How does RefFinder work?

Paste your essay into RefFinder and our AI reads it to identify passages that need citations. We then search the web for the original sources, let you review each match, and generate a formatted bibliography in APA, Harvard, MLA, or Chicago style.

What citation formats does RefFinder support?

RefFinder supports four major citation formats: APA (7th edition), Harvard, MLA, and Chicago. You can switch between formats after your references are found.

Is RefFinder free to use?

RefFinder uses a credit system. You can earn free credits by watching ads, completing surveys, referring friends, or leaving a review. Credit packages are also available for purchase starting from $1.50 AUD.

Find References for Your Essay

Paste your essay below and we'll identify passages that need citations, search for the original sources, and build your bibliography.

Start free — no credit card or log in to get started. Each essay analysis costs credits based on length.

Your Essay

Sources (optional)

If you remember sources you used, add them here with their type. This helps us match more accurately.

Number of references (optional)

Limit the AI to finding your N most important references. Leave blank to find all.

Search Depth

Quick Thorough Deep Search

Recommended. Searches multiple angles per passage for solid results.

11.2h

Total time saved

168m

Saved per essay

References found

Essays analyzed

How It Works

AI reads your essay and identifies passages needing citations
We search the web for the original sources
You review each match — accept or reject
Pick a format (APA, Harvard, MLA, Chicago) and get your bibliography

Credits per essay: Min: 57 | Max: 128 | Median: 57 | Mean: 75 (4 essays)

Helpful Guides

APA vs Harvard: Which Should You Use? — A side-by-side comparison to help you pick the right citation style.
10 Citation Formatting Mistakes to Avoid — Common referencing errors that cost marks, and how to fix them.
Where to Find Sources for Your Essay — The best databases, search engines, and strategies for finding quality sources.
How to Reference a Website in Your Essay — Step-by-step for APA, Harvard, MLA, and Chicago with examples.
7 Referencing Mistakes That Cost You Marks — The errors markers see most often, and how to fix each one.
Best Referencing Tools for Students (2026) — Free and paid options compared, from Zotero to AI-powered tools.