What Spacing Should a Cover Letter Be? The Complete Professional Formatting Guide [2025]

TL;DR - Quick Answer

Use single spacing (1.0) within paragraphs and double spacing (or one blank line) between sections for your cover letter. The standard professional cover letter uses single-spaced text with one-inch margins on all sides, creating a clean, readable document that typically fits on one page. Most hiring managers and Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) expect this traditional format, and deviating from it can make your application appear unprofessional or difficult to read.

The ideal cover letter spacing follows this pattern: single-spaced paragraphs, one blank line between paragraphs, one blank line after your contact header, one blank line after the date, one blank line after the recipient's address, and one blank line before and after your salutation. This creates visual breathing room while maintaining a professional, compact appearance that respects the hiring manager's time.

Whether you're applying for an entry-level position or an executive role, consistent spacing demonstrates attention to detail—a quality every employer values. The formatting of your cover letter is often the first impression you make, so getting the spacing right matters more than you might think.

Key Takeaways

• Single spacing (1.0) is standard: Use single spacing within paragraphs to keep your cover letter professional and concise, typically fitting everything on one page.

• Double space between sections: Add one blank line between paragraphs, after your header, and around greetings to create visual separation and improve readability.

• One-inch margins are ideal: Standard one-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, right) provide the perfect balance between content and white space.

• Consistency matters most: Whatever spacing choices you make, apply them uniformly throughout the document to demonstrate attention to detail.

• ATS compatibility requires proper formatting: Applicant Tracking Systems parse documents better when you use standard spacing and avoid excessive white space or unusual formatting.

Introduction: Why Cover Letter Spacing Matters More Than You Think

When job seekers obsess over the perfect opening line or the most impressive achievement to highlight, they often overlook a fundamental element that can make or break their application: spacing. According to a 2024 survey by TopResume, hiring managers spend an average of just 7.4 seconds on an initial cover letter scan. In those precious seconds, poor formatting—including awkward spacing—can immediately signal carelessness and land your application in the rejection pile.

The truth is, proper cover letter spacing isn't just about aesthetics. It directly impacts readability, professionalism, and even whether your application makes it past automated screening systems. Research from Jobscan reveals that 75% of resumes and cover letters are rejected by Applicant Tracking Systems before a human ever sees them—and formatting issues, including spacing problems, are a leading cause of these automatic rejections.

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn exactly how to format a cover letter with professional spacing that passes ATS screening, impresses hiring managers, and presents you as the detail-oriented candidate every employer wants to hire. Whether you're writing your first cover letter or refining your approach after years of job searching, mastering spacing is a quick win that can dramatically improve your results.

Understanding Cover Letter Spacing Basics: The Foundation of Professional Formatting

Before diving into specific measurements and techniques, let's establish what we mean by "spacing" in a cover letter context. Cover letter spacing refers to three distinct but related elements: line spacing (the vertical space between lines of text), paragraph spacing (the space between distinct blocks of text), and margins (the white space around the edges of your document).

Line Spacing Explained

Line spacing—sometimes called "leading" in typography—determines how much vertical distance exists between each line of text within a paragraph. The three most common options are:

• Single spacing (1.0): Lines are close together with minimal vertical space. This is the standard for professional business correspondence, including cover letters.

• 1.5 spacing: A middle ground that provides slightly more breathing room. Some academic and legal documents use this, but it's rarely appropriate for cover letters.

• Double spacing (2.0): Significant vertical space between lines. While common in academic papers, double-spacing throughout a cover letter wastes space and looks unprofessional.

For cover letters, single spacing (1.0) is the universal standard. This keeps your document compact, professional, and easy to scan quickly—exactly what hiring managers need when reviewing dozens or hundreds of applications.

Paragraph Spacing: Creating Visual Breaks

While single spacing works within paragraphs, you need additional space between paragraphs to create visual separation. This is typically achieved by adding one blank line (pressing Enter twice) between each paragraph. This cover letter structure creates distinct sections that guide the reader's eye through your content.

Think of paragraph spacing as creating "breathing room" in your document. Without it, your cover letter becomes a wall of text that's intimidating to read. With too much, your letter looks sparse and may suggest you're padding to fill space.

