How to Cite Perplexity
Updated July 2026
Citing an answer or Deep Research report from Perplexity? Here's the format in APA, MLA, and Chicago — but with Perplexity, there's a twist: it shows its sources, and those are usually what you should cite.
When you do cite Perplexity itself: Perplexity AI as author, describe the answer, and add the [Large language model] label.
The format
Perplexity AI → year → answer/report description → (Deep Research) → [Large language model] → link. Build it in the generator under Manual Entry → AI tool.
Perplexity AI. (2026). Research report on EV battery supply chains (Deep Research) [Large language model]. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ev-battery-supply-2f6a
In-text(Perplexity AI, 2026)
Perplexity AI. "Research report on EV battery supply chains." 2026, https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ev-battery-supply-2f6a.
In-text(Perplexity AI)
Perplexity AI. "Research report on EV battery supply chains." 2026. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/ev-battery-supply-2f6a.
In-text(Perplexity AI 2026)
What Perplexity is — and why it's different
Perplexity is an "answer engine": instead of a chat that makes things up, it searches the web and answers with numbered citations to real sources inline. That design changes the citation advice — for Perplexity, the sources aren't hidden, they're the whole point.
So in most cases you should click through and cite the original source Perplexity used, not Perplexity itself. Cite Perplexity only when its own synthesis is what you're relying on (or for a Deep Research report).
Cite the source, not the engine (usually)
- Default: cite the linked source. Perplexity numbers its sources — open the one that supports your point and cite it directly. It's verifiable and carries real authority.
- Cite Perplexity only when you're quoting its own wording or a Deep Research synthesis.
- Author is Perplexity AI when you do cite it; note Deep Research as the version if that's what you used.
- Use the shareable thread URL as the link, and keep your query.
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Go Premium — $5/monthFrequently asked questions
- Should I cite Perplexity or its sources?
- Usually the sources. Perplexity shows numbered citations to real pages — click through and cite those directly. Cite Perplexity only when you're relying on its own wording or a Deep Research report.
- Who is the author when I cite Perplexity itself?
- Perplexity AI, with the [Large language model] label and 'Deep Research' as the version if applicable.
- What link do I use?
- The shareable thread URL for that answer. For a cited fact, use the original source's URL instead.