How to reference a website in IEEE
A web page reference in IEEE has 5 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: A number, like [1]
- 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 5 parts
[1] Author, “Title,” Site name. Accessed: date accessed. [Online]. Available: Web address
[1] , 2 · TITLE“Why students struggle to sleep,”3 · SITE NAMEStudent Sleep Project. Accessed: 4 · ACCESSEDOct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: 5 · WEB ADDRESShttps://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
- 2 · TitleIn double quotation marks.The main heading on the page, not the words in the browser tab.
- 3 · Site nameAs the source gives it.The name of the whole website, often in the logo or the page header.
- 4 · AccessedThe day you looked at it, written like this: Oct. 14, 2026. After “Accessed:”.The day you read the page.
- 5 · Web addressThe full web address. After “Available:”.Copy it from the address bar, so nothing is mistyped.
Two places, one source
Many students sleep less in exam weeks [1].
The source’s number.[1] A. Green, “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
The full reference, in the order you first cited each source.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
Made by an organisation
Give the organisation’s name where the author goes.
[1] Riverside Media Bureau, “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
In your essay: [1]
No author
Start with the title instead.
[1] “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
In your essay: [1]
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “and”.
[1] A. Green and R. Patel, “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
In your essay: [1]
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list.
[1] A. Green, R. Patel, D. Okafor, and H. Lee, “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
In your essay: [1]
Easy to get wrong
Leaving out the date you looked at it
NOT QUITE[1] A. Green, “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
RIGHT[1] A. Green, “Why students struggle to sleep,” Student Sleep Project. Accessed: Oct. 14, 2026. [Online]. Available: https://www.example.org/sleep/why-students-struggle
Check your university’s version
Some departments make small changes to IEEE. Your course handbook always wins.
This guide follows the IEEE Reference Guide (2023).
Questions
How do I cite a website in the text?
Use the number the source has in your list: [1]. The list is in the order you first cite each source, so the first source you cite is 1.
Is IEEE the same at every university?
Some departments make small changes to IEEE. Your course 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.