Citation Guide: Chicago Manual of Style (Notes System)
CMS Notes Page Formatting rules
CMS Notes Page formatting rules call for the end documentation to begin on a new page at the end of your document and be numbered accordingly. If your document is 6½ pages long, the Notes page should begin on page 8.
When footnotes replace endnotes, separate them from the body text with a triple-space or a twelve-space bar line beginning flush-left and then apply the same formatting rules as for endnotes.
Note: Unless informed otherwise, you can count on your instructor not counting the Notes page in the total page count of an eight page assignment.
The Notes page formatting rules are as follows:
- The title-Notes-should be centered one inch from the top of the first page.
- Double space between the title and first entry, and all subsequent entries.
- Arrange entries numerically, not alphabetically.
Individual entries should be formatted in the following way:
- Indent the first line of each entry five spaces from the left margin (the normal tab-button default space). Subsequent lines are flush-left.
- Number each entry consecutively following their initial in-text order of appearance. Each number should be followed by a period and one space.
- Page numbers are included only when specific passages rather than entire sources are being cited and in the case of quotations.
- Common abbreviations used to make notes less redundant and cluttered should be identified in a separate list placed between the title and the first entry on the Notes page.