Best regards, Kind regards, Best wishes, Yours sincerely - which to use and when

We polled over 8,000 people on our website to finally settle the score! Find out which sign-off is most commonly used.

Best regards, Kind regards, Best wishes, Yours sincerely - which to use and when

When ending an email or letter, before you write your name, you usually include a small signoff with something like "Best regards", "Kind regards", "Best wishes" or "Yours sincerely". But which of these signoffs should you use and when?

Best regards

"Best regards" is probably the most popular signoff for an email or letter. It can be used both formally in a professional or business setting, but it can also be used informally, say in birthday card or personal letter. If you are really unsure of which to include "Best regards" is probably the best and safest choice for you.

Kind regards

"Kind regards" is usually a little more formal than "Best regards". We would recommend to use "Kind regards" in a professional email, email signature or business letter where you feel comfortable with the person you are emailing or writing to, and it should not be used personal correspondence. Using another sentence before "Kind regards" can either make you sound less or more professional, as you are required to be, for example:

Formal Use of Kind regards

Please do not hesitate to contact me, should you have any further queries.
Kind regards,
Your Name

Less Formal Use of Kind regards

I look forward to talking to you more soon, enjoy your day!
Kind regards,
Your Name

Regards

Using just the words "Regards" would definitely be in a professional business email signature or letter. We also think that it doesn't necessarily invoke as much "kindness" or "lightheartedness", as "Kind regards". It may be used by someone that keeps their emails short and sweet and someone that doesn't have to go overboard with kindness. If you are using just "Regards", be careful that you don't come off to the person you are writing to, as not caring about the business or opportunity that you are writing about.

Warm regards

We have mixed feelings about using the words "Warm regards" in business emails or professional correspondence. If you know the customer or client personally that you are emailing, we think this is okay, but if you writing cold emails or emailing potential customers that have only inquired about your services and have not yet bought, stick to something more like "Kind regards" or "Best regards" until you get to know them more. Also, "Warm regards" may be more likely to be used in festive message or at a time when more "warmth" is required, for example:

Warm regards in a festive email or letter

Happy holidays to you and your family.
Warm regards,
Your Name

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Warm regards, when more warmth is required

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your grandma. My deepest condolences.
Warm regards,
Your Name

Yours sincerely

"Yours sincerely" is a very professional way to end a business email or letter, but if you're only a small business, we would advise with going with something a little less formal. Leave "Yours sincerely" for the corporate companies, and get a little more personal with your email by using "Kind regards" or "Best regards" instead. However, if you are writing to a corporate company about a potential job or internship, where they are likely to use "Yours sincerely" in a more formal setting, we would recommend using it too.

Yours faithfully

Do people even use "Yours faithfully" any more? We certainly haven't come across it in any business or personal correspondence in the last five to ten years. Our recommendation, go with something a little more modern and upbeat, or have a good reason to be writing the particular word "faithfully".

Yours faithfully - the only good reason to write it

I never cheated on you with your best friend.
Yours faithfully,
Your Name

#kidding

All the best

We actually really like this one. It can be used in professional or informal writing. It invokes a sense of kindness that you are wishing them all the best, but it's shorter than saying "I wish you all the best". Use this if you don't need to be overly formal and are ok with more of a relaxed tone with the person you are emailing.

Results from our Poll - Which Sign Off do you use?

Since 2014, over 8,000 people have taken our poll! We asked the question, what signoff do you use? Here's the results.

which sign off do you use poll results

1. Kind regards (1,620 votes)
2. Best regards (1,366 votes)
3. Regards (699 votes)
4. Other (351 votes)
5. All the best (332 votes)
6. Yours sincerely (189 votes)
7. Warm regards (156 votes)
8. No signoff (67 votes)
9. Yours faithfully (55 votes)

The people that voted in our poll came from all over the globe.

which sign off do you use poll regions

Looking for something a little less boring than the average "Kind regards" email signoff?

Here are 10 professional yet creative email signature signoffs that can help you stand out while maintaining a polished and respectful tone:

  1. "Onward and Upward,"
    • A forward-thinking and optimistic signoff that suggests progress and growth.
  2. "With gratitude and enthusiasm,"
    • A warm, appreciative signoff that shows you value the recipient and the conversation.
  3. "Yours in collaboration,"
    • Perfect for teamwork-oriented emails, conveying a sense of partnership.
  4. "Wishing you continued success,"
    • A positive and professional signoff that expresses goodwill and support.
  5. "Let’s make great things happen,"
    • An energetic and inspiring way to encourage action and a sense of purpose.
  6. "To your success and beyond,"
    • A creative twist on a traditional closing that adds a little extra energy.
  7. "Looking forward to our next step,"
    • Ideal for ongoing projects or discussions, it suggests excitement for future collaboration.
  8. "Here’s to great work ahead,"
    • A confident and forward-focused signoff for colleagues or clients working on a shared goal.
  9. "With appreciation and optimism,"
    • A balanced signoff that conveys both gratitude and a positive outlook.
  10. "In pursuit of excellence,"
  • A strong, professional closing that reflects a commitment to quality and high standards.

These signoffs add a creative touch without sacrificing professionalism. They strike a balance between friendly and formal, making them perfect for emails where you want to leave a lasting impression while maintaining business decorum.

