Endnote vs Footnote: What's the Difference?

When it comes to citing sources in academic writing, authors often have a choice between using endnotes or footnotes. While both methods serve the same purpose - providing additional information or references at the bottom of the page - they differ in their placement and formatting.

To insert a footnote in Microsoft Word, follow these steps: click on 'References' on the top panel, then open the text editor and select the part of the text where you want to add a number that will point to your note. This is a step-by-step guide on how to place footnotes and endnotes in Microsoft Word.

Some citation styles, such as Vancouver, IEEE, AMA, NLM, AAA, and ABNT, use endnotes, which provide explanation or supplementary information at the end of a document or section. On the other hand, styles like Chicago A, OSCOLA, Turabian, and ACS prefer footnotes, which place supplementary info under the text on the page.

One key difference between footnotes and endnotes is their placement. Footnotes are placed under the relevant text on the same page, while endnotes appear at the end of the document or section. Additionally, footnotes use a smaller font than the rest of the text, and the text can be placed either at the beginning or end of the page.

Both footnotes and endnotes serve as markers that indicate supplementary information is available. They can be used regardless of the type of source being referenced - periodical, book, online resource - because they share a similar external structure. The main difference between them is their placement on the page.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between endnotes and footnotes is crucial for effective citation in academic writing. By following these guidelines, authors can ensure that their work is properly formatted and easily readable by their audience.

Endnote vs footnote