How to reference a report in APA 7
A report reference in APA 7 has 4 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author, year)
- Checked 21 October 2026
Pip tip: in KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. Most of this is filled in for you.
The 4 parts
Author. (Year). Title. Web address
. 2 · DATE(2024). 3 · TITLEStudent wellbeing survey 2024. 4 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
- 2 · DateThe year. In round brackets.On the cover or the first pages.
- 3 · TitleIn italics.On the cover.
- 4 · Web addressThe full web address.The report’s own page or PDF.
Two places, one source
Many students say exam stress affects their sleep (Campus Health Trust, 2024).
The author and the year, in brackets.Campus Health Trust. (2024). Student wellbeing survey 2024. https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
No author
Start with the title instead.
Student wellbeing survey 2024. (2024). Campus Health Trust. https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
In your essay: (Student Wellbeing Survey 2024, 2024)
No date
Write “n.d.” where the date goes. And add the date you looked at it, after “Retrieved”.
Campus Health Trust. (n.d.). Student wellbeing survey 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
In your essay: (Campus Health Trust, n.d.)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “&”.
Green, A., & Patel, R. (2024). Student wellbeing survey 2024. Campus Health Trust. https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
In your essay: (Green & Patel, 2024)
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, A., Patel, R., Okafor, D., & Lee, H. (2024). Student wellbeing survey 2024. Campus Health Trust. https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
In your essay: (Green et al., 2024)
Easy to get wrong
A web address in your essay
NOT QUITEMany students say exam stress affects their sleep (www.example.org).
RIGHTMany students say exam stress affects their sleep (Campus Health Trust, 2024).
The title not in italics
NOT QUITECampus Health Trust. (2024). Student wellbeing survey 2024. https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
RIGHTCampus Health Trust. (2024). Student wellbeing survey 2024. https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
Check your university’s version
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a report in the text?
Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Campus Health Trust, 2024). To point to one place in it: (Campus Health Trust, 2024, p. 12)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how APA 7 sets it out: Campus Health Trust. (n.d.). Student wellbeing survey 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2026, from https://www.example.org/wellbeing-survey-2024
Is APA 7 the same at every university?
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
Referencing is easier as you go
Our step-by-step guides show how to keep your sources in order while you research and write, so the reference list is ready when you are.
Skip the typing next time
In KanBananza, right-click any page and choose “Save as a source”. The details are filled in for you, anything missing is flagged, and your reference list is made in your style. Harvard is free; the other styles come with Full Bananza.
These guides and KanBananza’s references are here to help, but they don’t replace your course’s own referencing guide: check your references against your handbook, and ask your tutor or library if you’re not sure. You’re responsible for your own work. Style names belong to their owners, who aren’t connected with KanBananza and don’t endorse it. See our terms.