The side-reading of a finite track-width shielded MR head is investigated both analytically and numerically. The head field (potential) utilized in a reciprocity calculation is obtained, and its Fourier transform is derived in semi-analytic forms. The off-track MR head response to a longitudinally magnetized micro-track and finite-width track is calculated from these results. Estimations on off-track spacing loss are undertaken for two types of shielded MR heads: finite track-width flush MR sensor and shields, and finite-width MR sensor with infinitely wide shields. >