How to Cite Wikipedia in APA Format

Complete guide to citing Wikipedia in APA 7th edition with examples, unique formatting requirements, and common issues specific to this source.

Wikipedia presents unique citation challenges that require specific guidance beyond general source type rules. This page provides targeted help for finding citation information, handling Wikipedia's particular format requirements, and avoiding common mistakes specific to this platform.

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Quick Reference: Wikipedia Citations

Reference List Format:
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of webpage. Site Name. https://www.example.com/page

Wikipedia-Specific Notes:
Citing Wikipedia in APA 7th edition has unique considerations due to its nature as a collaboratively edited platform without a single, identifiable author. The citation format for Wikipedia typically starts with the title of the article, as there is no individual author to cite. The format is as follows: Title of article. (Year, Month Day). In Wikipedia. URL. For instance, an article on climate change might be cited as: Climate change. (2023, October 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change.

One key difference between citing Wikipedia and other sources is the necessity to include the retrieval date. This is crucial because Wikipedia content is frequently updated, and the retrieval date helps the reader understand which version of the article you consulted. The citation would therefore include: Retrieved October 10, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change. This is contrary to most other sources where the retrieval date is generally omitted unless the content is likely to change.

Students often confuse the correct way to cite Wikipedia due to the absence of traditional author names and publication dates. It's essential to remember that the article title takes the place of the author, and the retrieval date is required. Best practices include checking the page history to ensure you’re referencing the most relevant version and confirming the stability of the information. It’s also advisable to use Wikipedia as a starting point for research rather than a final source, as it provides links to more authoritative references at the end of each article.

In-Text Citation:
- Parenthetical: ([Author], [Year])
- Narrative: [Author] ([Year])

Key Points:
- Use Webpage format with Wikipedia specifics
- Locate citation info on Wikipedia's website
- Handle Wikipedia's unique formatting requirements

Last Updated: 2025-10-29 | Reading Time: 5 minutes

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Where to Find Citation Information on Wikipedia

When citing information from Wikipedia, students need to gather specific details to properly format their citations in accordance with academic standards, such as APA 7th edition. Here’s a detailed guide on where to locate essential citation information on a Wikipedia page:

  1. Author: Wikipedia articles do not typically list individual authors as they are collaboratively edited by multiple contributors. Instead, you can use "Wikipedia contributors" as the author in your citation. This reflects the collaborative nature of the platform and acknowledges the collective effort that goes into creating and updating Wikipedia content.

  2. Publication Date: The publication date for a Wikipedia article is not the initial date it was created but rather the date of the last edit. To find this, scroll to the top of the article. Just above the title, you'll see a tab labeled "View history." Click on it to access the article's revision history. The most recent date listed is the last edit date, which you should use as the publication date in your citation.

  3. Title: The title of the Wikipedia article is prominently displayed at the top of the page. It is typically in large, bold text directly beneath the Wikipedia logo. When citing, ensure you use the exact title as it appears, including any special characters or punctuation.

  4. URL/Access Information: The URL for a Wikipedia article is found in your browser’s address bar. It is advisable to use the full URL when citing, as it links directly to the specific page you are referencing. Additionally, include the date you accessed the article, as Wikipedia content can change frequently. This access date helps readers understand the context of the information you used.

  5. Unique Wikipedia Features: Wikipedia is unique in that it provides a "Cite this page" feature, accessible from the left-hand sidebar under the "Tools" section. Clicking on this link generates a pre-formatted citation in several styles, including APA. While this tool can be helpful, always double-check the generated citation to ensure it aligns with the latest APA guidelines, as automatic tools may not always be up-to-date with specific formatting nuances.

By understanding these aspects of Wikipedia's layout and navigation, students can efficiently gather the necessary information to cite Wikipedia articles accurately. Remember to always verify information with more authoritative sources when possible, as Wikipedia, while a valuable starting point, is not considered a primary source in academic research.

Step-by-Step: Creating Your Wikipedia Citation

What You Need

  1. A computer or a device with internet access.
  2. A web browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari).
  3. A specific Wikipedia article that you want to cite.
  4. Basic information about the webpage you are citing (author, date, title, and site name).
  5. A note-taking app or a word processor to record your citation.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Create a Wikipedia Citation

1. Select the Wikipedia Article

2. Gather Required Information

3. Format the Citation

4. Insert Author Information

5. Add the Date of Publication

6. Include the Title and Site Name

7. Finish with the URL

8. Review and Save Your Citation

By following these steps, you can create a proper citation for any Wikipedia article. This process not only helps in acknowledging sources but also enhances the credibility of your work. Happy citing!

Real Examples from Wikipedia

This section provides authentic citation examples from Wikipedia using recent publications from 2023-2024.

As an AI language model, I don't have the ability to browse the internet or access real-time content, so I can't provide current Wikipedia articles from 2023-2024. However, I can guide you on how to format citations for Wikipedia articles according to the APA 7th edition guidelines. I will create hypothetical examples that illustrate different citation scenarios:

Example 1: Standard Individual Author

Scenario Description: A Wikipedia article written by a single, credited author on a historical topic.

Complete Reference List Citation:
Smith, J. (2023, March 15). The history of the Industrial Revolution. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_Revolution

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Smith, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
Smith (2023) discusses the pivotal changes during the Industrial Revolution.

Notes: This example is noteworthy because it demonstrates a straightforward single-author citation, which is uncommon for Wikipedia as articles are usually collaboratively written and not attributed to individual authors.

Example 2: Corporate Author

Scenario Description: An article about climate change attributed to a government agency.

Complete Reference List Citation:
United States Environmental Protection Agency. (2023, June 10). Climate change impacts. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change_impacts

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(United States Environmental Protection Agency, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (2023) outlines various impacts of climate change.

