How to cite a website

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Last updated: April 4, 2026

Quick Answer: To cite a website, you need to include key information such as the author (if available), the publication date, the title of the specific page or article, the website's name, and the URL. Most citation styles also require you to note the date you accessed the information, as website content can change.

Key Facts

The core elements of a website citation are author, date, title, website name, and URL.
Always include the date you accessed the website, as content can be updated or removed.
Different citation styles (like MLA, APA, Chicago) have specific formatting rules.
If no author is listed, use the organization or website name as the author.
If no publication date is available, use 'n.d.' (no date) or the access date.

Overview

Citing a website is crucial for academic integrity, allowing readers to locate the original source of information and giving credit to the creators. Whether for a school paper, a blog post, or any form of written work, properly citing online sources demonstrates thorough research and avoids plagiarism. While the exact format varies depending on the citation style you are using (such as MLA, APA, Chicago, or others), the fundamental pieces of information required remain consistent.

What Information Do I Need?

Before you start formatting your citation, gather the following essential details from the website you are referencing:

Author: Look for the name of the individual author, group, or organization responsible for the content. This is often found at the beginning or end of the article. If no specific author is listed, the website's name or the sponsoring organization often serves as the author.
Publication Date: Find the date the content was published or last updated. This could be a specific day, month, and year, or just a year. If no date is available, you will typically use 'n.d.' (no date).
Title of the Page/Article: This is the specific title of the webpage or article you are referencing. It should be enclosed in quotation marks in some styles (like MLA) or italicized in others (like APA).
Name of the Website: This is the overall name of the website itself (e.g., Wikipedia, BBC News, Mayo Clinic).
URL: The full web address (Uniform Resource Locator) of the page you are citing. It's important to provide the direct link.
Date of Access: The date on which you visited and retrieved the information from the website. This is important because online content can be changed or removed without notice.

Common Citation Styles and Examples

Different academic disciplines and publications prefer different citation styles. Here are brief examples of how to cite a website in three popular styles:

Modern Language Association (MLA) Style

MLA is commonly used in the humanities. It emphasizes the author and title.

General Format:
Author Last Name, First Name (or Organization Name). "Title of Page/Article." Name of Website, Publisher (if different from website name), Publication Date, URL. Accessed Date.

Example:
Smith, John. "The Benefits of Regular Exercise." Healthline, Healthline Media, 15 Mar. 2023, www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/benefits-of-exercise. Accessed 26 Oct. 2023.

American Psychological Association (APA) Style

APA is widely used in social sciences and education. It emphasizes the author and date.

General Format:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of specific page. Name of Website. Retrieved from URL

Example:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, July 11). Key facts about COVID-19 vaccines. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/key-facts.html

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS)

Chicago offers two systems: notes and bibliography, and author-date. The bibliography format is shown below.

General Format (Bibliography):
Author Last Name, First Name (or Organization Name). "Title of Page/Article." Name of Website. Publisher (if different from website name), Publication Date. Accessed Month Day, Year. URL.

Example:
Doe, Jane. "Understanding Climate Change." National Geographic. National Geographic Partners, LLC, 10 Aug. 2023. Accessed October 26, 2023. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/climate-change-overview.

Tips for Effective Website Citation

Consistency is Key: Whichever style you choose, use it consistently throughout your work.
Check Your Style Guide: Always refer to the official style guide for the most accurate and up-to-date rules, as they can be complex and change over time. Many universities and organizations provide online guides or templates.
Use Citation Generators Wisely: Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or online citation generators can be helpful, but always double-check their output for accuracy. They are not infallible.
When in Doubt, Provide More Information: It's generally better to include too much information than too little. Ensure all the core elements (author, date, title, website name, URL, access date) are present.
Understand Different Content Types: Citing a blog post might differ slightly from citing a news article or an online academic journal. Pay attention to the specific type of content.

By mastering the art of website citation, you not only fulfill academic requirements but also contribute to a more transparent and reliable information ecosystem online.