# MD021 - No multiple spaces in closed heading
## What this rule does
Ensures there's only one space after the opening # and before the closing # in headings that use # symbols at both ends.
## Why this matters
- **Consistency**: Extra spaces create uneven visual spacing
- **Cleanliness**: Single spacing looks professional
- **Standards**: Follows Markdown best practices for heading formatting
## Examples
### ✅ Correct
```markdown
# Heading 1 #
## Heading 2 ##
### Heading 3 ###
#### Heading 4 ####
##### Heading 5 #####
###### Heading 6 ######
```
### ❌ Incorrect
```markdown
# Heading 1 #
## Heading 2 ##
### Heading 3 ###
#### Heading 4 #### (extra spaces at start)
##### Heading 5 ##### (extra spaces at end)
```
### 🔧 Fixed
```markdown
# Heading 1 #
## Heading 2 ##
### Heading 3 ###
#### Heading 4 ####
##### Heading 5 #####
```
## Configuration
This rule has no configuration options.
## Automatic fixes
This rule automatically removes extra spaces:
- Leaves only one space after the opening # symbols
- Leaves only one space before the closing # symbols
## Learn more
- [CommonMark specification for headings](https://spec.commonmark.org/0.31.2/#atx-headings) - Technical details about heading syntax
- [Closed headings](https://www.markdownguide.org/basic-syntax/#alternate-syntax) - Alternative heading syntax
## Related rules
- [MD018](md018.md) - No missing space after hash in heading
- [MD019](md019.md) - No multiple spaces after hash in heading
- [MD020](md020.md) - No missing space in closed heading
- [MD003](md003.md) - Heading style should be consistent