Typing Business Letters  Before you type any business letter, set the margins, and any tabs or indents needed.  The “Top Margin” for most business letters is 2” or 2.5” depending on length of the letter and the “ Company Stationary ” used.  2.5”Usually for a one page letter.  2”Usually for a two or more page letter.  The “Side Margins” are usually set for 1” or 1.25”. (1.25” is the MS-Word default.)

The Return Address The “Return Address” is usually at the top of the letter. It does not have the sender’s name, only the senders address.

The Date  The “Date” can be found under the “Return Address”.  Sometimes it will be located under the “Inside Address” depending on the letter format.  The date should be typed in a formal format. (Example: January 12, 2004)

Inside Address  The “Inside Address” is usually typed below the “Date”.  The “Inside Address” is typed at the left margin.

Salutation  The “Salutation” is the greeting of the letter. Some people will refer to it as the “Greeting”.  On a business letter, use a colon. :  On a personal letter, use a comma.,

Body  The main part of the letter is found under the “Salutation”.  Number of paragraphs will depend on the length of the letter.

Closure  The “Closure” marks the end of the letter.  Sometimes you will see a variety of closures, such as: “Very truly yours”, “Yours Truly”, or “Sincerely Yours”

Signature Block  The “Signature Block” consists of the “Closure”, and the name of the person who is sending the letter.  A quadruple space is needed between the “Closure” and the name, to ensure enough space for a signature.

Block Style Letter  Top Margin is set for 2” or 2.5”  Easiest of the format styles to type.  All the text is to the left margin.  No tabs or indents to mess with.

Simplified Format  The “Top Margin” is set for 2” or 2.5”  All text is to the left margin.  No “Salutation”. What you put in it’s place, is the “Subject” of the letter in all caps.  No “Signature Block”, type the sender’s name in all caps.