How to Cite an Email in IEEE (standard)
Learn how to cite emails, letters, and personal communications in IEEE format (standard). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.
IEEE Reference List Format
Here is the standard IEEE format for citing an email in your reference list:
[1] A. B. Sender, private communication, Mon. Year.
IEEE Example for an Email
A complete IEEE reference for an email, formatted by the official IEEE CSL style definition — the same engine that powers the generator on this site:
[1] H. Delacroix, “Re: Draft chapter feedback,” Apr. 20, 2024.
Matching in-text citation: [1]
IEEE In-Text Citation
Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:
Parenthetical
[1]
Narrative
In [1], Sender notes...
Key IEEE Formatting Rules
- IEEE cites an unpublished email as a “private communication.”
- Give the sender's initials and surname followed by “private communication” and the month and year.
- Number the reference in order of first appearance, like any other IEEE reference.
- Use this only for messages your reader cannot access; cite retrievable content normally.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your email.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the IEEE (standard) template shown above.
- Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
- Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
- Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match IEEE requirements.
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