When students first learn MLA format, one of the most common areas of confusion involves the difference between the MLA heading and the MLA header. The two terms sound nearly identical, and both appear at the top of the page. However, they serve completely different purposes and follow different formatting rules.
Understanding the distinction between an MLA heading and the MLA header is essential for producing properly formatted academic papers. Even strong essays can lose points if formatting guidelines are not followed correctly.
Understanding MLA Format
MLA format is a standardized writing style developed by the Modern Language Association. It is primarily used in the humanities, particularly in English, literature, cultural studies, and language courses. The guidelines are outlined in the MLA Handbook, currently in its ninth edition.
MLA style governs everything from citation structure to page layout. It specifies margin size, font choice, spacing, in-text citations, and the Works Cited page. Among these layout requirements are clear instructions about the MLA heading and the MLA header. While these two elements are related to page formatting, they are not interchangeable.
To understand MLA format fully, it is important to know how these two elements function independently within a properly structured paper.
What Is the MLA Heading?
Definition of the MLA Heading
The MLA heading appears only on the first page of your essay. It is placed in the upper-left corner of the document and provides identifying information about the assignment. Unlike a cover page, which MLA format does not typically require, the MLA heading serves as a built-in identification section at the beginning of the paper.
What the MLA Heading Includes
The MLA heading consists of four lines. The first line includes the student’s full name. The second line lists the instructor’s name. The third line identifies the course name or number. The fourth line provides the date of submission, written in day-month-year format.
Each of these lines is double-spaced, and there should be no additional blank lines between them. After the MLA heading, the title of the paper is centered on the next line, followed by the beginning of the essay.
Placement and Formatting Rules
The MLA heading must be left-aligned and written in the same font and size as the rest of the paper. Typically, MLA format requires 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing throughout the entire document, and one-inch margins on all sides.
It is important not to bold, italicize, or underline the MLA heading. It should appear simple and consistent with the rest of the document’s formatting.
Purpose of the MLA Heading
The MLA heading functions as an identification block. It informs the instructor who wrote the paper, which course it belongs to, and when it was submitted. Because MLA format generally does not require a separate title page, the MLA heading replaces that need.
In short, the MLA heading exists to identify the assignment clearly and professionally.
What Is the MLA Header?
Definition of the MLA Header
The MLA header is entirely different from the MLA heading. While the heading appears only on the first page, the MLA header appears on every page of the paper, including the first.
The MLA header is a running head that includes only the student’s last name and the page number.
What the MLA Header Includes
The MLA header contains two elements: the writer’s last name and the corresponding page number. For example, if the student’s last name is Smith, the header on the first page would read “Smith 1.” On the second page, it would read “Smith 2,” and so on.
No additional information should be included in the MLA header. The paper title, course name, and full name do not belong there.
Placement and Formatting Rules
The MLA header is placed in the top-right corner of each page. It should be positioned one-half inch from the top of the page and aligned to the right margin.
Like the MLA heading, the header should use the same font and size as the rest of the paper. It should not be bolded or stylized in any way.
Most word processing programs allow you to insert the MLA header through the “Insert Header” feature, ensuring that page numbers update automatically.
Purpose of the MLA Header
The MLA header serves an organizational purpose. It ensures that pages remain identifiable if they become separated. In academic settings where printed papers are submitted, this feature helps instructors quickly reorganize pages if needed.
The MLA header provides consistency and clarity, but it does not provide assignment information. That role belongs exclusively to the MLA heading.
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Comparing the MLA Heading and the MLA Header
Differences in Location
One of the most obvious differences between the MLA heading and the MLA header is their location. The MLA heading appears in the top-left corner of the first page only. The MLA header appears in the top-right corner of every page.
Because they are positioned on opposite sides of the page, they serve distinct visual and functional roles.
Differences in Content
The MLA heading contains detailed identification information, including the student’s name, instructor’s name, course title, and submission date. The MLA header, by contrast, includes only the student’s last name and page number.
This distinction is crucial. Confusing the content of the MLA heading with the MLA header is one of the most common formatting errors students make.
Differences in Frequency
Another key difference is how often each appears. The MLA heading appears once, at the beginning of the document. The MLA header repeats on every page.
Understanding this difference eliminates much of the confusion surrounding MLA format.
Why Students Confuse the MLA Heading and the MLA Header
Similar Terminology
The words “heading” and “header” differ by only two letters. Because they sound similar and relate to page formatting, students often assume they mean the same thing.
Word Processor Terminology
Most word processing programs refer to the top margin area as the “header.” This can mislead students into placing the MLA heading inside the document’s header section, which is incorrect. The MLA heading belongs in the main body of the document, not in the header field.
Confusion with Other Citation Styles
Students who previously used APA format may mistakenly include a shortened paper title in the MLA header. Unlike APA style, MLA does not require a running head that includes a shortened title. The MLA header is much simpler.
How to Format Both Correctly
Setting Up the MLA Heading
To create a proper MLA heading, begin by ensuring the document has one-inch margins and double spacing. Type your full name on the first line in the upper-left corner. On the next line, type your instructor’s name. On the third line, type the course name or number. On the fourth line, type the date in day-month-year format.
After pressing Enter once, center your paper’s title. Press Enter again and begin your essay, aligning the text to the left margin.
Setting Up the MLA Header
To insert the MLA header, use your word processor’s header function. Right-align the cursor, type your last name, add a space, and insert an automatic page number. This will ensure the page number updates correctly throughout the document.
Be sure that the MLA header appears one-half inch from the top and is aligned with the right margin.
Common Formatting Errors
Placing the MLA Heading in the Header Section
The MLA heading should never be inserted into the document’s header area. It belongs in the body of the document.
Including Extra Information in the MLA Header
The MLA header should include only the last name and page number. Adding the title or full name is incorrect.
Incorrect Date Format
MLA format requires the date to be written in day-month-year order. Writing the date in month-day-year format does not follow MLA guidelines.
Using Bold or Decorative Fonts
Both the MLA heading and the MLA header should use the same standard font and size as the rest of the paper.
Why Proper MLA Formatting Matters
Proper formatting demonstrates professionalism and attention to detail. Academic writing is not only about strong arguments and evidence; it is also about presenting work according to established scholarly standards.
The distinction between the MLA heading and the MLA header may seem minor, but following these rules shows that you understand academic conventions. Professors often grade formatting separately, and simple errors can result in unnecessary point deductions.
Beyond grading, correct formatting ensures clarity and consistency. Standardized formats allow readers to focus on content rather than being distracted by inconsistent layout choices.
Final Thoughts
The difference between the MLA heading and the MLA header becomes clear once you understand their purposes. The MLA heading provides assignment identification and appears only once on the first page. The MLA header provides page organization and appears on every page.
Remember that the MLA heading belongs on the left side of the first page, while the MLA header belongs on the right side of every page. The heading includes four lines of information, while the header includes only a last name and page number.
Mastering these formatting details ensures your paper meets MLA standards and reflects academic professionalism. When you clearly understand how to format both the MLA heading and the MLA header, you eliminate confusion and strengthen the overall presentation of your work.
FAQs
The MLA heading appears only on the first page and includes your name, instructor, course, and date. The MLA header appears on every page and includes only your last name and page number.
The MLA heading is placed in the top-left corner of the first page, double-spaced, and aligned with the left margin.
The MLA header includes your last name followed by the page number, aligned to the top-right corner of each page.
No. MLA format does not require a cover page unless your instructor specifically asks for one.
No. The MLA heading is a four-line block of information on the first page, while the MLA header is a short running head on every page.
