How to Cite a Journal Article in ACS (4th edition)
Learn how to cite peer-reviewed and academic journal articles 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 journal article in your reference list:
Follow the standard ACS template for this source type.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Gather source information: Collect the author name, title, publication date, and URL or DOI for your journal article.
- Format the reference: Arrange the elements following the ACS (4th edition) 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 ACS requirements.
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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 Journal Article in Other Styles
Journal Article in APAJournal Article in MLAJournal Article in ChicagoJournal Article in HarvardJournal Article in VancouverJournal Article in IEEEJournal Article in AMAJournal Article in TurabianJournal Article in CSEJournal Article in BibTeXJournal Article in NatureJournal Article in OSCOLAJournal Article in BluebookJournal Article in AGLCJournal Article in ASAJournal Article in APSAJournal Article in AAAJournal Article in NLMJournal Article in ACMJournal Article in APSJournal Article in AIPJournal Article in CellJournal Article in ScienceJournal Article in PLOSJournal Article in BMJJournal Article in LancetJournal Article in JAMAJournal Article in Elsevier HarvardJournal Article in Springer
Cite Other Sources in ACS
Website in ACSBook in ACSYouTube Video in ACSPodcast in ACSNewspaper Article in ACSPDF in ACSInterview in ACSSocial Media Post in ACSGovernment Document in ACSDissertation or Thesis in ACSConference Paper in ACSLecture or PowerPoint in ACSImage or Photograph in ACSMovie or Film in ACSTV Show in ACSSong or Music in ACSCourt Case in ACSPatent in ACSEncyclopedia Entry in ACSDictionary Entry in ACSDataset in ACSSoftware or App in ACSPress Release in ACSReport in ACS