If you’re writing a research paper or academic essay in the social sciences, psychology, or education fields, you’ve likely come across the term “annotated bibliography (APA).” In simple terms, an annotated bibliography is a list of sources including books, journal articles, and websites, each followed by a short paragraph that summarizes and evaluates the source. But when written in APA style, there are specific formatting rules that determine how your citations and annotations should look. If you are writing for a literature or humanities class instead, you may need to follow our guide on the MLA style annotated bibliography format.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to format an APA annotated bibliography, following the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. We’ll cover everything from font and spacing to indentation, ordering, and sample entries so you can create a polished, credible reference list that meets academic standards.
Difference Between Reference List and Annotated Bibliography in APA
When students first learn APA format, one of the most common points of confusion is the difference between a reference list and an annotated bibliography. Despite their similar appearance, they have quite different functions in academic writing.
All of the sources you used in your paper are fully cited in a reference list. It doesn’t provide any explanation or commentary. However it follows strictly to the APA formatting guidelines. The formatting include hanging indents, double spacing, alphabetical order, and consistent punctuation.
In contrast, an annotated bibliography takes things a step further. It includes a brief annotation (often 100–200 words) that summarizes the source. That summary assesses its reliability, and explains its significance to your research topic.
Reference List vs. Annotated Bibliography (APA 7th Edition)
| Feature | APA Reference List | APA Annotated Bibliography |
| Purpose | Lists all sources cited in your paper | Summarizes, evaluates, and explains each source |
| Content | Only citation details (author, year, title, source) | Citation + annotation (summary, evaluation, relevance) |
| Annotation Length | None | Typically 100–200 words per source |
| Formatting | Double-spaced, hanging indent, alphabetical order | Same APA formatting, but annotation is indented beneath the citation |
| Focus | What sources were used | How and why each source supports your research |
| Use Case | Required at the end of essays or research papers | Used for research preparation, literature reviews, or assignments |
| Skill Demonstrated | Citation accuracy | Critical thinking and source evaluation |
A simple way to remember it:
Structure of an APA Annotated Bibliography Entry
What an Entry Looks Like (APA 7)
- Citation (APA style) on the first line with a hanging indent (0.5″).
- Annotation starts on a new line, indented 0.5″, double-spaced, as a single paragraph (150–200 words recommended).
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), page–page. https://doi.org/xxxxx
[Summary: What the source argues/studies/shows.]
[Evaluation: Credibility, method quality, limitations/strengths.]
[Relevance: How/why this source fits your topic or thesis.]
Annotation Components (What to Include)
- Summary
- Core purpose or research question
- Methods/design (if empirical)
- Key findings/claims or conclusions
- Evaluation (Credibility/Quality)
- Author credentials, venue (peer-reviewed?), methodology rigor
- Strengths/limitations, bias, currency
- Relevance / Critical Commentary
- How it supports or challenges your argument
- Where it fits in your literature map (background, theory, method, counterpoint)
- How you might use it (quote, compare, refute, framework)
Types of Annotations (Choose What Your Instructor Requires)
- Descriptive (Informative):
Summarizes the source’s content and scope only (minimal critique). - Evaluative (Critical):
Summarizes and assesses credibility, method, and contribution (most common in college assignments). - Reflective (Application):
Summarizes, evaluates, and explains how you’ll use the source in your project (ties directly to your research question).
Instructor shorthand you might see: descriptive, critical/evaluative, or reflective/application.
Order of Parts Within Each Annotation
Recommended flow (keeps the paragraph tight and scannable):
- 1–2 sentences: Summary (topic, method, key finding/claim)
- 1–2 sentences: Evaluation (authority, method quality, limitations)
- 1–2 sentences: Relevance/Application (fit to your topic, how you’ll use it)
Summary → Taylor et al. (2013) examined whether sleep variables independently predict GPA among 867 undergraduates using self-report questionnaires and sleep diaries; inconsistent sleep and very short/long durations correlated with lower GPA.
Evaluation → Findings are informative but rely on self-report and a single-university sample, which limits generalizability.
Relevance → This study provides empirical support for my argument that sleep hygiene is a modifiable academic factor and will serve as a primary evidence source in my section on study habits.
Quick Do/Don’t
- Do: Use objective tone, present tense for general claims, past tense for study methods.
- Do: Include a DOI for scholarly articles when available.
- Don’t: Copy the abstract; your annotation must analyze and situate the source.
- Don’t: Exceed assignment word limits—trim repetition.
General APA 7 Formatting Rules for Annotated Bibliographies
Before writing your annotations, it’s important to understand the basic APA 7th edition formatting guidelines for an annotated bibliography. These ensure your annotated bibliography looks consistent, professional, and academically credible.
