Used AI in your writing?
You’re not alone and now you need to cite it.
Whether you’re writing a research paper, a blog post, or a technical report, using AI tools like ChatGPT has become increasingly common.
But here’s the challenge: ChatGPT isn’t a traditional author, book, or website. So how do you cite something that doesn’t technically exist in the usual publishing sense?
That’s exactly what this guide will help you solve.
In this post, you’ll learn how to cite ChatGPT in APA, MLA, Chicago, and more
Let’s get to know AI citations, so you can use them ethically, correctly, and confidently.
How to Cite ChatGPT in APA, MLA, Chicago, and More (With Examples)
What the Major Style Guides Say About AI Citations
As AI tools like ChatGPT become part of everyday writing and research, major citation styles are beginning to clarify how to reference them. But they don’t all agree; so, here’s what each major style guide says, along with real excerpts and updated rules.
APA (7th Edition) – Cite as an Algorithmic Source
“Because the answers generated by ChatGPT are not retrievable by others, APA recommends including the full prompt and response in an appendix or footnote.”
- Format (in text):
(OpenAI, 2023) - Format (reference):
OpenAI. (2023, March 14). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/
APA requires you to describe the use of the AI model, but treats it more like a software or non-recoverable source.
MLA (9th Edition) Treat ChatGPT as a Source or Tool
“If you incorporate AI generated text into your work, cite it as you would a source with no author. If you used it to guide your process, describe that in the prose or note.” – MLA Style Center, 2023
- Format (works cited):
“ChatGPT Response to ‘Explain climate change.’” ChatGPT, OpenAI, 3 May 2023, chat.openai.com.
MLA allows some flexibility either cite ChatGPT as a source or acknowledge it in the body of your writing.
Chicago Manual of Style Use Footnotes; Avoid Treating AI as Human
“Because ChatGPT is not a person, it should not be credited as an author. Include explanatory text in a note.” – CMOS Q&A
- Example (note):
- OpenAI, ChatGPT, response to “What is quantum computing?”, May 3, 2023, https://chat.openai.com.
Chicago leans toward using AI citations in notes rather than full bibliographies.
IEEE & Harvard Mention in Text; Often Omit from References
- IEEE: Treat ChatGPT as personal communication unless retrievable. Cite in text only.
(e.g., “According to a ChatGPT response…”) - Harvard Style: Acknowledge the tool in text or in the methodology section. No official bibliography format yet.
Best practice for IEEE/Harvard: Be transparent in your prose; don’t rely solely on references.
Pro Tip: Always check your institution or publisher’s latest guidelines. Many are still updating their AI citation policies.
How to Cite ChatGPT in MLA Style (9th Edition)
Modern Language Association (MLA) style treats ChatGPT like a source with no individual author. The key is to clarify that it’s a response from an AI tool and include your prompt when possible.
In Text Citation (MLA)
Use a brief parenthetical:
(ChatGPT)
You can also introduce it naturally in your writing:
According to a response generated by ChatGPT, quantum entanglement is…
Works Cited Format (MLA 9th Edition)
Here’s how to cite a specific ChatGPT response in your bibliography:
yaml
CopyEdit
ChatGPT. Response to prompt: “Explain quantum entanglement.” *OpenAI*, 21 May 2024, https://chat.openai.com/.
MLA Best Practice Tips:
- Include the exact date you accessed the content.
- Clearly label the AI as the source, and put your prompt in quotes if relevant.
- Italicize OpenAI as the publisher.
- Provide the URL, even if the specific response can’t be retrieved again.
How to Cite ChatGPT in Chicago Style
Chicago Style treats AI like a digital tool without a personal author. Since it doesn’t produce retrievable or permanent content, footnotes are preferred over full bibliographic entries especially in academic writing.
Footnote Example (Chicago Style)
Use this format in your first reference footnote:
arduino
CopyEdit
1. ChatGPT, response to prompt “Define inflation,” OpenAI, May 21, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/.
If citing multiple responses, update the prompt and date accordingly.
Bibliography Format (if required)
Some instructors or editors may still request a bibliography entry. Here’s a full example:
arduino
CopyEdit
ChatGPT. Response to “Define inflation.” OpenAI. May 21, 2024. https://chat.openai.com/.
Chicago Style Tips:
- Always include the exact prompt you used (in quotes).
- Treat OpenAI as the publisher.
- Include the date accessed and URL, even though the response isn’t permanently retrievable.
- If used extensively, consider adding a brief methodology note or appendix describing how ChatGPT was used.
Academic Integrity & AI Use Policies
As generative AI tools like ChatGPT become more common in writing and research, academic institutions are rapidly defining how they should and shouldn’t be used.
What Schools Are Saying
Many universities now recognize AI tools as helpful assistants, but not authoritative sources. For example:
- Harvard & Stanford: You can use AI to brainstorm or draft, but you must disclose it.
- University of California System: AI content must be cited like any other tool, but cannot replace peer reviewed or primary sources.
- Cambridge University: Warns against “uncritical use” of AI due to accuracy and citation issues.
“AI generated content is not inherently credible it must be validated like any other source.”
