What Is an MLA Header?

A Modern Language Association (MLA) header, also known as a running header, is a short line of text that appears in the top-right corner of every page in an MLA-style paper. It includes your last name followed by the page number, helping maintain consistent pagination and document identification.

Why the MLA Header Matters

The MLA header ensures that:

• Each page is clearly associated with your name and the correct sequence.

• Page numbers remain consistent across the document.

• Readers, such as instructors, can easily keep track of the content order.

It's a small but essential detail that upholds academic formatting standards.

MLA Header Format Guidelines

To correctly format your MLA header:

• Position it in the upper-right corner of every page, including the first (unless a title page is used).

• Include your last name, followed by a space, then the page number.

• Use no punctuation, such as periods or commas.

• Keep the font and size consistent with the rest of your paper (typically 12-point Times New Roman or similar).

• Ensure there’s approximately a 0.5-inch space from the top and right margins.

• Use automatic page numbering to maintain accuracy across changes.

MLA Header vs. MLA Heading

Element	MLA Heading	MLA Header
Placement	First page, top-left	Every page, top-right
Contents	Student name, instructor, course, date	Last name + page number
Spacing/Alignment	Double-spaced, left-aligned	Same font, right-aligned, no spacing step-down

The heading (first page only) includes your name, instructor, course, and date. The header (every page) handles pagination and author identification.

How to Set Up an MLA Header

In Microsoft Word

1. Double-click at the top of any page to open the header area.

2. Insert page numbering with a right-aligned layout.

3. Type your last name before the page number.

4. Match the font style and size to your main text.

5. Click outside the header to return to editing.

In Google Docs

1. Click "Insert" → "Header & page number" → "Header".

2. Right-align the header content.

3. Insert page numbers (right-aligned).

4. Type your last name before the number.

5. Set the font and size consistent with the body text.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Including your full name instead of just your last name.

• Placing the header only on the first page instead of every page.

• Manually typing page numbers, causing potential errors when adding or removing pages.

• Misalignment — ensure the header is right-aligned, not centered or left-aligned.

• Using additional punctuation in the header (e.g. "Smith, 1" or "Smith – 1").

Summary

An MLA header is a small yet critical element of academic formatting. By placing your last name and page number in the top-right corner of every page — formatted consistently — you ensure clarity, professionalism, and adherence to MLA guidelines. Proper setup using Word or Google Docs makes it both efficient and error-free.