Citation Density Calculator
Need to know whether your document is citation heavy or light? Enter the total number of citations and the number of pages to calculate citations per page. Use the result to benchmark drafts, compare sections, or align with court or journal expectations.
Citation counts do not measure argument strength or success.
Examples
- 20 citations across 10 pages ⇒ 2.00 citations per page
- 45 citations across 15 pages ⇒ 3.00 citations per page
- 32 citations across 12.5 pages ⇒ 2.56 citations per page
FAQ
How can this metric help my legal or academic writing?
It shows whether your authorities are distributed evenly, helping you balance narrative and citations to meet reviewer expectations.
Can I enter fractional pages?
Yes. For partial pages, use decimals such as 12.5 to represent half a page.
Does citation density measure the quality of my sources?
No. It only measures quantity. You still need to ensure each citation is persuasive and relevant.
What is a good citation density target?
Appellate briefs often range from 1 to 3 citations per page, but always follow the conventions of your court, journal, or instructor.
Additional Information
- Citation density = total citations ÷ total pages.
- Keep your page-count method consistent (for example, exclude tables of contents if you do so in one draft).
- High densities can signal heavy reliance on authority, while low densities emphasize narrative or analysis.