IEEE referencing is a numeric style used in engineering and computer science. You number sources in the order they appear and cite them with a number in square brackets on the line, such as [1], then list them in that numerical order in the reference list. The same source keeps the same number throughout.
IEEE is the standard referencing style in engineering, computer science and related technical subjects. Like Vancouver, it is numeric rather than author-date: each source is given a bracketed number that stands in for it in the text. This guide explains how IEEE in-text citations and the numbered reference list work, with examples for the sources you use most, so you can reference cleanly in a technical assignment. Confirm details against the current IEEE reference guide, which sets the exact formats.
What is IEEE referencing?
IEEE referencing is the citation style of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, used across technical and computing disciplines. It uses a number in square brackets in the text, matched to a numbered entry in the reference list. Sources are numbered in the order they first appear, so the reference list is in citation order rather than alphabetical. Its compact bracketed numbers keep technical writing readable, which is why engineering and computer science favour it.
How do IEEE in-text citations work?
Each source is given a number the first time it is cited, shown in square brackets on the line, not as a superscript, for example: this approach has been widely studied [1]. Unlike some numeric styles, the bracketed number can also be used as a noun in the sentence, for example: as shown in [1], the method is efficient. The same source always keeps its original number.
- Cite several sources with separate brackets or a range, for example [1], [3] or [1]-[4].
- Reuse a source’s original number every time you cite it again.
- Place the bracket at the relevant point in the sentence, often before punctuation.
How do you format an IEEE reference list?
Entries are numbered in citation order and start with the bracketed number. Authors are given as initials followed by surnames. The table shows the format and an example for common sources.
| Source | IEEE format and example |
|---|---|
| Book | [n] A. A. Author, Title of Book, xth ed. City, Country: Publisher, Year. -> [1] J. Smith, Academic Writing, 2nd ed. London, U.K.: Palgrave, 2020. |
| Journal article | [n] A. A. Author, “Title of article,” Abbrev. Journal Name, vol. x, no. x, pp. 10-25, Month Year. |
| Conference paper | [n] A. A. Author, “Title of paper,” in Proc. Conference Name, City, Year, pp. 10-25. |
| Website | [n] A. A. Author. “Title of page.” Site Name. URL (accessed Month Day, Year). |
How do you reference IEEE step by step?
- Number each new source the first time you cite it, in square brackets, 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 initials then surname.
- Check that every bracketed number in the text has a matching entry and vice versa.
IEEE is one style among several. For the general principles of citing, see our how to cite sources guide; for another numeric style, our Vancouver referencing guide; and for an author-date style, our APA referencing guide. For structuring the wider assignment, see how to structure an assignment.
Common IEEE mistakes to avoid
- Ordering the reference list alphabetically instead of by citation number.
- Using superscript numbers; IEEE uses bracketed numbers on the line, such as [1].
- Giving a source a new number when it is cited again, rather than reusing its first number.
- A bracketed 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 IEEE referencing?
IEEE is a numeric referencing style used in engineering and computer science. You number sources in the order they appear, cite them with a bracketed number such as [1], and list them in numerical order.
How do you write an IEEE in-text citation?
Give the source number in square brackets on the line, for example [1]. The number can also be used as a noun in the sentence, and the same source keeps its number throughout.
Is the IEEE reference list alphabetical?
No. IEEE lists references in the order they were first cited in the text, so the list is numbered in citation order rather than alphabetical order.
What is the difference between IEEE and APA?
IEEE is numeric, citing sources with bracketed numbers in citation order, and is used in engineering. APA is author-date, citing the author and year, with an alphabetical reference list, and is used in the social sciences.
