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Cite equations, figures, tables and images in IEEE

Learn how to cite images in IEEE style. Use correct templates for authors and formats to reference equations, figures, tables and image sources accurately in your writing.

In-text citations

  • If you are reproducing an equation from another source, cite it in the introductory sentence before the equation, or in the concluding sentence after it, using sequential numbering in square brackets as usual. 
  • You must also include the equation number as given in the original source next to the actual equation in round brackets and right-aligned.
Citation format Example
Paraphrasing … as seen in [3, eq. (2)]
Direct quote

10xy2 + 15x2y - 5xy = 5 (2xy2 + 3x2y - xy) =

=5x (2y2 + 3xy - y)   =      (9)

= 5xy (2y + 3x - 1)

In this example, the original source will be in the reference list as [27]. The reproduced equation is numbered (9) in the original source.

Reference list

Reference the source as per the format required, for example, book, journal article, etc.

In-text citations

  • Images are referred to as ‘figures’ in IEEE. 
  • When referring to a figure or table in your writing, always use the abbreviation 'Fig.' 
  • Name figures in numerical order e.g. Fig. 1, Fig 2.
  • For more information on referencing Figures, Images and Tables see pages 14-15 of the IEEE Editorial Style Manual for Authors.
Citation format Example
Paraphrasing … as shown in [1, Fig. 2]

Figures

  • If you are reproducing a figure from another source, the caption goes underneath the figure and is centred. Give the citation number directly after the caption under the figure.
  • Indicate at the end of the caption if you have altered the figure in any way.
  • You may refer to multiple parts of the figure using singular grammar, for example, Fig. 1(a) and Fig. 1(b).
Figure format Example
Template

<INSERT FIGURE>

Fig. #. Caption. (a) Caption part. (b) Caption part. [#]
Figure

"Black-and-white photograph of the turning and fitting shop at Ballarat North Workshops, showing rows of large industrial lathes and machinery, with workers operating equipment in a spacious, high-ceilinged workshop." (From Turning and fitting shop at Ballarat North Workshops, Museum Victoria. Wikimedia Commons. Accessed Jan. 21, 2025. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turning_and_fitting_shop.jpg. Accessed Sept. 1, 2025.)

Fig. 2. Turning and fitting shop at Ballarat North Workshops. [3]

Reference list

Reference the source as per the format required, for example; book, journal article, website etc.

Reference format Example
Full reference

[3] Museum Victoria. “Turning and fitting shop at Ballarat North Workshops.” Wikimedia Commons. Acessed Jan. 21, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Turning_and_fitting_shop.jpg (Accessed Sept 1, 2025).

In-text citations

Label tables using roman numerals. 

Citation format Example
Paraphrasing See [2, Tab. IV] for more information regarding …

Tables

  • Write the word 'TABLE' (in capital letters) and the number in Roman numerals (e.g. 'TABLE IV') above the table.
  • If using multiple tables, number them sequentially.
  • Under the table number include a caption in all caps, centred directly below the table number.
  • Give the citation number directly after the caption.
  • Indicate at the end of the caption if you have altered the figure in any way.
  • When referring to a figure or table in your writing always use the abbreviation 'Tab. #'
Table format Example
Template

TABLE # (number in roman numerals)

TABLE CAPTION [#]

<INSERT TABLE>
Table

TABLE II

INTERNET DATA USAGE RECORD [1]

  Data usage   Platform
180 MB System
14 MB Email
4 MB Browser

Reference list

Reference the source as per the format required, for example, book, journal article, etc.