Email Address Format and Examples
A common email address has a local part, an @ separator and a domain, such as alex@example.com. The local part identifies a mailbox within that domain’s mail system.
Examples at a glance
alex@example.com
Mailbox name
- Local part
alexThe part before @; interpreted by the receiving mail system.
Mail domain
- Domain
example.comThe part after @ identifies the mail domain.
Common variations
- Dot in local part
alex.smith@example.orgA common unquoted local-part format.
- Plus tag
alex+receipts@example.comTag behavior depends on the provider.
Address versus display name
Alex Smith <alex@example.com> includes a display name and angle brackets used in message headers. The mailbox address itself is alex@example.com.
Common format is not the entire standard
Quoted local parts, address literals and internationalized email require more nuanced handling. A short ASCII regex is not a complete standards validator. Domain handling is case-insensitive, but do not assume every provider treats local-part case identically.
Syntax is not delivery
A plausible address does not establish that a mailbox exists or accepts mail. These reserved example domains are for documentation; do not send messages to test them.