What is the Difference Between Footnote and Endnote?

The main difference between footnotes and endnotes lies in their placement within a document. Here are the key differences:

• Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page that contains the sentence to which they refer. They are typically shorter and contain a superscript number that corresponds to the in-text citation. Footnotes are commonly used in the Chicago notes-biblio style and can also be used in MLA or APA styles if required by the instructor.
• Endnotes are listed at the end of the paper on separate pages, usually before the bibliography. They can be more detailed than footnotes without compromising the formatting of the paper. Endnotes are also numbered with superscript numbers that correspond to the in-text citation. They are often used in Chicago-style papers and can be used in other styles as well.

Both footnotes and endnotes serve the same purpose, which is to provide additional information or cite sources without disrupting the flow of the text. It is essential to choose one method (either footnotes or endnotes) and use it consistently throughout the document.

Comparative Table: Footnote vs Endnote

Here is a table comparing the differences between footnotes and endnotes:

In summary, footnotes and endnotes serve similar purposes but have different placements in a document. Footnotes are placed at the bottom of the page, while endnotes are placed at the end of a section, chapter, or the entire document. Footnotes can interrupt the reader's flow, whereas endnotes do not. The choice between footnotes and endnotes depends on the writing style or citation guide being used.