Vancouver referencing is a numeric style used mainly in medicine, nursing and the sciences. You number sources in the order they first appear in the text, cite them with that number in brackets or superscript, such as (1), and list them in numerical order in the reference list. The same source keeps the same number throughout.
Vancouver is the standard referencing style across medicine, nursing and many science subjects. Unlike author-date styles, it is numeric: each source gets a number the first time you use it, and that number stands in for it every time after. This guide explains how Vancouver in-text citations and the numbered reference list work, with examples for common sources, so you can reference accurately in a health or science assignment. Confirm details against your university’s Vancouver guide, since versions vary slightly.
What is Vancouver referencing?
Vancouver referencing is a numeric citation style overseen originally by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors. It works differently from author-date styles: instead of giving an author and year in the text, you give a number that matches a numbered entry in the reference list. Sources are numbered in the order they first appear, so the reference list is in citation order, not alphabetical order. It is valued in the sciences because it keeps the text clean and uncluttered.
How do Vancouver in-text citations work?
Each source is given a number the first time it is cited, shown in brackets or as a superscript, for example: this is supported by recent research (1). The same source always keeps that number, so if you cite source 1 again later, it stays (1). Your university will specify brackets or superscript, so check which to use.
- Cite more than one source at once with a list or range, for example (1,3) or (2 to 5).
- Reuse the same number every time you cite the same source, however far apart the citations are.
- The number goes at the relevant point in the sentence, usually after the fact it supports.
How do you format a Vancouver reference list?
The reference list is numbered in the order sources first appeared in the text, not alphabetically. Author names are given as surnames followed by initials, with no full stops between initials. The table shows the format and an example for common sources.
| Source | Vancouver format and example |
|---|---|
| Book | Author AA. Title of book. Edition. Place: Publisher; Year. -> Smith J. Academic writing. 2nd ed. London: Palgrave; 2020. |
| Journal article | Author AA. Title of article. Abbreviated Journal Name. Year;Volume(Issue):pages. |
| Chapter in an edited book | Author AA. Title of chapter. In: Editor AA, editor. Title of book. Place: Publisher; Year. p. 10-25. |
| Website | Author/Organisation. Title [Internet]. Place: Publisher; Year [cited Year Mon Day]. Available from: URL |
How do you reference Vancouver step by step?
- As you write, number each new source the first time you cite it, starting at 1.
- Reuse a source’s original number every time you cite it again.
- Build the reference list in numerical order, matching the citation numbers.
- Format each entry for its source type, with authors as surname plus initials.
- Check that every number in the text has a matching entry and vice versa.
Vancouver is common in nursing and health subjects, so it often pairs with our how to write a nursing essay guide. For the general principles of citing, see our how to cite sources guide, and for other styles, our APA referencing guide and Harvard referencing guide.
Common Vancouver mistakes to avoid
- Ordering the reference list alphabetically instead of by citation number.
- Giving a source a new number when it is cited again, instead of reusing its original number.
- Adding full stops between authors’ initials; Vancouver uses Smith AB, not Smith A.B.
- A number in the text with no matching reference, or the reverse.
Accurate referencing protects easy marks. For help checking your work, our assignment writing help and essay writing help services can review it.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vancouver referencing?
Vancouver is a numeric referencing style used in medicine, nursing and the sciences. You number sources in the order they appear, cite them by number such as (1), and list them in numerical order.
How do you write a Vancouver in-text citation?
Give the source’s number in brackets or as a superscript at the relevant point, for example (1). The same source keeps that number every time you cite it.
Is the Vancouver reference list alphabetical?
No. Vancouver lists references in the order they were first cited in the text, so the list is numbered in citation order, not alphabetical order.
What is the difference between Vancouver and Harvard?
Vancouver is numeric, citing sources by number in citation order, and is common in the sciences. Harvard is author-date, citing the author and year, with an alphabetical reference list.
