What is the difference between footnotes and endnotes in Chicago?

Answer

Image of the reference book title, The Chicago Manual of Style
McKillop Library has both print and online access to the Chicago Manual of Style. As stated in the Chicago-Style Citation Quick Guide, when using the notes and bibliography system, sources are cited in numbered footnotes or endnotes, as well as in a bibliography, organized alphabetically. 
According to Ch 13, section 46
"As their name suggests, footnotes appear at the foot of a page. In a journal, endnotes appear at the end of an article; in a book, at the end of a chapter or, more commonly, at the back of the book....In electronic formats, notes are often linked to the text, and the distinction between footnotes and endnotes may not apply."

The preference for whether to use footnotes or endnotes - or both - is up to the author, but may be preferred by an editor, or here at Salve, by your professor, so be sure to ask them. See the CMOS Citation Quick Guide for some examples of notes, shortened notes, and bibliography entries in the Notes and Bibliography system, organized by source type.  

To learn more about footnotes, see Ch. 13, section 47: Footnotes - pros and cons

To learn more about endnotes, Ch. 13, section 48: Endnotes - pros and cons

Lastly, to view a sample of endnotes in Chicago, see Ch. 13, section 49: Endnote placement

  • Last Updated Aug 05, 2025
  • Views 3
  • Answered By Lisa Richter

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