University of Michigan Academic Standards Panel
Using ChatGPT for writing? Learn how to make your ChatGPT content undetectable with the best tools and tips in 2025.Risks of Improper Use
Using ChatGPT without proper citation can trigger:
- Plagiarism flags from Turnitin and other detectors
- Academic misconduct investigations
- Reduced credibility in your argument or research
Best Practice: Use AI as a Tool, Not an Authority
Here’s how to use ChatGPT responsibly in your academic work:
- Cite clearly using MLA, APA, or Chicago if you use specific outputs
- Validate facts from reliable sources don’t rely on ChatGPT alone
- Disclose AI usage in a methodology note or appendix
- Ask your instructor or editor about AI use policies before submission
Tip: Treat ChatGPT like a calculator it helps process data, but you’re responsible for the answers.
APA vs MLA vs Chicago Citation
| Style | In Text | Reference Format | Notes |
| APA (7th) | (OpenAI, 2024) | OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT response to [prompt]. https://chat.openai.com/ | AI treated as the author (nonhuman entity) |
| MLA (9th) | (ChatGPT) | ChatGPT. Response to “[Prompt].” OpenAI, [Date], https://chat.openai.com/. | Prompt is used as the title |
| Chicago | Footnote | ChatGPT, response to “[Prompt],” OpenAI, [Date], https://chat.openai.com/. | Footnote format preferred; bibliography optional |
Pro Tip: Always match the citation format to your institutions or publisher’s guidelines and include the prompt or question you asked for transparency.
Real World Examples & Use Cases
Here’s how researchers, bloggers, and professionals are citing ChatGPT in action:
1. Academic Thesis Citing AI Analysis
Use case: A graduate student used ChatGPT to summarize theories on behavioral economics.
Citation (APA):
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT response to: “Summarize behavioral economics theories.” https://chat.openai.com/
2. Business Blog Referencing AI Code
Use case: A developer includes AI generated Python code in a tech tutorial.
Citation (MLA):
ChatGPT. Response to “Create a Python function to sort JSON data.” OpenAI, 21 May 2024, https://chat.openai.com/.
3. Journalism Quote of AI Summary
Use case: A reporter used AI to summarize political statements from press releases.
Citation (Chicago):
ChatGPT, response to “Summarize President’s speech on economic policy,” OpenAI, May 21, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/.
Bonus Download:
[Free Citation Template Pack (APA, MLA, Chicago, + Word/Google Docs)]
Includes:
- Copy paste examples
- Editable citation block formats
- Disclosure template for academic AI use
People Also Search For: ChatGPT Citation Formats
How to cite ChatGPT APA (7th Edition)
In text: (OpenAI, 2024)
Reference:
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT response to “Explain climate change.” https://chat.openai.com/
APA treats AI tools as nonhuman authors and requires a retrieval link.
How to cite ChatGPT in text (All Styles Quick Guide)
| Style | In Text Example |
| APA | (OpenAI, 2024) |
| MLA | (ChatGPT) |
| Chicago | Footnote only |
| IEEE | [1] (numbered reference) |
| AMA | Superscript¹ after sentence |
How to cite ChatGPT MLA (9th Edition)
In text: (ChatGPT)
Works Cited:
ChatGPT. Response to “Define blockchain.” OpenAI, 24 May 2024, https://chat.openai.com/
MLA treats ChatGPT like a content generating tool, using the prompt as the “title.”
How to cite ChatGPT Harvard Style
In text: (OpenAI 2024)
Reference List:
OpenAI (2024) ChatGPT response to ‘What is neural networking?’ Available at: https://chat.openai.com/ (Accessed: 24 May 2024).
Harvard requires the access date and is similar in format to APA.
How to reference ChatGPT APA 7
This is identical to standard APA format:
OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT response to “What is photosynthesis?” https://chat.openai.com/
How to cite ChatGPT Chicago Style
Footnote:
ChatGPT, response to “What is inflation?”, OpenAI, May 21, 2024, https://chat.openai.com/.
Bibliography:
ChatGPT. Response to “What is inflation?” OpenAI. May 21, 2024. https://chat.openai.com/.
How to cite ChatGPT IEEE
In text: [1]
References:
[1] OpenAI, ChatGPT response to “What is machine learning?”, https://chat.openai.com/, May 21, 2024.
How to cite ChatGPT AMA
In text: Superscript numbers: “The result was generated by ChatGPT.^1”
Reference:
- OpenAI. ChatGPT response to “What is gene editing?” https://chat.openai.com/. Published May 21, 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Citing ChatGPT Made Clear
Q1: Can I cite ChatGPT as an author?
A: Yes, you can. APA, MLA, and even Chicago style now allows AI tools like ChatGPT to be cited as long as you clearly label it as an AI, not a human. Use “OpenAI” or “ChatGPT” depending on the format.
Q2: Is citing ChatGPT plagiarism?
A: Not if you disclose it properly. Citing AI tools transparently avoids plagiarism and aligns with academic integrity. Always include details like the tool used, your prompt (if applicable), and the date accessed.
Q3: Should I include the prompt I used?
A: Yes, especially in MLA, Chicago, and APA styles. Including the prompt makes your citation more precise and verifiable, showing how the AI’s output was generated.
Q4: What version or date should I cite?
A: Use the response date (e.g., “May 2024”) or the model’s name (e.g., “GPT 4”) if known. Most citation styles also require an access date or timestamp.
Conclusion
Citing ChatGPT is not only possible, it’s recommended when used in academic, professional, or journalistic content. With new guidance from APA, MLA, and Chicago, you can confidently include AI generated text as long as you cite responsibly.
Copy one of the citation formats above for your paper or article
Citing AI doesn’t have to be confusing; grab our free toolkit and do it right, every time.”