Margins: The Frame Around Your Content

Margins are the white space around all four edges of your document. Standard professional margins are one inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right). This creates a balanced, centered appearance and ensures your content doesn't crowd the edges of the page.

Here's how margins affect your cover letter:

• Too narrow (under 0.5 inches): Content appears cramped and overwhelming; may cause printing issues

• Standard (1 inch): Professional appearance with adequate white space; universal acceptance

• Too wide (over 1.5 inches): Wastes space; may suggest you're stretching thin content; looks unprofessional

The Standard Professional Cover Letter Spacing Format

Now that you understand the basics, let's look at exactly how to apply proper spacing throughout your cover letter. This format is accepted across industries and works for everything from entry-level positions to executive roles.

Complete Spacing Breakdown

Visual Example of Proper Spacing

Here's how a properly spaced cover letter header and opening should look (with spacing annotations):

Jane Smith 123 Main Street, Apt 4B New York, NY 10001 (555) 123-4567 | jane.smith@email.com

[ONE BLANK LINE]

December 1, 2025

[ONE BLANK LINE]

Ms. Sarah Johnson Hiring Manager ABC Corporation 456 Business Avenue New York, NY 10002

[ONE BLANK LINE]

Dear Ms. Johnson,

[ONE BLANK LINE]

I am writing to express my strong interest in the Marketing Manager position at ABC Corporation. With over five years of experience driving digital marketing campaigns that increased conversion rates by 40%, I am excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your innovative team.

Should Your Cover Letter Be Single or Double Spaced? The Definitive Answer

This is one of the most common questions job seekers ask, and there's a clear answer: your cover letter should be single-spaced within paragraphs. However, this doesn't mean your entire document should be one continuous block of single-spaced text. Understanding where to use single spacing versus where to add space is crucial.

If you're wondering should a cover letter be double spaced, the answer is generally no—not for the body text. Double spacing throughout would push your cover letter to two pages (which is almost always too long) and create an unprofessional appearance that suggests you're artificially inflating your content.

When to Use Single Spacing

• Within all paragraphs: Your opening, body, and closing paragraphs should all be single-spaced internally

• Within your contact header: Your name, address, phone, and email should be single-spaced together

• Within employer's contact information: Their name, title, company, and address should form one single-spaced block

• Multi-line bullets or lists: If including a bulleted list of achievements, keep items single-spaced

When to Add Extra Space (Double Enter)

• Between your header and the date: One blank line creates visual separation

• Between the date and employer's address: One blank line maintains structure

• Between employer's address and salutation: One blank line before "Dear..."

• Between salutation and first paragraph: One blank line after the comma

• Between each body paragraph: One blank line creates readable sections

• Between last paragraph and closing: One blank line before "Sincerely"

• Between closing and typed name: 3-4 blank lines allow space for signature if printing

As career expert Amanda Augustine, TopResume's career advice expert, explains:

"Single-spaced cover letters are the industry standard for good reason. They demonstrate that you can communicate concisely and professionally. The blank lines between sections aren't just aesthetic—they guide the reader's eye and make your key qualifications easy to find in a quick scan."

Margin Settings for Professional Cover Letters: Getting the White Space Right

While line spacing controls the vertical space within your content, margins control the white space frame around it. Getting margins right is just as important as getting line spacing right—perhaps more so, since margin issues are immediately visible the moment someone opens your document.

The One-Inch Standard

The universally accepted margin for cover letters is one inch on all four sides. This setting is the default in most word processors (Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages) and creates a balanced, professional appearance. When you set up your cover letter, confirming your margins should be one of the first steps.

How to Check and Set Margins

Setting margins is straightforward in any word processor. Here's how to do it:

In Microsoft Word:

1. Go to Layout (or Page Layout) tab

2. Click Margins

3. Select "Normal" (which is 1 inch on all sides) or click "Custom Margins" to set manually

4. Ensure all four margins (top, bottom, left, right) are set to 1"

In Google Docs:

1. Go to File > Page setup

2. Set all margins to 1 inch

3. Click "Set as default" to apply to future documents

4. Click OK

In Apple Pages:

1. Go to Document sidebar (click Document button in toolbar)

2. Click the Document tab

3. Set margins under Document Margins

4. All values should be 1 inch or 2.54 cm

How Many Paragraphs Should Your Cover Letter Have and How to Space Them

The question of how many paragraphs should a cover letter have is closely tied to spacing. The standard cover letter contains 3-4 paragraphs, each serving a specific purpose and properly spaced for maximum impact.

