How to Read a Turnitin Similarity Report, Section by Section
Independent guide. Not affiliated with Turnitin, LLC. Read the Turnitin disclaimer.
A Turnitin similarity report has five parts. Read them in this order and the number at the top will make sense. We'll use a real 9% report.
1. Overall similarity
9% here: the combined share of text matching any source. It's not a plagiarism score. See how it's calculated.
2. Filtered from the report
This report excludes the bibliography and quoted text. Filters change the score a lot (filters explained).
3. Match groups
| Group | In this report | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Not Cited or Quoted | 38 matches, 8% | No quotes or citation: fix these first |
| Missing Quotations | 3 matches, 1% | Very close to source text |
| Missing Citation | 0% | Quoted but not cited |
| Cited and Quoted | 0% | Done correctly |
4. Top sources
8% internet, 1% publications, 7% submitted works. Sources overlap, so these add up to more than 9%.
5. Integrity flags
"0 Integrity Flags": no hidden characters or text tricks found.
Then: the highlighted text
Each source has a number and colour. Click a highlight to see the source and decide whether to quote, cite or rewrite.
Get your own report: $3.50. The AI report is separate; see the AI report explained.
Frequently asked questions
What's the most important part of a Turnitin report?
The match groups, especially 'Not Cited or Quoted', more than the overall percentage.
What are top sources?
The share of matches from the internet, publications and submitted works.
What are integrity flags?
Signs of text manipulation such as hidden characters. Zero flags is normal.
See your Turnitin AI and similarity scores first.
- Turnitin similarity report (PDF)
- Turnitin AI writing report (PDF)
- Not stored in any shared repository
- Ready usually within 30 minutes
2 free checks with every 10 you buy.
Get my Turnitin reportsFlagged as AI? Our editors rewrite it by hand.
- Human editors, not another AI tool
- Aims for a 0% Turnitin AI score, proofreading included
- Fresh Turnitin AI report of the edited file as proof
- Delivered within 12 to 24 hours
Questions? WhatsApp us on +254706770780.