To properly write an address, the street number (also known as the house number) is the first component of the primary address line, followed by the street name.
How to Format an Address with a Street Number
When writing an address for postal services, clarity and correct sequencing are essential. The street number initiates the most specific part of the address, guiding mail carriers to the correct building.
Understanding Address Line 1
The fundamental rule for the primary address line is to combine the house number (street number) and the street name. If the address includes an apartment, suite, or flat number, it typically follows on the same line or is placed on a separate line immediately below the street address.
- House Number: This is the numerical identifier of the building on a street.
- Street Name: This includes the full name of the street, avenue, road, or other thoroughfare, often with an abbreviation for the street type (e.g., St, Ave, Rd).
- Apartment/Unit Number: If present, this specifies a particular unit within a larger building. It can be written on the same line as the house number and street name (e.g.,
123 Main St Apt 4B) or on the next line (e.g.,123 Main St, followed byApt 4Bon the line below).
Standard Address Components
A complete address follows a specific structure, progressing from the most specific information to the most general.
- Recipient's Name: The full name of the person or organization receiving the mail.
- Street Number and Name: The house number followed by the street name. For example,
123 Main Street. - Apartment, Suite, or Unit Number: If applicable, this indicates a specific unit. It can be written as
Apt 4B,Suite 100, orUnit 5. - City, State/Province, and Postal Code: The city name, followed by the two-letter state or province abbreviation, and then the postal code (e.g., ZIP code in the U.S.). For example,
Anytown, CA 90210. - Country: Required for international mail to specify the destination country.
Examples of Address Formatting
Here are some common ways to write the street number within an address:
- Basic Address:
- Jane Doe
- 123 Elm Street
- Anytown, USA 12345
- Address with an Apartment Number (on the same line):
- John Smith
- 456 Oak Avenue Apt 7B
- Sometown, NY 67890
- Address with an Apartment Number (on a separate line):
- Emily White
- 789 Pine Road
- Unit 300
- Otherville, TX 54321
Address Structure Breakdown
This table illustrates how each piece of information typically fits into a standard mailing address.
| Address Line | Content | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Line 1 | Recipient's Full Name | Ms. Anna M. Stevens |
| Line 2 | House Number, Street Name | 123 MAIN ST |
| Line 3 | (Optional) Apartment/Unit/Suite Number | APT 4B |
| Line 4 | City, State/Province, Postal Code | ANYTOWN, CA 90210 |
| Line 5 | Country (if sending internationally) | USA |
Best Practices for Mailing
To ensure your mail reaches its destination efficiently, consider these best practices:
- Legibility: Always write addresses clearly and neatly, especially the street number. For handwritten mail, use block letters.
- Abbreviations: Use standard abbreviations for street types (e.g., St, Ave, Rd) and states/provinces (e.g., CA, NY) as recommended by your national postal service.
- Capitalization: For automated sorting, it's often recommended to write the entire address in uppercase letters, without punctuation.
- Return Address: Include your own address in the top-left corner of the envelope, following a similar format.
- Official Guidelines: Refer to your country's postal service for specific guidelines, such as the United States Postal Service (USPS) or Royal Mail (UK), for the most accurate and up-to-date formatting requirements.
