AMA Citation Guide

AMA uses superscript numerals in the body of text to indicate references.

Smith and Jones² reported...

The order of the superscript numerals is chosen in order of appearance; your first in-text citation should be 1 followed by 2, 3, and so on. If you use the same reference multiple times in your work, repeat the number used when it was first cited. A specific source will always have the same number each time you reference it in text.

When you have an uninterrupted series of references, use a hyphen to join the first and last number of that series.

Where to place the superscript? The superscript number is inserted into the document immediately next to the fact, concept, or quotation being cited. If citing more than one reference at the same point, separate the numbers with commas and no spaces between. The superscript numerals should appear:

• Outside (after) periods, commas, and quotation marks
• Inside (before) colons and semicolons.

Examples:

As reported previously,^1,3-8,19
The deprived data were as follows^3,4:
Smith and Jones² reported

When mentioning authors in text, only use surnames. For a 2-author reference list both surnames, and for references with more than 2 authors or authors and a group, include only the first author's surname followed by "et al," "and associates," or "and colleagues."

For Microsoft Word, you can access superscript numerals on the main toolbar of the Home tab. It is located directly underneath the Size dropdown bar. Once selected, you can type whatever number you need directly into the paper.

For Google Docs, you can access superscript numerals through the Format menu under 'Text.' Once selected, you can type whatever number you need directly into the paper.