Wikipedia:GNG source criteria

{{essay|WP:GNGSOURCECRIT|WP:GNGSC}}

{{nutshell|Every {{tooltip|source|Only refers to sources that are being used to establish notability}} must satisfy every criterion of the WP:GNG notability guideline.}}

Article creators sometimes incorrectly assume that, for the purposes of establishing notability, it is enough that an article or draft cites some sources that are independent and secondary (but eg. offer only passing mentions), while others (eg. the subject's own website) provide significant coverage, etc. — the 'portfolio approach' to notability, if you like.

To be clear, every source that is being relied upon to establish notability (which isn't necessarily every source cited) must at once meet all the criteria listed in the WP:GNG guideline, namely being:

• reliable; and
• independent; and
• secondary; and
• published; and
• provide significant coverage.

Moreover, there must be multiple such sources cited. How many is 'multiple'? This isn't actually defined anywhere, but an oft-quoted number in this context is three.