How to Format a Formal Letter (with Examples)

A step-by-step guide to writing a traditional block style and AMS letter

Formal letters can come in handy when you need to communicate professionally. Maybe you’re emailing your boss about an upcoming vacation, confirming an appointment, asking for references, or resigning. No matter the case, a well-formatted formal letter can help you correspond with your boss or coworkers in an authoritative and organized manner. In the business world, there are 2 main types of formal letters: block style and Administrative Management Style (AMS). Block style is most widely known, while AMS is for quick internal memos; however, both styles are good to have in your tool belt.

Things You Should Know

  • Block style letters include your address, the date, the recipient’s address, and an opening and closing salutations.
  • AMS style letters also have your address, the date, and the recipient’s address, but they include an all-caps subject line instead of a salutation.
  • Always use a positive tone throughout your letter that clearly states your wants, needs, or actions.[1]


Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Block Style Letter

  1. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 1
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    Put your address and phone number in the top left-hand corner. If you’re representing a company, write the company’s address. If you’re the sender, write your address. Place your street address on the second line and your city, state, and zip code on the third. Include your phone number directly below your address.[2]
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    Write the date a line below the sender's address. The date is important because it shows when the letter was written. Place the date 2 in (5.1 cm) from the top of the page a line after your address.[3]
    • If you live in the United States, write your date as June 15, 2017.
    • If you live in a European country, write your date as 15 June 2017.
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    Put the recipient’s name beneath the date. Skip a line and write out the recipient's name. Include the sender’s title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr., etc.) before their name for formality.[4] Follow the recipient’s name with their job title, then write the name of their company or business below it. Write out the address the same way you printed yours at the top of the page.[5]
    • If you don’t know the recipient’s title, do some background research or call the company.
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    Greet the recipient with a polite salutation. Start your letter with a greeting like “Dear” to directly and formally address the recipient. Then, write out the recipient’s name again (including their title), and place a colon after the greeting to introduce the body of your letter.[6]
    • Only use the greeting “To whom it may concern” as a last resort if you don’t know the recipient’s name or title.
    • If you typically address the recipient by their first name, it’s okay to address them as such in your letter.
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    Compose the body of the letter. Keep your letter clear, concise, and polite. Write in a formal tone and include at least 2 paragraphs about 5 sentences long that explain the purpose of your letter. Use a single space left-aligned format throughout, using the enter key to divide each paragraph.[7]
    • In the first paragraph, start with a friendly opening that briefly states the reasoning or goal of your letter.[8]
      • “I am writing to confirm our arrangements for Sunday, March 26th in the Plaza Hotel at 6 PM. As we discussed, I will have the necessary paperwork on hand, along with additional information you may need. I believe this partnership will benefit both of our companies…”
    • In the second paragraph, use examples to stress or underline your points if necessary, especially if you’re persuading someone.
      • “Since we last spoke, the Baking It website has gained over 50% more traffic and earned 11% more income through ads and affiliate links. Combining our expertise will certainly help us grow even more…”
    • In the final paragraph, summarize your purpose for writing again and suggest how you might want to proceed.
      • “I have enclosed the initial deposit and will forward the remaining amount by Monday, March 27th, our agreed-upon date. I cannot thank you enough for supporting my business endeavors, and I look forward to working with you. Please reach out at (555)888-9000 if you have any questions…”
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    Sign your letter with a formal goodbye. Close with “Sincerely,” “Thank you,” or “Best,” followed by your full name. Place any other contact information below your name, including your job title, phone number, and email address.
    • If you’re printing your letter, leave enough space between your goodbye and printed name to physically sign your name.
    • If you’re emailing your letter, digitally sign the document.
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    Add an enclosure to the bottom of the document if you’ve attached materials. If you’re sending other documents or paperwork along with your letter, note how many documents are enclosed. Write “Enclosure:” along with the number of items below your signature.[9]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

