How to Cite a Book Chapter in APA (7th edition)

Learn how to cite chapters and essays in edited books in APA format (7th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

APA Reference List Format

Here is the standard APA format for citing a book chapter in your reference list:

APA In-Text Citation

Use one of these formats when referencing this source within your paper:

Key APA Formatting Rules

• List the chapter author first, then the chapter title (sentence case, not italicized).
• Introduce the editor(s) with "In" and the role "(Ed.)" or "(Eds.)" — editor initials come before the surname.
• Italicize the book title and give the chapter page range in parentheses as (pp. xx–xx).
• End with the publisher; add the DOI as an https://doi.org/ link if the chapter has one.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your book chapter.
2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the APA (7th edition) template shown above.
3. Create the in-text citation: Add a parenthetical or narrative citation in your paper where you reference this source.
4. Add to your reference list: Include the full formatted citation at the end of your paper.
5. Double-check formatting: Verify italics, punctuation, capitalization, and hanging indents match APA requirements.

Cite a Book Chapter in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in APA

More Resources

• Free Citation Generator (10,832 styles)
• Free Writing Tools
• Compare Citation Styles
• All Citation Guides
• Cheat Sheets (APA, MLA, Chicago)