Skip to content
← All Citation Guides

How to Cite a Encyclopedia Entry in ACS (4th edition)

Learn how to cite an encyclopedia article or entry in ACS format (4th edition). This guide includes the reference list format, in-text citation examples, and key formatting rules.

ACS Reference List Format

Here is the standard ACS format for citing a encyclopedia entry in your reference list:

Follow the standard ACS template for this source type.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your encyclopedia entry.
  2. Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the ACS (4th 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 ACS requirements.

Generate This Citation Automatically

Skip the manual formatting. Paste a DOI, URL, or ISBN into CitationEasy and get a perfectly formatted ACS citation in seconds.

Cite in ACS Now →

Cite a Encyclopedia Entry in Other Styles

Cite Other Sources in ACS

More Resources