The Optimal Paragraph Structure

Each paragraph should be internally single-spaced, with one blank line (double enter) between each. This creates clear visual breaks that help hiring managers quickly find the information they need. Remember, they're scanning—not reading every word initially.

Paragraph Length and Spacing Balance

There's an important relationship between paragraph length and spacing. If your paragraphs are too long (8+ sentences), even proper spacing won't save them from looking like walls of text. If they're too short (1-2 sentences), the multiple blank lines between them can make your letter feel choppy and disjointed.

The sweet spot is paragraphs of 3-6 sentences each. This length:

• Provides enough space to make a complete point

• Looks balanced with single spacing within

• Creates good visual rhythm with blank lines between

• Keeps overall letter length to one page

Should You Indent Paragraphs in a Cover Letter?

Another common formatting question is whether to indent paragraphs in a cover letter. The short answer: no, you should not indent paragraphs in a modern cover letter.

The standard business letter format uses block style formatting, where all text is left-aligned and paragraphs are separated by blank lines rather than indentation. This is different from academic papers or books, which often use first-line indents.

Why Block Style (No Indentation) Is Preferred

• Professional standard: Block style is the accepted format for business correspondence worldwide

• ATS compatibility: Applicant Tracking Systems parse block-formatted documents more reliably

• Clean appearance: Left-aligned text creates a more organized, modern look

• Digital readability: On screens, block style is easier to scan than indented paragraphs

• Consistent with resume format: Your resume likely uses block style, so your cover letter should match

The only time indentation might be appropriate is if you're specifically instructed to follow a modified-block or semi-block format, which is rare in modern hiring. When in doubt, use block style with no indents.

Font Size and Its Impact on Cover Letter Spacing

Spacing and font choices for cover letters are interconnected. The font size you choose directly affects how much space your content occupies and how the spacing appears visually.

Recommended Font Sizes

A 10-12 point font size is ideal for cover letter body text. Going smaller than 10 pt makes text difficult to read, while going larger than 12 pt can make your letter appear amateurish or push content to a second page.

How Font Size Affects Spacing Perception

Here's something many job seekers don't realize: the same spacing settings look different with different font sizes. A cover letter with 11 pt font and single spacing will appear more "airy" than the same letter with 12 pt font and single spacing, simply because smaller fonts create more visual white space between lines.

This means if you're struggling to fit your content on one page:

• Reduce font size to 11 pt or even 10.5 pt before reducing margins

• The slight size reduction often solves length issues without compromising margins

• Maintain single spacing—don't try to "squeeze" with 0.9 line spacing

ATS Compatibility: How Spacing Affects Applicant Tracking Systems

If you're applying online (which is most applications today), your cover letter will likely pass through an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before reaching human eyes. These systems parse documents automatically, and poor spacing can cause parsing errors that eliminate your application before anyone reads it.

How ATS Systems Read Spacing

ATS systems are designed to extract text from documents and organize it into structured data. They generally handle standard spacing well but can struggle with:

• Excessive white space: Multiple blank lines in a row may confuse parsing algorithms

• Inconsistent spacing: Varying amounts of space between similar elements can cause errors

• Non-standard spacing: Line spacing below 1.0 or above 1.5 may be misinterpreted

• Tab-based spacing: Using tabs instead of proper paragraph formatting can break parsing

• Text boxes or columns: Complex layouts with multiple text containers often parse incorrectly

ATS-Safe Spacing Guidelines

To ensure your cover letter passes ATS screening, follow these spacing rules:

1. Use single spacing (1.0): This is the most reliably parsed line spacing

2. One blank line maximum between sections: Never use 2+ consecutive blank lines

3. Standard one-inch margins: Margins outside 0.5-1.25 inch range may cause issues

4. Avoid manual spacing: Don't use the spacebar to create alignment; use proper formatting tools

5. Simple, single-column layout: Avoid tables, columns, or text boxes in your cover letter body

6. Standard fonts: Unusual fonts can sometimes affect spacing recognition

Pro tip: You can create an ATS-friendly cover letter efficiently using AI tools that are designed with proper formatting built in, ensuring your spacing and structure are optimized from the start.