Notes: This example uses a corporate author, showing how organizations can be credited as authors when they provide substantial content.

Example 3: Multiple Authors

Scenario Description: A collaboratively written article on a scientific topic with multiple contributing authors.

Complete Reference List Citation:
Johnson, L., & Martinez, R. (2023, April 22). Quantum computing advancements. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quantum_computing_advancements

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Johnson & Martinez, 2023)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
Johnson and Martinez (2023) explore recent advancements in quantum computing.

Notes: This citation illustrates how to format entries with two authors, which is more typical for journal articles than for Wikipedia entries.

Example 4: Special Formatting Cases Specific to Wikipedia

Scenario Description: A Wikipedia article that is continuously updated with no clear publication date, such as a current events article.

Complete Reference List Citation:
Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). 2024 United States presidential election. Wikipedia. Retrieved October 20, 2023, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_United_States_presidential_election

In-text Citation (Parenthetical Format):
(Wikipedia contributors, n.d.)

In-text Citation (Narrative Format):
Wikipedia contributors (n.d.) provide an overview of the 2024 United States presidential election developments.

Notes: This example is unique because it involves an article with no specific publication date, requiring the use of "n.d." (no date) and a retrieval date, which is common for frequently updated Wikipedia pages.

When citing Wikipedia in academic work, it's important to verify the reliability and credibility of the information, as Wikipedia content can be edited by anyone and may not always be accurate.

Common Issues When Citing Wikipedia

Problem 1: Identifying Authors

Issue Description:
Wikipedia articles typically do not have a single author or a group of authors listed like traditional academic sources. Instead, they are collaboratively edited by numerous contributors, which makes pinpointing an individual author challenging.

Why It Happens:
Wikipedia operates as a collaborative platform where content is constantly being edited and updated by a community of users. This open-editing system means there isn’t a single or clear-cut author to attribute.

Solution:
In APA 7th edition, when an author is not identified, the title of the work moves to the author position. For Wikipedia, this means using the article title.

Example:
- Before: Wikipedia. (n.d.). [Title of the article]. Retrieved from URL
- After: Title of the article. (n.d.). In Wikipedia. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

Problem 2: Proper Date Formats

Issue Description:
Finding the correct publication date for a Wikipedia article can be confusing, as the content is frequently updated, and the page history might show multiple edits.

Why It Happens:
The dynamic nature of Wikipedia means that articles are often edited, and the date you access the article might not reflect when the information was last substantively updated.

Solution:
Use the "last modified" date, which can be found at the bottom of the Wikipedia article page. In APA citation, you include the retrieval date because the content can change over time.

Example:
- Before: Wikipedia. (n.d.). [Title of the article]. Retrieved from URL
- After: Title of the article. (Year, Month Day). In Wikipedia. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

Problem 3: Handling URLs

Issue Description:
URLs from Wikipedia can be long and complex, with query strings that make them cumbersome for citations.

Why It Happens:
Wikipedia URLs often include elements like article titles and language codes, which can make them lengthy. Additionally, URLs can change if the article title is altered.

Solution:
Use a URL shortener like bit.ly or tinyurl to make the URL more manageable, ensuring it leads directly to the version of the page you accessed.

Example:
- Before: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Example_of_a_long_Wikipedia_article_title
- After: Retrieved from https://bit.ly/3xyzabc

Problem 4: Access Requirements

Issue Description:
Students may assume Wikipedia articles are static and do not require a retrieval date, unlike other online sources that frequently update.

Why It Happens:
Wikipedia's open-editing model means information can change at any moment, making it crucial to note when you accessed the article.

Solution:
Always include a retrieval date in your citation to indicate when you accessed the information, as it might have changed since.

Example:
- Before: Title of the article. (Year, Month Day). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from URL
- After: Title of the article. (Year, Month Day). In Wikipedia. Retrieved Month Day, Year, from URL

Conclusion

Citing Wikipedia in APA 7th edition can present unique challenges due to its collaborative nature, constant updates, and URL formats. By understanding these issues and applying the correct citation methods, students can ensure their references are accurate and adhere to academic standards. Always remember to adapt to Wikipedia’s dynamic content by including retrieval dates and using article titles in place of authors, ensuring clarity and compliance with citation guidelines.

Note: For general Webpage citation errors, see How to Cite Webpage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wikipedia

Q: How do I find the necessary citation information on a Wikipedia page?

A: Navigate to the Wikipedia page you want to cite and scroll to the bottom. Click on the "Cite this page" link in the "Tools" section on the left sidebar to access a pre-formatted citation, or manually gather the title, URL, and date of last modification from the page.

Q: How should I handle the author format when Wikipedia shows multiple contributors?

A: In APA format, Wikipedia is treated as a group author. Use "Wikipedia" as the author in your citation and reference list, as individual contributors are not cited.

Q: How do I format the publication date for a Wikipedia article in APA style?

A: Use the "last edited" date that appears at the top of the Wikipedia article under the title. This date is considered the publication date and should be included in your citation in the format of (Year, Month Day).

Q: What are the URL and access date requirements for citing Wikipedia in APA?

A: Include the full URL of the Wikipedia page in your reference entry. APA 7th edition does not require an access date unless the content is likely to change over time, which is generally assumed for Wikipedia, so it's a good practice to include it.

Q: How does citing Wikipedia differ from other webpage sources in APA format?

A: Wikipedia, as a collaboratively edited source, is cited with "Wikipedia" as the author and requires the use of the "last edited" date. Unlike other webpages where an individual or corporate author might be identified, Wikipedia’s unique structure necessitates these adjustments in citation.

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