AMA vs JAMA: Key Differences
AMA and JAMA are two of the most widely used citation styles in academia, but they differ in important ways. AMA (American Medical Association 11th Edition) the citation standard for American medical journals. JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) the citation style for JAMA and the JAMA Network journals. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right format for your paper.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | AMA | JAMA |
|---|---|---|
| Citation System | Numbered | Numbered |
| In-Text Format | Superscript numbers¹ | Superscript numbers¹ |
| Reference List Name | References | References |
| Edition | 11th edition | current |
| Common Fields | Medicine, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, Public Health | Medicine, Clinical Research, Public Health |
When to Use AMA
AMA (American Medical Association 11th Edition) uses a numbered citation system with Superscript numbers¹ in-text citations and a References at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Medicine, Health Sciences, Pharmacy, and related fields.
When to Use JAMA
JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association) uses a numbered citation system with Superscript numbers¹ in-text citations and a References at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Medicine, Clinical Research, Public Health.
See the Difference in Action
Try our interactive comparison tool to compare AMA and JAMA citations side by side using your own sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between AMA and JAMA?
- AMA and JAMA differ in their in-text citation format, reference list structure, and the academic disciplines that use them. AMA uses Superscript numbers¹ in-text citations with a References, while JAMA uses Superscript numbers¹ with a References.
- Which is better, AMA or JAMA?
- Neither AMA nor JAMA is inherently better. The right choice depends on your academic discipline, your instructor's requirements, or the journal you are submitting to. Check your assignment guidelines or target publication to determine which style to use.
- Can I switch between AMA and JAMA?
- Yes, you can switch between AMA and JAMA using CitationEasy's free citation generator. Simply select the desired style and your citations will be reformatted automatically. However, you should only use one style per paper unless your instructor says otherwise.