endnotes

Endnotes are notes collected at the end of a document or at the end of a specific section, rather than at the bottom of each page. They serve to provide bibliographic references, supplementary information, or explanatory commentary that would interrupt the flow of the main text if placed as footnotes.

Endnotes differ from footnotes primarily in location. Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page on which the referenced material appears, while endnotes are gathered in a single section at the document’s end or at the end of each chapter. In both cases, citations are usually indicated by a superscript number in the text, with a corresponding numbered list of notes.

Numbering can be continuous throughout the document or restarted for each chapter or section, depending on the style guide or publisher’s preference. Endnotes may contain source citations, brief clarifications, or more detailed commentary that would be too disruptive if inserted in the main text.

In practice, endnotes are commonly managed in word processing software via an Endnote feature, which automatically numbers notes and creates a dedicated endnotes section. In digital formats, endnotes often include hyperlinks from the reference marker to the note, helping readers navigate quickly.

Different disciplines and style guides treat endnotes differently. The Chicago Manual of Style frequently uses endnotes for bibliographic information and occasional commentary. MLA allows endnotes as an alternative to parenthetical citations in some cases. APA generally discourages extensive use of endnotes for citations, favoring in-text references. Regardless of the style, consistency and clear documentation are essential.