Mistakes Checklist

Common Chicago Journal Article Citation Mistakes

Published studies report citation/reference error rates between 25-54%. Use this page to catch the most frequent formatting failures before submission.

Top mistakes to avoid

  • Italicizing article titles instead of journal names
  • Omitting the DOI when available
  • Forgetting issue numbers
  • Not including page ranges

Fix checklist

  • Put article titles in quotation marks
  • Italicize journal names
  • Include DOI when available
  • Use volume and issue numbers

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to include the DOI in Chicago style?

Yes, include the DOI when available. Format it as a URL: https://doi.org/10.xxxx/xxxxx

How do I cite an online-only journal article?

Include the URL or DOI. If no page numbers exist, you may omit them or use paragraph numbers if available.

Build the corrected citation now

Use the template and guide, then generate the final citation from verified academic sources.