Answered By: Timothy Grasso
Last Updated: Mar 18, 2026     Views: 454

Citing eBooks is only slightly different from citing print books. 

A. How to Cite an eBook in Chicago/Turabian (See Turabian Citation Quick Guide) 

To cite an eBook in Chicago/Turabian style, follow the same format as you would for a print book, and then include information about how you accessed the eBook.
 
  • If a book is available online, add the URL (such as a (such as a permalink or DOI) or the name of the database. 
  • For other eBooks, include the device used (such as a Kindle or Kobo).
When citing specific parts of the text, in addition to the above information:
  • Use page numbers if the eBook has fixed pages (such as a PDF version that matches the print edition).
  • If the eBook does not have stable page numbers (common with EPUB files, mobile devices, or eReaders), cite a chapter number, section heading, or another numbered part instead.

If possible, try to use a version of the eBook with fixed page numbers. If that's not available, citing by chapter or section is an acceptable alternative.

How to Access eBooks with Fixed Page Numbers

Many ebooks from vendors like EBSCO and ProQuest default to EPUB format in your browser because it displays well on mobile devices. However, EPUB files do not have stable page numbers, so you must access to a PDF version when citing page numbers.

Accessing PDFs:

  • WorldCat Library record: Click the link to View eBook.
  • ProQuest: Select Read Online, then click the Book Icon (top right) and choose Switch to PDF. You can also select Download PDF.
  • EBSCO: Access the PDF from the menu on the left of the book record page.

Chicago Manual of Style:
Chapter 14.159: Books requiring a specific application or device (e-books)

Chapter 14.160 Page or location numbers in electronic formats

FAQ Actions