Industry-Specific Spacing Considerations

While the standard spacing guidelines apply across most industries, certain fields have subtle expectations worth knowing about. Understanding these nuances can help your cover letter fit seamlessly into industry norms.

Corporate and Finance

Conservative industries like banking, finance, and law expect strictly traditional formatting. Stick to exact one-inch margins, 11-12 pt fonts, and absolutely no creative spacing variations. These fields value conformity and attention to established standards.

Creative and Design Fields

For graphic designer positions or creative roles, you have slightly more flexibility. Some designers use slightly larger margins (1.25 inches) to create more white space, or slightly smaller body text (10 pt) for a more refined appearance. However, the fundamental structure should remain professional.

Tech and Startups

Technology companies, especially startups, tend to be less formal overall. For software engineer roles or tech positions, you can use the standard format confidently. Some tech companies appreciate concise letters with slightly more white space, as they value efficiency.

Academic and Research

Academic positions sometimes expect longer cover letters (potentially two pages for faculty positions), which affects spacing strategy. You might use standard margins but include more detailed paragraphs. However, single spacing within paragraphs remains standard.

Healthcare

Medical and healthcare positions typically expect very traditional formatting. For nursing cover letters and other healthcare roles, stick to the standard one-inch margins and single spacing throughout.

Common Cover Letter Spacing Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, job seekers make frequent spacing errors that undermine their applications. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them:

Mistake #1: Double-Spacing the Entire Letter

Some applicants, remembering academic paper requirements, double-space their entire cover letter. This pushes the letter to two pages and creates an unprofessional appearance. Remember: single spacing within paragraphs, double spacing (one blank line) between them.

Mistake #2: Inconsistent Spacing Throughout

Perhaps worse than wrong spacing is inconsistent spacing. If you have one blank line after your first paragraph but two after your second, it looks sloppy. Review your entire document to ensure spacing is uniform.

Mistake #3: No Spacing Between Paragraphs

Running paragraphs together without blank lines creates an intimidating wall of text. Even if your content is excellent, hiring managers may not bother reading past the first few sentences if it looks difficult to navigate.

Mistake #4: Excessive Margin Manipulation

When cover letters run long, some applicants reduce margins to 0.3 or 0.4 inches to fit everything. This creates a cramped appearance and can cause printing issues. If your content doesn't fit with standard margins, edit your text rather than squeezing your margins.

Mistake #5: Using Space Bar for Alignment

Never use the space bar to center text, create indents, or align elements. This creates inconsistent spacing that looks different on different computers and often breaks in ATS systems. Use proper alignment tools in your word processor instead.

Mistake #6: Forgetting the Signature Space

If you're printing and signing your letter (less common today but still sometimes required), remember to leave 3-4 blank lines between your closing ("Sincerely") and your typed name. This provides space for your handwritten signature.

Career coach Lily Zhang from The Muse emphasizes:

"The biggest spacing mistake I see is inconsistency. Candidates who mix different amounts of space between sections send a subliminal message of carelessness. In a competitive job market, these small details absolutely matter."

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Cover Letter Spacing

Let's walk through exactly how to set up your cover letter with perfect spacing from start to finish. Follow these steps whether you're using Microsoft Word, Google Docs, or another word processor.

