supports your research process by summarising, evaluating, or reflecting on each source.

Use an annotated bibliography when you need to:

  • Give a summary and analysis of each source used
  • Show how your sources relate to each other and to your research
  • Reflect on how sources influenced your thinking or argument
  • Prepare for a literature review or larger research project

APA annotations are usually between 100–150 words and placed directly beneath each citation entry.

FAQs About APA Bibliographies

A reference list includes only the sources you directly cite in your paper. A bibliography lists all sources you consulted, even if they were not cited. APA Style typically uses a reference list, but a bibliography may be required for annotated or comprehensive assignments.

No. APA Style (7th edition) requires a reference list by default. However, your instructor or institution may request a bibliography or annotated bibliography for specific assignments.

Each citation is followed by a brief annotation, typically 100–150 words. Use the same formatting as a reference list entry, followed by your annotation in a new paragraph. Double-space the entire document and use a hanging indent for the citation.

An APA bibliography may include books, journal articles, websites, videos, and other materials you read during research — even if you didn’t cite them in your paper. If annotated, each entry will also include a summary or evaluation.

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