ACS in-text citation guide
ACS allows three in-text formats: superscript numbers¹, italic numbers in parentheses (1), or author–year (Watson and Crick, 1953). Numbered references follow the order of first citation. Pick one and use it throughout, following the target journal.
| Situation | ACS in-text |
|---|---|
| Superscript | was reported.¹ |
| Italic number | was reported (1). |
| Author–year | (Watson and Crick, 1953) |
| Several sources | ¹,³,⁵ or (1, 3, 5) |
| A range | ²⁻⁵ or (2−5) |
Make the ACS reference that goes with it
Paste a DOI, or type the details. The in-text marker appears under the reference.
ACS
Watson, J. D.; Crick, F. H. C. Molecular Structure of Nucleic Acids: A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid. Nature 1953, 171 (4356), 737–738. DOI: 10.1038/171737a0.
In-text
¹ or (1)Questions about ACS in-text citations
Which ACS in-text format should I use?
Use the one the journal or instructor asks for. Superscripts are the most common in ACS journals.
Does the ACS superscript go after punctuation?
Yes. Superscript numbers follow commas and full stops.