How to Cite a Figure

Charts, diagrams, graphs, and scientific figures.

What You'll Need

Figure Title/Caption
Creator(s)
Source Publication
Figure Number
Page
Date
URL

Record the figure number, caption, and the source publication. Note whether you created the figure or adapted it from another source.

Example Citations

APA
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. (2024). Global Surface Temperature Anomalies 1880-2023 [Figure]. In GISS Surface Temperature Analysis (No. Figure 1). https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/
In-text (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, 2024)
MLA Handbook (in-text citations)
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. “Global Surface Temperature Anomalies 1880-2023”. GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, Figure 1, 2024, https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/.
In-text (NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies)
CMOS 17e with Bluebook (notes and bibliography [14.19])
NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. “Global Surface Temperature Anomalies 1880-2023”. In GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, Figure 1. 2024. https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/.
Footnote NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, “Global Surface Temperature Anomalies 1880-2023”, in GISS Surface Temperature Analysis, Figure 1, 2024, https://data.giss.nasa.gov/gistemp/.

Other Source Types

Website Book Journal Article Newspaper Article Book Chapter Thesis/Dissertation Report Video Podcast/Broadcast Magazine Article Software Dataset Patent Legal Case Legislation Bill Regulation Hearing Standard Treaty Conference Paper Manuscript Review Book Review Classic Work Reference Entry Dictionary Entry Encyclopedia Entry Periodical Collection Interview Speech Song Musical Score Graphic Map Performance Event Pamphlet Article Document Post Blog Post Personal Communication