AMS Style Letter

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    Write your address in the top left-hand corner. AMS letter format has been around since the 1950s and uses a full-block form and open punctuation. Put your business’s name, along with your street address, in the top left-hand corner.[10]
    • If you’re using a letterhead, you don’t need to put the sender’s address. Instead, begin the letter with the date in the top left corner.
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    Place the date directly below your address. Don’t leave a blank line between the sender’s address and date, as this is one of the ways an AMS style letter differs from the traditional block style.[11]
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    Write the recipient’s address a line below the date. Skip a line after the date and list the recipient's name, company, and address. Keep this left aligned as well.[12]
  4. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 12
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    Include an all-caps subject line. One main difference between an AMS style letter and other formats is that it includes a subject line, like an email. Summarize your letter in one line or sentence, put the title in all caps, and place it directly under the recipient’s address.[13]
    • For instance, your subject line could be something like, “YOU’RE INVITED TO METROPOLITAN MEDICAL CONFERENCE” or “YOUR PRESENCE IS REQUESTED IN TOWN SQUARE.”
    • If you’re sending your letter via email, make sure to also include a non-caps subject line in the email’s title field, even if it conveys the same message.
  5. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 13
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    Put together the body of your letter. As with any formal letter, keep the body of your letter short, simple, and to the point.[14] Express what you need or want from the recipient right away, detail any information that may be necessary to prove your points, and then provide a solution or call for action.
    • Introduce your reason for writing them in the first paragraph.
      • “On behalf of the University of Tennessee’s Arts Department, we would like to invite you and your family to a benefit banquet on Saturday, March 25th at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Your contribution to the theatre has not gone unnoticed, and we’d like to honor you as a leading Fine Arts professor…”
    • Explain any further details or points in your second paragraph.
      • “As my resume indicates, I have hands-on experience working in the culinary field. I am have managed ten kitchens while implementing dining room customs and design changes…”
    • Use a formal and polite tone while discussing your topic, even if your letter addresses an unfortunate circumstance.[15]
  6. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 14
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    Sign your name at the bottom of your letter. Unlike traditional letters, a formal AMS letter does not include a salutation before or after the body paragraphs. So, once you’ve finished the body paragraphs, print your name and job title in closing.[16]
    • Leave enough space for a physical or digital signature.
  7. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 15
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    Add any enclosures. Enclosures are extra materials sent with your letter. Write the word “Enclosure” below your signature, and then list the names of the enclosed materials. Only do this if you have other materials attached with the letter.[17]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Sending a Letter

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    Pick out an envelope. Opt for an envelope that’s plain and either square or rectangular. While brightly colored envelopes can be fun, they may not be the best idea for a formal letter (remember, you mean business). So, avoid ones with patterns or designs.
  2. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 18
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    Fold your letter so it fits inside your envelope. A double or triple fold may be needed to fit your letter snuggly. Do your best to make the folds even.[18]
    • If you’re using a standard rectangular envelope, fold your letter in horizontal thirds.
    • If you’re using a square envelope, fold your letter in half horizontally and then in half vertically, so it forms a rectangle.
    • Try only folding your letter once, as a letter with too many creases could make your envelope bulky and more difficult to mail.
  3. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 19
    3
    Place the letter inside the envelope. Seal the envelope shut by licking along the seal line or peeling off the strips covering the sticky part of the seal. This will depend on the type of envelope you have.[19]
    • If you don’t like licking envelopes, no worries! Use some tape to seal it shut.
  4. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 20
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    Write your name and address in the top left-hand corner. Putting a return address on your envelope is very important because it’ll tell mail carriers where to bring the letter if it doesn’t reach its destination. Put your name and street address in the top left corner on the front of the envelope (the side without a flap).[20]
  5. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 21
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    Put the recipient’s address in the center of the envelope. Use the same address you used when writing your letter. Write the recipient’s name and address on the front center of the envelope in neat handwriting. If you’re sending the letter to a specific company, put the company’s name below the recipient’s name and above their address.[21]
  6. Image titled Write a Formal Letter Step 22
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    Stick a stamp (or 2) in the envelope's upper right corner. In order to mail your letter, you need to pay for postage. Stamps are the easiest way to do this. Simply place a stamp in the right corner, across from your address, and you’re good to go![22]
    • Typically, it costs $0.63 to mail a standard letter first class.
    • One stamp generally equals $0.63, but if your envelope is heavier than 1 oz of paper, it may need 1 or 2 stamps to cover the cost.
    • If you’re unsure how many stamps to use, head to your local post office to weigh your envelope.
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Expert Q&A

