How do you format a header in MLA style?

To format an MLA header: (1) Place your full name on the first line, (2) your instructor's name on the second line, (3) the course name on the third line, and (4) the date in day-month-year format (e.g., 13 April 2026) on the fourth line. All text should be left-aligned, double-spaced, in 12pt Times New Roman font. Your last name and page number go in the top-right header.

What date format does MLA use?

MLA style uses the day-month-year format without commas, such as '13 April 2026' or '1 January 2025'. Do not use abbreviations for months. This differs from APA style, which uses month-day-year format.

Should the MLA header be double-spaced?

Yes, the entire MLA header should be double-spaced, including between each line of the header and between the header and the essay title. This follows the MLA Handbook 9th edition guidelines for manuscript formatting.

What is the difference between an MLA header and a running head?

An MLA header appears only on the first page at the top-left and contains your name, instructor, course, and date. A running head (or page header) appears on every page at the top-right and contains only your last name followed by the page number (e.g., 'Smith 1'). Both are required in MLA format.

Does MLA require a separate title page?

No, MLA format does not require a separate title page. Instead, the MLA header and essay title appear on the first page of the paper. If your instructor requires a title page, follow their specific instructions.

MLA Format Header — Free Online Tool

Q: What is an MLA format header?

An MLA format header is a standardized heading that appears at the top-left of the first page of an academic paper. It includes the student's name, instructor's name, course number, and date, all formatted according to the Modern Language Association (MLA) style guidelines. The header is double-spaced and uses a legible font such as Times New Roman 12pt.

Primary Standard

What is an MLA Format Header?

A standardized heading appearing at the top-left of the first page. It identifies the author and context without requiring a separate cover page.

Identity & Context

Author, instructor, course, and date must appear in that specific order on the first four lines.

Double-Spaced Grid

Consistent spacing throughout the entire header, including the gap to the paper's title.

Logical Date Format

The 'Military' style: Day Month Year (e.g., 13 April 2026) with no commas permitted.

Quick Reminder

MLA 9th Edition emphasizes clarity and citations. Unlike APA, no title page is required unless explicitly requested by your instructor.

Structural Visualization

Blueprint Reference v9.0

Doe 1

Running Head line

John Doe

Student

Dr. Jane Smith

English 101

13 April 2026

The Nuance of Minimalist Architecture

Centered Header Title

Interactive FAQ

MLA uses 'Day Month Year' without commas (e.g., 1 January 2025). Do not abbreviate the months.

The header is top-left on page 1 only. The running head (Last Name + Page) is top-right on every page.

By default, no. MLA style is designed to start content immediately after the header/title block.

No. The entire document, including the header and title, must remain exactly double-spaced throughout.

MLA Format Header

Paper Details

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