APA style follows a standardized layout for all reference materials—including title pages, citations, and annotations. Here’s what you need to know:
APA Formatting Basics
| Element | APA 7th Edition Rule |
| Font | Use Times New Roman (12 pt), Arial (11 pt), or Calibri (11 pt) |
| Spacing | Double-space the entire document (including citations and annotations) |
| Margins | 1-inch margins on all sides |
| Indentation | Use a hanging indent (½ inch) for citations; the annotation starts on a new line and is indented ½ inch from the left margin |
| Alignment | Left-align all text; do not justify the right margin |
| Order | List sources alphabetically by the first author’s last name |
| Page Header | Only include a page number in the top-right corner (student papers don’t require a running head unless specified) |
| Title Page | A separate title page is optional unless required by your instructor; if included, center the title “Annotated Bibliography” on the first page |
Title: Annotated Bibliography
Smith, J. A. (2023). The psychology of learning. Journal of Educational Research, 45(2), 120–134. https://doi.org/10.1234/jed.2023.4567
This article examines how motivation influences learning outcomes in college students…
How to Write an Annotated Bibliography in APA (Step-by-Step)
It may seems difficult at first to write an annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition format. But it becomes simple once you grasp the structure. To produce a polished, reliable annotated bibliography that satisfies APA requirements, follow these steps.
1. Start with Your Research
Begin by collecting credible scholarly sources—such as peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, or reputable websites. Use research databases like Google Scholar, JSTOR, or your university’s library for the most reliable results.
2. Create the APA Citation
Each entry starts with a properly formatted APA citation, the same one you would include in your reference list.
Follow this structure:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the work. Source/Publisher. DOI or URL
Smith, J. A. (2023). The role of sleep in academic performance. Journal of Health and Learning, 12(4), 115–129. https://doi.org/10.1234/jhl.2023.5678
3. Add the Annotation
Put your annotation paragraph right below the citation. This should be written in a single, indented paragraph. It typically consists of 100–200 words.
Your annotation should include:
- Summary – A brief overview of the source’s main points or findings.
- Evaluation – Assess the source’s credibility, strengths, or limitations.
- Relevance – Explain how this source supports your research or argument.
Smith, J. A. (2023). The role of sleep in academic performance. Journal of Health and Learning, 12(4), 115–129. https://doi.org/10.1234/jhl.2023.5678
This article explores how consistent sleep patterns improve cognitive function in students.
It provides a strong correlation between rest and academic focus.
This study is valuable for research exploring student performance and wellness.
4. Follow APA Formatting Rules
Keep the same APA 7 formatting for your entire document:
- Double-space all text
- Use 1-inch margins
- Apply a hanging indent for citations
- Indent the annotation paragraph ½ inch
- Alphabetize entries by the first author’s last name
5. Review and Revise
Before submission, review your annotated bibliography for:
- Citation accuracy
- Consistent indentation and spacing
- Grammar and clarity in annotations
- Alphabetical order of entries
APA Annotated Bibliography Example (7th Edition)
Formatting can be made much simpler by looking at an actual example. An example of an appropriately formatted APA 7 annotated bibliography that shows the citation layout, spacing, indentation, and annotation style is provided below.
Example 1 — Journal Article
Citation:
Taylor, D. J., Vatthauer, K. E., Bramoweth, A. D., Ruggero, C., & Roane, B. (2013). The role of sleep in predicting college academic performance: Is it a unique predictor? Behavioral Sleep Medicine, 11(3), 159–172.
https://doi.org/10.1080/15402002.2011.602776
Annotation:
Taylor et al. (2013) investigated whether sleep variables independently predict academic performance among 867 college students. Using self-reported questionnaires and sleep diaries, the study found that sleep duration, time awake before arising, and sleep inconsistency significantly correlated with college GPA, even after controlling for traditional academic predictors. Results showed that both very short and long sleep durations were linked to poorer performance. The authors came to the conclusion that getting enough sleep on a regular basis is particularly important for academic success. The study emphasizes the significance of sleep hygiene for students’ cognitive and academic outcomes, despite relying on self-reported data and a single university sample.
Formatting Notes:
- Double-spaced throughout
- Hanging indent (0.5 in.) for the citation
- Annotation begins on a new line, indented 0.5 in. from the left margin
- No extra spacing between citation and annotation
Example 2 — Book Source
Citation:
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2021). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing (5th ed.). W. W. Norton & Company.