Step 1: Set Up Your Document

1. Open a new document

2. Set margins to 1 inch on all sides (File > Page Setup in Google Docs, Layout > Margins in Word)

3. Choose your font (recommended: Arial, Calibri, or Georgia)

4. Set font size to 11 or 12 pt

5. Set line spacing to single (1.0)

Step 2: Create Your Header

1. Type your full name (consider making it 14-16 pt and bold)

2. Press Enter once

3. Type your address

4. Press Enter once

5. Type your phone number and email (can be on same line with | separator)

6. Press Enter TWICE (creates one blank line)

Step 3: Add the Date

1. Type the full date (e.g., December 1, 2025)

2. Press Enter TWICE (creates one blank line)

Step 4: Add Recipient Information

1. Type hiring manager's name

2. Press Enter once

3. Type their title

4. Press Enter once

5. Type company name

6. Press Enter once

7. Type company address

8. Press Enter TWICE (creates one blank line)

Step 5: Write the Salutation

1. Type "Dear [Name]," or appropriate salutation

2. Press Enter TWICE (creates one blank line)

Step 6: Write Body Paragraphs

1. Type your opening paragraph (3-4 sentences, single-spaced)

2. Press Enter TWICE (creates one blank line)

3. Type your body paragraph (4-6 sentences, single-spaced)

4. Press Enter TWICE

5. Continue for any additional paragraphs

6. Type your closing paragraph (2-3 sentences)

7. Press Enter TWICE

Step 7: Add the Closing

1. Type "Sincerely," (or appropriate closing)

2. Press Enter 3-4 times (leaves space for signature if printing)

3. Type your full name

Step 8: Final Review

1. Zoom out to see the full page—does spacing look balanced?

2. Check that all paragraph spacing is consistent

3. Verify the letter fits on one page

4. Print a test copy or view in print preview to check final appearance

Digital vs. Print Spacing Considerations

While most cover letters today are submitted digitally, some situations still call for printed letters. Understanding how spacing behaves in each context helps you prepare accordingly.

Digital Submission (Email or Online Portal)

When submitting digitally:

• Save as PDF to preserve formatting exactly as you designed it

• Single spacing remains standard

• The signature space (3-4 lines) is optional—you can reduce to 1 line if not printing

• Test how the document appears in different PDF viewers

Email Body Cover Letters

If pasting your cover letter directly into an email (rather than attaching):

• Spacing often simplifies—email formats typically show one blank line between paragraphs

• Don't include the full header block (your email signature provides contact info)

• Keep paragraphs shorter since email is typically read on screens

• Test by sending to yourself first to see how spacing renders

Learn more about how to email a resume and cover letter for complete guidance on digital submissions.

Printed Cover Letters

When printing (for job fairs, in-person applications, or mailed applications):

• Always include the full 3-4 line signature space

• Print on quality paper (24 lb weight, bright white or cream)

• Use a high-quality printer to ensure text is crisp

• Consider whether the paper's texture affects how spacing appears

Tools and Templates for Perfect Cover Letter Spacing

Getting spacing right is much easier when you start with a properly formatted template rather than building from scratch. Here are some resources to help:

AI-Powered Cover Letter Tools

Modern AI cover letter generators automatically handle spacing and formatting for you. Our AI cover letter generator creates properly formatted, single-spaced cover letters with appropriate paragraph breaks and professional structure—all you need to provide is your information and the job details.

Benefits of AI-assisted formatting:

• Automatic professional spacing applied

• Consistent structure every time

• ATS-optimized formatting built in

• Easy export to PDF with preserved formatting

Professional Templates

Browse our cover letter templates for pre-formatted designs with proper spacing already applied. These templates work across industries and can be customized while maintaining professional formatting standards.

Word Processor Templates

Both Microsoft Word and Google Docs offer built-in cover letter templates with appropriate spacing. To access them:

• Microsoft Word: File > New > Search for "cover letter"

• Google Docs: Template Gallery > Letters category

While these built-in templates work, they're often quite basic. For better results, consider using specialized cover letter tools designed specifically for job applications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cover Letter Spacing

What is the correct spacing for a cover letter?

The correct spacing for a cover letter is single spacing (1.0) within paragraphs and one blank line between paragraphs. Use one-inch margins on all sides. This creates a professional, ATS-friendly format that's easy to read and fits on one page. The standard applies across industries unless you receive specific instructions otherwise.

Should a cover letter be single or double spaced?

A cover letter should be single-spaced within paragraphs, with blank lines between sections. Do not double-space your entire cover letter—this would make it too long and appear unprofessional. Double spacing was common in academic papers but is not appropriate for business correspondence like cover letters.

How do I know if my cover letter spacing looks professional?

