Business letters: Continuation page heading

On this page

• When to use a continuation page heading
• What to include in the continuation page heading
• Where to place the continuation page heading
  • Full block style
  • Modified block style
• How to carry over body text onto another page
• Additional information

When to use a continuation page heading

Business letters of more than one page require a continuation page heading.

In such letters, use letterhead for the first page only; then, on each page after the first page, place a continuation page heading at the top of the page.

What to include in the continuation page heading

The continuation page heading contains the following information:

• the name of the receiver (exactly as it appears in the inside address)
• the page number
• the date

Where to place the continuation page heading

The continuation page heading begins at the top margin (usually set at 2.5 cm, or 1 inch).

Full block style

For full block letters, type the heading single-spaced on three lines, flush with the left margin:

Modified block style

In modified block style, arrange the heading across the top of the page. Put the receiver’s name at the left margin, with the page number at the centre and the date placed so that it ends near the right margin:

How to carry over body text onto another page

Continue the body of the letter on the third or fourth line below the continuation page heading.

Always carry at least two lines of the body onto the new page. If the body of the letter fits completely on the first page, don’t use a second page just for the complimentary close and signature block. Instead, adjust the margins or spacing so that two or more lines of the body will carry over onto the new page.

Additional information

• Correspondence and addresses – Guidelines and resources
• Business letters: Body of the letter