Turabian vs Chicago: What's the Difference?
Turabian and Chicago are closely related citation styles, often causing confusion for students. Turabian is essentially a student-friendly version of Chicago, designed specifically for academic papers and theses. This guide clarifies their relationship and explains when to use each.
The Simple Answer
Turabian is based on Chicago Manual of Style
Turabian is a simplified, student-oriented version of Chicago style. It follows the same citation principles but provides more accessible guidance for undergraduate and graduate papers. For most academic writing, the citation formats are identical or nearly identical.
Quick Comparison
Chicago Style
- ✓ Professional publishing standard
- ✓ University of Chicago Press
- ✓ Comprehensive, detailed manual
- ✓ For all types of publications
- ✓ 17th edition (2017)
- ✓ 1,000+ pages
Turabian Style
- ✓ Student and dissertation standard
- ✓ Named after Kate Turabian
- ✓ Streamlined, accessible manual
- ✓ Specifically for student papers
- ✓ 9th edition (2018)
- ✓ 400+ pages
Understanding the Relationship
Historical Background
Kate L. Turabian was a dissertation secretary at the University of Chicago for over 30 years. In 1937, she created a guide to help students format their papers according to Chicago style. Her manual, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, has been updated through nine editions.
The Key Relationship
- Turabian follows Chicago: Turabian's citation formats are based on the Chicago Manual of Style
- Simplified for students: Turabian omits publishing details irrelevant to students
- Additional student guidance: Turabian includes sections on research, writing, and formatting papers
- Same citation systems: Both offer notes-bibliography and author-date systems
Citation Format Comparison
Notes-Bibliography System
The citation formats are virtually identical between Chicago and Turabian:
Book Citation (Both Styles):
Footnote:
1. Linda Brown, Understanding Modern History (New York: Oxford University Press, 2023), 45.
Bibliography:
Brown, Linda. Understanding Modern History. New York: Oxford University Press, 2023.
Author-Date System
Again, the formats are the same:
Journal Article (Both Styles):
In-text:
(Smith 2024, 123)
Reference List:
Smith, John. 2024. "Modern Approaches to Literary Analysis." Journal of Literature 45 (2): 120-145.
Where They Differ
1. Target Audience
| Feature | Chicago | Turabian |
|---|---|---|
| Primary audience | Publishers, editors, professional writers | Students, thesis/dissertation writers |
| Content focus | Publishing, editing, production | Research writing, academic papers |
| Scope | All aspects of manuscript preparation | Student paper requirements |
2. Manual Content
| Topic | Chicago | Turabian |
|---|---|---|
| Citation formats | Comprehensive, highly detailed | Streamlined, student-focused examples |
| Research guidance | Minimal | Extensive (formulating questions, finding sources) |
| Writing advice | Limited | Substantial (drafting, revising, argumentation) |
| Paper formatting | Publishing standards | Student paper standards (margins, spacing, etc.) |
| Publishing details | Extensive (design, production, rights) | Omitted |
3. Formatting Recommendations
Turabian provides specific formatting guidance for student papers:
- Title page layout for student papers
- Section and subsection headings
- Margins, spacing, and font recommendations
- Table and figure formatting for academic work
- Appendix and supplementary material organization
Chicago addresses these topics for professional publications but not specifically for student papers.
When to Use Chicago vs Turabian
Use Chicago Manual When:
- Publishing professionally: Submitting to journals, presses, or magazines
- Your institution requires it: Some departments specify "Chicago style"
- You need comprehensive guidance: Detailed rules for unusual sources
- Working as an editor: Professional editing and manuscript preparation
- Publishing books: Preparing manuscripts for publication
Use Turabian When:
- Writing student papers: Undergraduate or graduate coursework
- Dissertations and theses: Turabian is designed for these
- Your advisor recommends it: Many advisors prefer Turabian for students
- You need writing guidance: Turabian includes research and writing advice
- You're new to Chicago style: Turabian is more accessible for beginners
Important Note
In practice: If your instructor or department says "Chicago style," you can usually use Turabian with confidence. The citation formats are the same. If uncertain, ask your instructor whether they want Chicago Manual or Turabian—or if either is acceptable.
