Endnote
A note placed at the end of a chapter or document, similar to a footnote but collected at the end rather than at the bottom of each page.
Why it matters
Endnotes serve the same referencing purpose as footnotes but keep the page layout cleaner by consolidating all notes in one place. Some publishers and instructors prefer endnotes because they avoid crowding the bottom of the page, especially when citations are lengthy or numerous.
How to use
Like footnotes, insert a superscript number in the text where the reference occurs. The corresponding note appears in a numbered list at the end of the chapter or document, under a heading such as "Notes." Follow the same formatting rules as footnotes: full details on first mention, shortened form thereafter.
In academic writing
Endnotes are sometimes preferred in book-length works and dissertations where extensive footnotes would distract from the text. Some journals in the humanities require endnotes rather than footnotes for submission. Chicago/Turabian style allows authors to choose between footnotes and endnotes, but your instructor or publisher may specify one format.
Common mistakes
- •Mixing footnotes and endnotes in the same document — most style guides require consistency throughout.
- •Numbering endnotes per chapter but forgetting to restart the numbering, or vice versa, depending on what the style requires.
- •Treating endnotes as a substitute for a bibliography — in Chicago Notes-Bibliography style, you typically need both a notes section and a bibliography.
Related Terms
Related Resources
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