Harvard vs APA: Key Differences You Need to Know

Both Harvard format and APA format use author-date citations, so they look similar at first glance. But the Harvard formatting vs APA formatting details matter—mixing them up can cost you marks when formatting a document for class.

The Key Harvard Format vs APA Format Differences

1. Ampersand vs 'And'

• APA: Uses & in parentheses — (Smith & Jones, 2023)
• Harvard: Uses 'and' always — (Smith and Jones, 2023)

2. Quotation Marks

• APA: Double quotation marks — "quoted text"
• Harvard: Single quotation marks — 'quoted text'

3. No Date Format

• APA: Abbreviation — (Smith, n.d.)
• Harvard: Spelled out — (Smith, no date)

4. Running Head

• APA: Running head required for professional papers
• Harvard: No running head

5. Standardization

• APA: Single official manual with strict rules
• Harvard: Varies by institution—check your university's guide

Which One Are You Using?

Check your assignment brief or ask your instructor. Using the wrong style—or mixing styles—is a common cause of lost marks.

Get the Right Format

SimpleFormat Pro supports both Harvard formatting and APA formatting, applying the correct format rules for each style automatically.