Annotation:
Graff and Birkenstein (2021) present a fundamental manual for fully understanding academic discourse and argumentation in writing. To assist students in organizing their thoughts, responding to opposing views, and critically interacting with texts, the writers provide useful templates. The book works particularly well for those just starting out who want to improve their academic writing because of its conversational tone. This resource is especially relevant to composition studies and writing pedagogy research.
Example 3 — Website Source
Citation:
National Sleep Foundation. (2021, March 1). Improve your child’s school performance with a good night’s sleep. Sleep Foundation.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/children-and-sleep/sleep-and-school-performance
Annotation:
According to this National Sleep Foundation (2021) article, students’ attention, memory, processing speed, and general academic performance are all negatively impacted by sleep deprivation. It provides proof that kids and teens who have irregular sleep schedules, sleep deprivation, and poor sleep quality perform worse academically. Additionally, the resource offers practical tips for enhancing sleep hygiene, like sticking to a regular bedtime and avoiding using electronics in the evening. Being a reputable health-education organization, this website is a great resource for learning about the connection between sleep patterns and academic performance and is especially pertinent to research on academic performance.
Common APA Annotated Bibliography Formatting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Your annotated bibliography in APA format may appear sloppy or inaccurate due to even minor formatting mistakes. These are a few of the most typical errors that students make, along with tips on how to correct them before turning in.
1. Forgetting the Hanging Indent
- Mistake: The citation starts flush left instead of indented.
- Fix: Use a 0.5-inch hanging indent for every reference. In Word or Google Docs, adjust indentation through the Paragraph → Indentation → Hanging setting.
2. Not Double-Spacing the Entire Page
- Mistake: Single-spaced citations or extra space between entries.
- Fix: Everything — title, citations, and annotations — must be double-spaced with no extra gaps.
3. Incorrect Alphabetical Order
- Mistake: Entries listed by title or source type instead of author.
- Fix: Always order entries by the first author’s last name (or first significant word of the title if no author).
4. Overly Long or Unfocused Annotations
- Mistake: Turning annotations into mini-essays or summaries without analysis.
- Fix: Keep each annotation between 150–200 words, focusing on summary, evaluation, and relevance, not repetition or unrelated commentary.
5. Missing DOI or Using Incorrect URL Format
- Mistake: Writing “Retrieved from” or copying incomplete URLs.
- Fix: APA 7 requires DOIs formatted as URLs (e.g., https://doi.org/10.xxxx) and direct URLs for websites. Skip “Retrieved from” unless the source content changes frequently.
Conclusion
Correctly formatting your annotated bibliography in accordance with APA style (7th edition) is more than just a technical step. It shows how credible is your academic work. Every element conveys professionalism and regard for research standards, from the annotation tone to the hanging indent.
You can effortlessly create polished apa annotated bibliographies that satisfy university and publication standards by using the examples, advice, and formatting guidelines provided in this guide. Clarity and consistency are the same whether you’re writing for business, psychology, or nursing classes.
FAQs About APA Annotated Bibliography
What does an APA annotated bibliography look like?
An APA annotated bibliography includes a citation in APA format followed by a brief annotation paragraph (150–200 words). Each entry is double-spaced, uses a hanging indent, and lists sources in alphabetical order by author.
How do I format an APA annotated bibliography in 7th edition?
Use Times New Roman (12 pt), 1-inch margins, and double spacing throughout. Each source entry follows APA citation rules, and the annotation begins on a new line below the citation. Include a hanging indent (0.5 inches) for every entry.
How many sentences or words should an annotation be?
A standard annotation is about 150–200 words, or roughly 3–6 sentences. It should summarize the source, evaluate its credibility, and explain its relevance to your research.
Can I include multiple types of sources in one annotated bibliography?
Yes. You can include books, journal articles, websites, or reports together in one annotated bibliography — just ensure each follows APA citation rules and that the list is alphabetized correctly.
What font, spacing, and margins should I use for my apa annotated bibliography?
APA 7th edition recommends Times New Roman (12 pt), Arial (11 pt), or Calibri (11 pt) with 1-inch margins and double spacing. Apply consistent formatting across all entries.
Do annotations need to be in alphabetical order?
Yes. Both the citations and their annotations should follow alphabetical order based on the first author’s last name or the first significant word of the title when no author is listed.
Are annotations required to be reflective or evaluative?
That depends on your assignment.
A descriptive annotation summarizes the source.
An evaluative or critical annotation adds analysis and judgment.
A reflective annotation connects the source to your research or learning process.
Always check your instructor’s guidelines.
Do I need a title page for an annotated bibliography in APA?
Usually, a separate title page is not required, unless your instructor asks for it. If included, follow standard APA title page rules: title centered in bold, author name, institution, course, instructor, and date — all double-spaced.
