When a journal record uses an article number instead of a page range, keep that distinction in the IEEE reference. This guide compares real publisher records, shows where the number belongs, and helps you avoid turning PDF viewer pages into publication pages.
Use The Publisher's Article Number When It Replaces Pages
An IEEE citation article number is a publisher-assigned locator used when the journal record has no page range. Put it in Article number so the reference reads Art. no.; leave Pages empty.
A page or section locator for a quotation is separate from the journal's bibliographic locator. It does not turn an article number into a page range.
Article Number Versus Page Range
Let the publisher record decide which field you fill. The IEEE Transactions on Quantum Engineering template gives separate examples for Art. no. and pp..
| Publisher record | What it shows | Field to use |
|---|---|---|
| IEEE Xplore record for “A Novel Ultrahigh Current Whole-Wafer Press-Pack Power Semiconductor With Δ-Pack Structure” | IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, vol. 41, no. 9, pages 14323-14328 | Pages 14323-14328 |
| IEEE Photonics Journal record for “Effective Mass Sensing Using Optomechanically Induced Transparency in Microresonator System” | Vol. 9, no. 1, article number 6800411 | Article number 6800411 |
| Scientific Reports record for “Mitochondrial dynamics: updates and perspectives” | Volume 14, article number 9936, and a DOI | Volume 14; article number 9936; DOI in its own field |
The last record puts several numbers side by side. Volume 14 identifies the container, 9936 identifies the item, and the DOI is a persistent identifier.
Publishers may call the same role an eLocator or electronic article identifier. Use it as an article number only when the official citation record uses it to locate the article. A database count, Xplore document ID, issue number, or DOI suffix does not establish that role.
Find The Identifier On The Publisher Page
Start with the DOI or exact title and open the publisher's page. The locator usually appears near the journal, volume, issue, date, or Cite panel.
- Confirm the workMatch the title, authors, journal, and DOI.
- Read the labelLook for “Article number,” “Art. no.,” “eLocator,” or the publisher Cite panel.
- Keep fields separateCopy volume, issue, year, DOI, and one locator into their own fields.
- Check the destination guideFollow its punctuation, abbreviation, and optional-detail rules.
Use a page range only when the record labels one. When it states an article number, do not create pp. from the PDF screen counter.
Map The Article Number To The IEEE Citation Fields
Use the site's Journal citation tool after checking the record. Its form keeps Pages and Article number separate. The formatter prints Art. no. after the year and uses pp. for a page range.
[1] A. B. Author, “Article title,” Journal Title, vol. 41, no. 9, pp. 14323-14328, 2026, doi: 10.0000/example.[2] Y.-P. Gao et al., “Effective mass sensing using optomechanically induced transparency in microresonator system,” IEEE Photon. J., vol. 9, no. 1, Feb. 2017, Art. no. 6800411, doi: 10.1109/JPHOT.2016.2639045.The bracket numbers are examples only. Number the finished list in the order your target venue requires. If a record displays both locators, retain both in your notes and check that venue's current instructions before printing either.
For BibTeX imports, this site reads a journal article's eid field into Article number. Compare that value with the publisher page. For DOI lookup steps, see DOI to IEEE Citation: Find the Right Record and Check Its Fields.
If the publisher still labels the record Early Access and has not assigned a final locator, use the status, Date of Publication, and DOI instead. The Early Access journal article guide explains that separate decision.
Fix Common Page-Number Mistakes
| Incorrect move | Why it fails | Better check |
|---|---|---|
| Use the PDF viewer count as pages | It describes a file, not necessarily journal pagination | Use a range only when the publisher labels pages |
| Use volume or issue as Article number | They identify the container, not the work | Find a distinct article-number or eLocator label |
| Place an eLocator in Pages | The reference will read as a page range | Use Article number so it reads Art. no. |
| Copy a database ID or DOI suffix | It may not be the journal's locator | Verify the value on the publisher's citation record |
The source record establishes whether a value is a page range, article number, DOI, issue, or platform identifier.
Check The Journal Entry Before You Copy It
- Source identityDoes the DOI or publisher URL open the article you cited?
- Article locatorDoes the official record provide pages, an article number, or both?
- Field placementDid an article number go in Article number rather than Pages?
- Journal contextDo the journal, volume, issue, year, and DOI match one version of record?
- Target requirementsDoes the entry follow the reference guide you must use?
Have a checked journal record?
Enter the publisher's page range or article number in its own field, then review the complete IEEE draft before copying.
Open the Journal citation toolFrequently Asked Questions
Is an eLocator the same as an article number?
Often. Publishers use several labels for an identifier that takes the place of pages. Confirm its role in the journal record before using Article number.
Should I include pages and an article number together?
Use the fields shown by the publisher and follow the target venue's guide. When a record supplies both, do not assume one is disposable.
Can I cite the PDF's page 4 in IEEE style?
Use a page or section locator only when your receiving venue permits it. That is separate from the journal reference's article number or page range.