Business Letters. Format

Format

There are certain standards for formatting a business letter, though some variations are acceptable (for example between European and North American business letters).  

Here are some basic guidelines:

·         Use A4 (European) or 8.5 x 11 inch (North American) paper or letterhead

·         Use 2.5 cm or 1 inch margins on all four sides

·         Use a simple font such as Times New Roman or Arial

·         Use 10 to 12 point font

·         Use a comma after the salutation (Dear Mr Bond,)

·         Lay out the letter so that it fits the paper appropriately

·         Single space within paragraphs

·         Double space between paragraphs

·         Double space between last sentence and closing (Sincerely, Best wishes)

·         Leave three to five spaces for a handwritten signature

·         cc: (meaning "copies to") comes after the typed name (if necessary)

·         enc: (meaning "enclosure") comes next (if necessary)

·         Fold in three (horizontally) before placing in the envelope