The Two Citation Systems
Both Chicago and Turabian offer two citation systems. You must choose one and use it consistently:
Notes-Bibliography (NB)
- Uses numbered footnotes or endnotes
- Includes a bibliography at the end
- Preferred in humanities (history, literature, arts)
- Allows for discursive notes
Author-Date (AD)
- Uses parenthetical in-text citations (Author Year)
- Includes a reference list at the end
- Preferred in sciences and social sciences
- Similar to APA style
Common Source Types: Chicago and Turabian Formats
Journal Article
Notes-Bibliography (Both Styles):
Footnote:
1. Sarah Johnson, "Digital Humanities and Historical Research," American Historical Review 128, no. 3 (2023): 456-478.
Bibliography:
Johnson, Sarah. "Digital Humanities and Historical Research." American Historical Review 128, no. 3 (2023): 456-478.
Edited Book
Author-Date (Both Styles):
In-text:
(Garcia and Martinez 2024, 89)
Reference List:
Garcia, Maria, and Carlos Martinez, eds. 2024. Modern Latin American Literature. Austin: University of Texas Press.
Website
Notes-Bibliography (Both Styles):
Footnote:
2. National Archives, "Declaration of Independence," accessed February 1, 2024, https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration.
Bibliography:
National Archives. "Declaration of Independence." Accessed February 1, 2024. https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration.
Practical Advice for Students
Which Manual Should You Buy?
- For student papers: Turabian is more affordable and relevant
- For professional work: Chicago is comprehensive
- For extensive research: Consider both if you'll do significant graduate work and plan to publish
- Budget-conscious: Turabian provides everything most students need
Using Citation Generators
Most citation generators list "Chicago" as the style option. These typically produce citations compatible with both Chicago and Turabian since the formats are the same. Always verify generated citations against your manual.
Ask Your Instructor
If your assignment says "Chicago style" but doesn't specify the manual:
- Ask whether Chicago Manual or Turabian is preferred
- Clarify whether to use notes-bibliography or author-date
- Check if there are departmental style guides
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Turabian when Chicago is required?
Usually yes, since the citation formats are the same. However, if you're submitting to a journal or press, they may require the full Chicago Manual. For student papers, Turabian is typically acceptable.
Are Chicago and Turabian citations identical?
For the most part, yes. There may be very minor differences in highly specialized sources, but for standard sources (books, articles, websites), the formats are the same.
Which is easier to learn?
Turabian is more accessible for beginners. It's organized with students in mind and includes helpful examples for common sources. Chicago is more comprehensive but can be overwhelming.
Does Turabian have its own style, separate from Chicago?
No. Turabian is not a separate style—it's a student-oriented presentation of Chicago style. When you cite in Turabian format, you're citing in Chicago format.
Will my paper look different in Chicago vs Turabian?
The citations will look the same. The difference is in the manual's content and guidance, not the final appearance of your citations.
Which is more current?
Turabian 9th edition (2018) is based on Chicago 17th edition (2017). Both are current and compatible. Turabian updates after major Chicago revisions.
Summary: The Bottom Line
- ✓ Same citation formats: Turabian and Chicago use identical citation styles
- ✓ Different audiences: Chicago for professionals, Turabian for students
- ✓ Turabian is based on Chicago: It's not a separate style
- ✓ For student papers: Turabian is more relevant and accessible
- ✓ For publishing: Use Chicago Manual
- ✓ When in doubt: Ask your instructor which they prefer
Generate Chicago/Turabian Citations
Use our free citation generator to create perfect Chicago-style citations (compatible with both Chicago Manual and Turabian). Choose between notes-bibliography and author-date systems.