  • Question
    How do I start the address on a formal letter?
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Career Coach
    Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University.
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
    Career Coach
    Expert Answer
    Always call the person by their title if you know it. If you can, do some research to find out what their titles are so you address them properly.
  • Question
    What are the correct page size and margins for a formal letter?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Use 1 inch margins and standard letter or printer paper that's 8.5 inches by 11 inches.
  • Question
    How do I write a formal letter to a government official?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    Follow the advice and format above, but make sure to address the letter to the government official you wish to write. Some officials state how to send them mail on their websites, so check that before heading to the mailbox.
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References

  1. ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
  2. ↑ https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Resignation%20Letters.pdf
  3. ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html
  4. ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
  5. ↑ https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Resignation%20Letters.pdf
  6. ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
  7. ↑ https://www.apa.org/advocacy/guide/sample-letters.pdf
  8. ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
  9. ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html
  1. ↑ http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php?the_appearance_and_design_of_business_messages_punctuation_styles_business_communication&b=72&c=17
  2. ↑ http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php?the_appearance_and_design_of_business_messages_punctuation_styles_business_communication&b=72&c=17
  3. ↑ http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php?the_appearance_and_design_of_business_messages_punctuation_styles_business_communication&b=72&c=17
  4. ↑ http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php?the_appearance_and_design_of_business_messages_punctuation_styles_business_communication&b=72&c=17
  5. ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
  6. ↑ Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM. Life & Career Coach. Expert Interview. 25 May 2021.
  7. ↑ http://www.zeepedia.com/read.php?the_appearance_and_design_of_business_messages_punctuation_styles_business_communication&b=72&c=17
  8. ↑ https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/subject_specific_writing/professional_technical_writing/basic_business_letters/index.html
  9. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm
  10. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm
  11. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm
  12. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm
  13. ↑ https://www.usps.com/ship/letters.htm
  14. ↑ https://www.sjsu.edu/writingcenter/docs/handouts/Resignation%20Letters.pdf

About This Article

Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
Co-authored by:
Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
Career Coach
This article was co-authored by Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM and by wikiHow staff writer, Aly Rusciano. Shannon O'Brien is the Founder and Principal Advisor of Whole U. (a career and life strategy consultancy based in Boston, MA). Through advising, workshops and e-learning Whole U. empowers people to pursue their life's work and live a balanced, purposeful life. Shannon has been ranked as the #1 Career Coach and #1 Life Coach in Boston, MA by Yelp reviewers. She has been featured on Boston.com, Boldfacers, and the UR Business Network. She received a Master's of Technology, Innovation, & Education from Harvard University. This article has been viewed 8,336,034 times.
3 votes - 20%
Co-authors: 102
Updated: March 24, 2023
Views: 8,336,034
Categories: Business Letters | Letter Writing
Article SummaryX

To write a formal letter, start in the top left corner. Write the sender's name or business, then write their address on the next line and their phone number one line below that. Skip one line, then write the date out, like "November 16th, 2015." Skip another line, then write the recipients name, job title, and address on their own respective lines. Skip another line, then write the body paragraph of your letter, which should be no more than 3 paragraphs. When you're ready to sign off, include your name, job title, and contact information, as well as space for you to sign. If you're enclosing other materials with the letter, put "Enclosure" at the bottom of the page, followed by the name of the documents enclosed. For more information about writing formal and direct memos, continue reading!

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