how to cite astm standards

2 min read 23-01-2025

ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) develops and publishes numerous standards used across various industries. Knowing how to properly cite these standards in your work is crucial for academic integrity and clear communication. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of citing ASTM standards, covering different citation styles and offering practical examples.

Understanding ASTM Standard Structure

Before diving into citation formats, understanding the structure of an ASTM standard is essential. A typical ASTM standard includes:

Designation: A unique alphanumeric code (e.g., ASTM E112-19). This is the most important piece of information for citation.
Year: The year of publication or last revision.
Title: The full title of the standard.
Volume (if applicable): Some standards are part of larger volumes.

How to Cite ASTM Standards in Different Styles

Different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) have specific formatting requirements. Here's a breakdown of how to cite ASTM standards in some common styles:

APA Style (7th Edition)

The APA style emphasizes brevity. The in-text citation usually includes the standard's designation and year. A full reference is provided in the reference list.

In-text Citation: (ASTM E112-19, 2019)

Reference List Entry:

ASTM International. (2019). Standard test methods for determining the thermal conductivity of refractory materials. (ASTM E112-19). West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International.

MLA Style (9th Edition)

MLA style focuses on author and source. While ASTM standards don't have a traditional author, the organization is cited.

In-text Citation: ("ASTM E112-19," 2019)

Works Cited Entry:

"Standard Test Methods for Determining the Thermal Conductivity of Refractory Materials." ASTM E112-19, ASTM International, 2019, www.astm.org.

Chicago Style (17th Edition)

Chicago style offers different note and bibliography formats. Here's an example using the notes and bibliography system.

Footnote/Endnote:

ASTM International, Standard test methods for determining the thermal conductivity of refractory materials (West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International, 2019), ASTM E112-19.

Bibliography Entry:

ASTM International. Standard test methods for determining the thermal conductivity of refractory materials. West Conshohocken, PA: ASTM International, 2019. ASTM E112-19.

Tips for Accurate ASTM Citations

Always verify: Double-check the standard's designation, year, and title against the original document.
Use the official source: Cite directly from the ASTM International website whenever possible. Avoid unofficial copies.
Consistency is key: Maintain consistent formatting throughout your work.
Use a citation manager: Tools like Zotero or Mendeley can help manage and format citations automatically.
Access online versions: ASTM International provides online access to many of its standards. Using online versions may provide a direct URL for your citation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I cite an ASTM standard if I only have access to a copy and not the online version?

If you only have a physical copy and cannot find a digital version, you may need to adapt your citation slightly. You can omit the URL if it’s unavailable. However, providing as much information as possible (designation, year, title, publisher) is crucial.

What if the standard has been revised?

Cite the most current version available. If referring to a specific older version, indicate the year of the version you used in your citation.

What if I'm citing a specific section within the standard?

For greater precision, you may add the section number after the designation in your citation (e.g., ASTM E112-19, Section 5.2). This is particularly important if you're focusing on specific parts of the standard.

By following these guidelines, you can accurately and consistently cite ASTM standards in your work, ensuring clarity, credibility, and compliance with academic standards. Remember to always double-check your citations and refer to the specific style guide's most up-to-date guidelines.