References vs Resources in APA Style

Everyone · Explainer · Updated October 1, 2026 · LearnLife Editorial

What Does "References" Mean in APA Style?

In plain terms, a "References" list in APA style is a detailed compilation of all the sources you specifically mention or quote in your paper. These sources can range from books and journal articles to websites, reports, or other media. The list appears at the end of your document under the heading "References" and provides the information readers need to locate and verify your cited materials.

The key idea is that "References" are not just any helpful materials, but only those you directly cite in your text. This contrasts with the general term "Resources," which might refer to anything useful or related but not necessarily cited. In APA style, the term "Resources" is not used to label the source list. Using "References" tells your reader exactly what the section contains and aligns with the formal requirements of APA formatting.

How Does the References List Work in APA Style?

The References list is placed on its own page at the end of your paper. Each source is formatted with essential details including author(s), publication year, title, and publication information. Entries are arranged alphabetically by the last name of the first author to help readers find sources easily.

For example, suppose you cited a book and a journal article in your paper. The References list might show:

Smith, J. A., & Lee, P. R. (n.d.). Work-life balance strategies. Publisher Name.

Jones, M. T. (n.d.). Employee productivity and wellness. *Journal of Workplace Studies, 15*(3), 45–60.

Each entry includes the author(s) with initials, year (if known), title of the work (italicized if it’s a book or journal), volume and issue for journals, page range, and publisher or journal information. The exact format depends on the type of source, but the structure ensures consistency.

The list excludes sources you consulted but did not cite, keeping the focus on what supports your writing directly.

Why Is Using "References" Correctly Important?

Using "References" correctly in APA style is essential because it communicates professionalism and academic integrity. It shows that you respect intellectual property by properly crediting original authors and allows readers to find the sources if they want to explore further.

If you label the list incorrectly as "Resources" or confuse it with "Bibliography" or "Works Cited," readers may be unclear about the list’s purpose or wonder if you included uncited materials. This can reduce trust in your work or cause formatting issues if submitting to schools or publishers requesting APA style.

For a general audience writing resumes, reports, or academic papers, knowing the correct terminology and format ensures you meet expectations and avoid common errors.

What Terms Do People Often Confuse with "References"?

Several terms related to source lists often cause confusion, especially for those new to academic writing styles:

• Bibliography: This term usually refers to a broader list of sources that includes all materials consulted, not just those cited. APA style generally does not use this term for papers but focuses on a precise "References" list.
• Works Cited: Common in MLA style, this listing shows only cited works but has different formatting and rules. APA style does not use "Works Cited."
• Resources: A general word for helpful materials or tools, but not a formally formatted list of cited sources in APA.
• Reference List: Sometimes used interchangeably with "References," but APA style officially uses the singular term “References” as the heading.

Understanding these distinctions helps ensure you use the correct label and format for your project.

Is It "References" or "Bibliography" or "Works Cited" for APA?

When preparing a paper in APA style, always use "References" as the heading for your list of cited works. Unlike MLA, which uses "Works Cited," APA style prefers "References." The term "Bibliography" is more typical of Chicago style and includes additional works not cited.

If you are unsure which to use, stick with "References" for APA style submissions. This clarity is helpful for instructors, employers, or publishers expecting APA formatting.

How Do You Format a References Page in APA Style?

Follow these detailed steps to format an APA References page correctly:

1. Start a New Page: Place the References list on a new page after the main paper or appendices.
2. Title the Page: Center the word "References" at the top, bolded in APA 7th edition style.
3. Alphabetize Entries: List sources alphabetically by the last name of the first author.
4. Use Hanging Indents: Indent every line after the first line of each entry by half an inch.
5. Double-Space: Use double spacing throughout the entire References page.
6. Include Complete Details: For each source, provide all necessary elements: author(s), year, title, source, and publisher or DOI if available.
7. Format Titles Properly: Book and journal titles are italicized; article titles are in sentence case without italics or quotation marks.
8. Use Ampersands: For multiple authors, use an ampersand (&) between the last two authors’ names.
9. No URLs Unless Necessary: Only include a DOI or URL when it is the best way to locate the source and follow APA rules for long-term access.

Here is a simple example of a book and a journal article formatted for a References list:

These rules promote consistency, making it easier for readers to understand and locate sources.

What Are the Next Steps to Create Your APA References List?

To prepare your References list effectively:

• Keep detailed citation information for all sources as you research.
• Consult official APA style guides or trusted educational resources for formatting rules.
• Use citation management tools or online builders that follow APA style but double-check their output for accuracy.
• Review your paper carefully to ensure only cited sources appear in your References.
• Always place the References list at the end of your document on a separate page.
• If you’re submitting to a school or publisher, check their specific APA edition requirements.

By following these steps, you ensure your References list is clear, professional, and meets academic or workplace standards.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use "Resources" instead of "References" in APA style?

No. APA style requires the heading "References" for the list of sources you directly cite. "Resources" is a general term and not used for formal citations in APA.

How do I cite a website in an APA References list?

Provide the author or organization, year (or n.d. if none), title of the page, and the website name. Include a DOI if available. Only include the URL if it’s a direct source and useful for retrieval.

What if my source has no author or date?

If no author, begin with the title of the work. If no date, use "(n.d.)" to indicate "no date" in the References entry.

How many authors should I list in an APA reference?

List up to 20 authors in the References entry. For in-text citations with three or more authors, use the first author’s name followed by "et al."

Where can I see examples of APA References lists?

You can find examples in style manuals and trusted educational articles like [Examples of References in APA Style](#r1) or [What Are References in Research?](#r3).