When to Include a Page Number in an APA Citation

In response to some recent confusion about when page numbers should be included in an APA in-text citation, please see the following instructions from the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association:

Paraphrasing Material

“When paraphrasing or referring to an idea contained in another work, you are encouraged to provide a page or paragraph number, especially when it would help an interested reader locate the relevant passage in a long or complex text”  (American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 171).

Thus, including a page number is not required but could be helpful when the paraphrased material comes from a lengthy and/or complicated source such as a textbook.

Example :

It is suggested that management theories, developed in the mid-1980s, put forth the idea that branding is as important to corporate success as the actual product that is produced (Klein, 2000).

Direct Quotation of Sources

“When quoting, always provide the author, year, and specific page citation or paragraph number for nonpaginated material” (American Psychological Association, 2010, p. 170).

Example:

Klein (2000) noted that some management theorists suggest, “that successful corporations must primarily produce brands, as opposed to products” (p. 3).

When in doubt, consult the assignment guidelines and/or contact your instructor or Library Information Desk Staff.