MLA Headings and Headers: Formatting Style with Examples

The Modern Language Association (MLA) style guide provides standardized formatting guidelines for academic writing. This article explains the proper format for MLA headings and describes MLA headers.  

Yes! MLA headings and headers are two distinct features in the style guide. Read on to learn more. 

MLA Heading 

Headings are the titles of different sections and subsections in an academic paper. They are typically written in a larger font and boldface to distinguish them from the rest of the text. 

MLA Heading Format 

MLA does not prescribe a specific format for headings but requires consistency throughout the paper. The following styles are recommended for different heading levels: 

Heading Level 1 

Heading Level 2  

Heading Level 3 

Here are some key guidelines for MLA heading style: 

• Use heading levels only if they appear more than once. For example, you cannot have a single Heading Level 2 under Heading Level 1; there must be at least two subsections (i.e., subheadings) under the main section. Otherwise, avoid dividing the content into subsections. 

• Headings should be left-aligned without indentation. Do not center them over the text. 

• Use title case for headings, meaning the first letter of each major word is capitalized, except for small words such as short prepositions and articles. 

MLA Heading Examples 

Here’s an example of how MLA headings and subheadings can be formatted in a paper. Suppose you are writing a paper about team sports and individual sports. 

After the introduction, you would divide your paper into two main sections. Each section can then be further divided into subsections based on the specific sports you wish to explore. 

Introduction (Heading Level 1) 

Team Sports (Heading Level 1) 

Football (Heading Level 2) 

Basketball (Heading Level 2) 

Cricket (Heading Level 2) 

Individual Sports (Heading Level 1) 

Tennis (Heading Level 2) 

Single player Match (Heading Level 3) 

Double player Match (Heading Level 3) 

Badminton (Heading Level 2) 

Single player Match (Heading Level 3) 

Double player Match (Heading Level 3) 

Chess (Heading Level 2) 

MLA Header 

An MLA header must appear on the first page of the paper, including your name, your instructor’s name, the name of your course, and the submission date, each on a separate line. 

Below this, the title of the paper should be centered and written in the same font size as the rest of the text. Note that the title should NOT be in boldface. 

Additionally, your surname and the page number should be placed in the top right corner of the page. 

MLA Header Format 

The MLA header format is as follows:  

Full name 

Instructor’s name 

Name of the course 

Date of submission 

Title of the paper 

MLA Header Example 

Here’s an example of how an MLA header would appear in an academic paper: