Annotated Bibliography APA: Format Rules + Full Example (2026)
Published October 22, 2026 · 3 min read
Annotated Bibliography APA: Format Rules + Full Example (2026)
An annotated bibliography APA example is the fastest way to understand this assignment. An annotated bibliography is a reference list in APA 7th edition format where every entry is followed by a short paragraph — the annotation — that summarizes and evaluates the source.
What Goes Into an APA Annotation
- Summary (two-thirds): the source's thesis, method, findings. 2. Evaluation (one-third): credibility, strengths, limitations, relevance to your topic. Most instructors expect 100-200 words per annotation.
Formatting Rules
- Title "Annotated Bibliography" centered and bold. - Alphabetical order by first author's surname. - Hanging indent on references. - Annotation on a new line below each reference. - Double spacing throughout.
Full Example
Hershner, S. D., & Chervin, R. D. (2014). Causes and consequences of sleepiness among college students. Nature and Science of Sleep, 6, 73–84. https://doi.org/10.2147/NSS.S62907
Hershner and Chervin review why college students sleep poorly and how it affects grades. Highly relevant as a foundation source; limited by its 2014 date.
Okano, K., et al. (2019). Sleep quality, duration, and consistency are associated with better academic performance. npj Science of Learning, 4(1), Article 16. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41539-019-0055-z
Okano et al. used sleep trackers on 100 MIT students; consistency predicted grades better than duration. Strong objective measurement; small single-university sample.
Workflow
- Read with annotation in mind. 2. Draft summary first (2-4 sentences). 3. Add evaluation (1-3 sentences). 4. Check length, tone, and reference formatting.
Common Mistakes
Summary without evaluation; annotations too long; inconsistent reference formatting; unrelated sources; forgetting alphabetical order.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an annotated bibliography in APA format?
A list of references in APA 7th edition format, each followed by a short paragraph (annotation) that summarizes and evaluates the source, typically 100-200 words.
How long should an APA annotation be?
Most instructors ask for 100-200 words per annotation. Always follow your instructor's specific requirement.
Do annotations go on the same page as the reference?
Yes. The annotation starts on a new line directly below its reference entry.
Should an annotated bibliography be in alphabetical order?
Yes, ordered alphabetically by the first author's surname, like a standard reference list.
What is the difference between a summary and an evaluation in an annotation?
The summary describes what the source says; the evaluation judges its credibility, strengths, limitations, and relevance to your topic.
