4 Standard Layout Formats of Business Letters with Examples

4 Standard Layout Formats of Business Letters & Examples

WritingSkills.web.id - Generally, there are four standard models or layout formats for writing a business letter. These layout formats are commonly used and have become a standard in business writing. Below is listed four standard layout formats and four different business letter examples as guidance.

Full-Blocked
Blocked
Semi-Blocked or Modified Blocked
Square Blocked

Four Commonly Used Layout Formats and Their Examples

1. Full-Blocked

In Full-Blocked format, all parts of the business letter are typed on the left side. This layout format is considered traditional, and a typist can type this kind of letter fast.

The example of a business letter using Full-Blocked format.

2. Blocked

Blocked format is similar to full-blocked format: all parts of the business letter are typed on the left side, except several certain parts. Dateline, Complimentary Closing, Signature, and Signer's Identification are typed in the center. Attention Line and Subject Line are indented five to ten spaces from the left margin. Also read: 13 Parts of a Business Letter with Business Letter Example.

The example of a business letter using Blocked format.

3. Semi-Blocked or Modified Blocked

Semi-Blocked or Modified Blocked format is similar to Blocked format, but there is one difference, i.e. the beginning of each paragraph is indented five to ten spaces.

The example of a business letter using Semi-Blocked or Modified Blocked format.

4. Square Blocked

Square Blocked format is similar to Full-Blocked format, but there are two main differences. First, Dateline is typed on the upper right side, close to the right margin, and is on the same line with the first Inside Address line. Second, Reference Initials is typed on the bottom right side and is on the same line with the Signer's Identification.

The example of a business letter using Square Blocked format.

Tips: There is one layout format which is not one of the standard layout formats of business letters above, but it is commonly used, that is Simplified or AMS Layout Format.