The Chicago style is one of the most widely used citation systems in academia, particularly in history, the humanities and certain social sciences. However, many undergraduates and postgraduates are unsure how to apply it correctly in their essays, dissertations or academic papers.
In this practical guide, you’ll discover what the Chicago style is, which reference systems it covers, and how to cite books, articles and digital resources step by step, with clear examples and professional advice.
What is the Chicago style?
The Chicago style is a citation system developed by the University of Chicago Press and set out in the official manual *The Chicago Manual of Style*, one of the most widely recognised editorial guides in the academic world.
It is used for:
- Doctoral theses
- Master’s theses
- Scientific articles
- Research books
- Academic publications
📌 It is particularly common in subjects such as history, literature, philosophy and the arts.
The two Chicago-style systems
The Chicago style provides for two main citation methods, and the choice between them depends on the academic discipline or the institution’s guidelines.
Notes and Bibliography System
It is the most widely used in the humanities.
- The citations appear in footnotes or at the end of the document.
- It includes a bibliography at the end.
- Allows additional comments in the notes.
💡 It is the most common method used in doctoral theses in history and philosophy.
Author-Date System
It is mainly used in the social sciences.
- Quotations are included in brackets within the text.
- The full reference appears in the final list of references.
- It is more similar to the APA system.
Example:
(García 2022, 45)
How to cite a book in Chicago style
In the Notes and Bibliography system
Footnote:
Juan García, A History of Modern Thought (Madrid: Editorial Académica, 2022), p. 45.
Bibliography:
García, Juan. A History of Modern Thought. Madrid: Editorial Académica, 2022.
In author-date order
In the text:
(García 2022, 45)
For further reading:
García, Juan. 2022. A History of Modern Thought. Madrid: Editorial Académica.
How to cite an academic article
Footnote:
Laura Pérez, “The Evolution of Political Discourse,” Journal of Social Studies 15, no. 2 (2021): 78–95.
Bibliography:
Pérez, Laura. “The Evolution of Political Discourse.” Journal of Social Studies 15, no. 2 (2021): 78–95.
📌 Always include the volume, number and page range.
How to cite online sources
Nowadays, many sources are digital. The Chicago style allows you to cite them by including:
- Author
- Title
- Website name
- Publication date
- URL
Example:
Martínez, Carlos. “Academic digitisation.” Today Investigation. 15 March 2023. https://www…
If there is no publication date, you can add the date of access.
Differences between Chicago and other styles
| Style | Main use | Citation type |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago | Humanities | Author-Date Notes |
| APAP | Psychology and Education | Author-date |
| MLA | Literature | Author-page |
| Vancouver | Medical | Numerical |
📊 According to university publishing reports (2024), over 60% of history theses use the Chicago style with footnotes.
Common mistakes when using the Chicago style
- Combine the two systems in the same document
- Omit details such as the city of publication
- Do not use italics in book titles
- Lack of consistency in the bibliography
- Do not update the notes after editing the text
💡 Pro tip: use reference management tools such as Zotero or Mendeley to avoid inconsistencies.
How to apply the Chicago style in Word, step by step
- Go to the References tab.
- Select “Insert footnote” if you are using the traditional system.
- For automatic bibliography generation, use the built-in citation manager or an external plugin.
- Always check the formatting manually before handing in your work.
For doctoral theses, many universities require a final manual review, even if automated software is used.
When should you choose Chicago for your thesis?
Choose Chicago if:
- You are in the humanities section.
- Your university specifically requires this.
- You need detailed explanatory notes.
- Your research requires historiographical commentary.
On the other hand, if your field is psychology or education, you will probably be asked to use APA style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it mandatory to use footnotes in the Chicago style?
No. It depends on the system you choose. The Author-Date method does not require them.
Does Chicago require the city of publication?
Yes, especially in the traditional system.
Can abbreviations be used in repeated notes?
Yes, after the first full citation, a shortened form may be used.
Does Chicago allow DOI in digital articles?
Yes, it is advisable to include it if it is available.
Can I use Chicago style for my master’s thesis?
Yes, provided that institutional regulations allow it.
Final tips for using the Chicago style correctly
- Choose a system and stick to it.
- Please refer to the official manual if you have any specific queries.
- Use reference management software, but check the final format.
- It includes all the necessary publication details.
- Do not mix styles within the same document.