Professional cover letter spacing creates a balanced visual appearance with clear paragraph breaks but no excessive white space. Your letter should fit comfortably on one page with one-inch margins. When you step back and look at it, the text should appear organized and easy to scan. Ask someone else to glance at it—if they can quickly identify the different sections, your spacing works.

Can I use 1.15 or 1.5 line spacing instead of single spacing?

While 1.15 line spacing is acceptable and is actually the default in some word processors, 1.5 spacing is generally too much for a cover letter. It adds unnecessary length and can look like you're trying to pad your content. Stick with single (1.0) or 1.15 at most for body text.

Should I indent the first line of each paragraph?

No, you should not indent paragraphs in a cover letter. Modern business correspondence uses block style formatting, where all text is left-aligned and paragraphs are separated by blank lines rather than indentation. This creates a cleaner, more professional appearance and is more ATS-friendly.

How much space should I leave for my signature?

If you're printing your cover letter and signing by hand, leave 3-4 blank lines between your closing (such as "Sincerely") and your typed name. This provides adequate space for a handwritten signature. For digital-only submissions, you can reduce this to 1-2 lines or use a digital signature.

What if my cover letter is too long with proper spacing?

If your properly-spaced cover letter extends beyond one page, edit your content rather than adjusting spacing. Remove redundant phrases, combine similar points, and focus on your most compelling qualifications. You can also slightly reduce font size (to 10.5 pt minimum) or margins (to 0.75 inch minimum) if needed, but content editing is the better solution.

Does cover letter spacing affect ATS scanning?

Yes, spacing can affect how Applicant Tracking Systems parse your cover letter. Standard single spacing with one blank line between sections is most reliably processed. Excessive white space, inconsistent spacing, or unusual formatting can cause parsing errors. Stick to the standard format to maximize ATS compatibility.

Should spacing be different for a creative industry cover letter?

While creative industries allow for more design flexibility, the fundamental spacing principles remain the same. You might use slightly more generous margins or white space for aesthetic purposes, but single-spaced paragraphs with clear section breaks are still standard. Save dramatic formatting experiments for your portfolio, not your cover letter.

How do I check if my spacing is correct before submitting?

Review your cover letter in print preview mode to see exactly how it will appear. Check that: (1) all paragraph spacing is consistent, (2) the letter fits on one page, (3) margins are equal on all sides, and (4) text is easy to scan. Save as PDF and open in a PDF viewer to confirm formatting is preserved.

Is the spacing different for email cover letters vs. attached cover letters?

When pasting a cover letter into an email body, spacing often simplifies due to email formatting. One blank line between paragraphs is standard, and you typically omit the full header block since your email signature provides contact information. For attached cover letters (PDF or Word documents), use the standard full format with complete spacing.

What spacing should I use between my contact information and the date?

Leave one blank line (press Enter twice) between your contact information header and the date. This creates clear visual separation between sections while maintaining a compact, professional appearance. The same one-blank-line rule applies between the date and the recipient's address.

Conclusion: Master Cover Letter Spacing for Professional Success

Proper cover letter spacing might seem like a minor detail, but it's one of those "small things" that hiring managers notice—consciously or not. When your cover letter arrives with professional formatting, consistent spacing, and a clean, easy-to-read appearance, it signals that you're the kind of detail-oriented candidate every employer wants.

Let's recap the essential spacing guidelines:

• Use single spacing (1.0) within all paragraphs

• Add one blank line between paragraphs and sections

• Set one-inch margins on all four sides

• Don't indent paragraphs—use block style formatting

• Keep your letter to one page by editing content, not squeezing spacing

• Be consistent throughout your entire document

Remember, hiring managers spend only seconds on an initial scan. Proper spacing makes your cover letter inviting to read and easy to navigate. It ensures your carefully crafted content gets the attention it deserves rather than being dismissed for looking unprofessional.

Ready to create a perfectly formatted cover letter without worrying about spacing, margins, or formatting details? Our AI cover letter generator handles all the technical formatting while you focus on what matters most—showcasing your qualifications and landing that interview. Try it today and experience how effortless professional cover letter creation can be.

Your next career opportunity is waiting. Make sure your cover letter looks as good as the qualifications it describes.