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What is an Email Signoff?

An email signoff (or closing) is the final part of your email, where you wrap up your message and prepare to say goodbye. It typically consists of a closing phrase (like “Best regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Cheers”), your name, and any other relevant information such as your title, company, and contact details.

While the email body delivers the message, the signoff creates an opportunity to make a final impression. A thoughtful signoff can reinforce the tone of your message and even prompt the recipient to take a desired action—whether it's following up, scheduling a meeting, or simply keeping the conversation going.

Why Email Signoffs Matter

Your signoff is more than just a polite gesture—it's a strategic communication tool that can:

  • Enhance Professionalism: A well-chosen signoff shows attention to detail and reinforces your credibility.
  • Set the Tone: Depending on the closing you choose, you can convey warmth, formality, enthusiasm, or empathy.
  • Promote Engagement: Including calls to action or links in your signoff can encourage recipients to take further steps.
  • Personalize Communication: The right signoff can help you tailor your emails to specific audiences or situations.
  • Strengthen Brand Identity: Using a company-specific signoff or including branding in your signature can reinforce your organization's image.

Best Practices for Crafting an Effective Email Signoff

1. Choose a Signoff That Matches the Tone of Your Message

The closing of your email should match the overall tone of your message and your relationship with the recipient. Here are some common signoffs and when to use them:

  • Formal and Professional:
    • Sincerely: One of the most common formal signoffs, ideal for business correspondence, cover letters, and first-time communication.
    • Best regards: A slightly less formal but still professional option suitable for most business emails.
    • Yours faithfully: Typically used in formal British English, particularly for letters where the recipient’s name is unknown (e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam”).
    • Kind regards: A polite and somewhat warmer variation of “Best regards,” suitable for both formal and semi-formal emails.
  • Informal and Friendly:
    • Best: A simple and friendly signoff that’s still professional, but more relaxed.
    • Cheers: Common in British English, this casual signoff works well with colleagues or clients you know well.
    • Take care: A warm, personal signoff often used when the tone is friendly or the email is more personal in nature.
  • Casual and Creative:
    • Thanks: Direct and to the point, ideal when you’re expressing gratitude.
    • Talk soon: Friendly and approachable, great for continuing conversations.
    • Looking forward: Perfect for emails where you’re anticipating future action or collaboration.

Tip: Avoid using overly casual signoffs like "Later," "See ya," or "Peace out" in professional or business contexts, as they may come across as unprofessional.

2. Include Your Full Name, Title, and Contact Info

Your email signature should contain all the necessary details that allow recipients to easily contact you or learn more about your role or company. The standard components of an email signature include:

  • Your full name: Make sure your recipient knows exactly who the email is from.
  • Your title or position: This gives context to your role and how you relate to the recipient.
  • Company name: If you're representing a company, include its name to reinforce your affiliation.
  • Contact details: Phone number, website, or LinkedIn profile—whatever is appropriate for the conversation.
  • Social media links (optional): Include links to professional networks like LinkedIn, Twitter, or other platforms where you're active.

For example:

Best regards,  
John Doe  
Marketing Manager | XYZ Company  
Phone: (123) 456-7890 | www.xyzcompany.com  
LinkedIn: [Link]  

3. Keep It Concise and Simple

Your email signature should be clear and easy to read. Keep it simple—avoid cluttering your signoff with too many images, disclaimers, or long lists of information. The key is to make it easy for your recipient to find the information they need without feeling overwhelmed.

  • Don’t overdo it: Stick to the essential contact details and one or two links.
  • Use line breaks: If you have multiple pieces of information to include (e.g., phone number, company website, social media), separate them with line breaks for better readability.
  • Font consistency: Make sure the font in your signature matches the body of your email for a unified look.

4. Use Your Company’s Branding

If you’re sending an email on behalf of your company, you can incorporate your company’s branding into your signature. This could include the company logo, a branded email signature template, or a consistent color scheme. Keep in mind that your email signature is an extension of your brand and should align with your company’s visual identity.

For example, if your company has specific guidelines for email signatures (e.g., logo size, colors, or wording), make sure to follow them. Consistency in email communication builds credibility and trust with recipients.

5. Add a Call to Action (CTA)

A well-placed call to action in your email signature can encourage recipients to take the next step. This could be as simple as inviting them to schedule a call, visit your website, or check out your latest blog post. Make sure the CTA is relevant to the context of your email and is framed in a non-pushy, helpful way.

Examples:

  • “Schedule a meeting with me: [link]”
  • “Check out our latest products here: [link]”
  • “Follow us on social media: [social links]”

Examples of Effective Email Signoffs

1. Formal Business Email:

Sincerely,  
Jane Doe  
Senior Account Manager | ABC Corp.  
Phone: (555) 123-4567 | www.abccorp.com  
LinkedIn: [Link]  

2. Casual Email to a Colleague:

Best,  
Tom Harris  
Product Development Lead | XYZ Tech  
www.xyztech.com  
Follow us on Twitter: [Link]

3. Customer Service Email:

Kind regards,  
Rachel Green  
Customer Service Representative | Green’s Goods  
Phone: (800) 555-1234 | www.greensgoods.com  
Have a question? Visit our Help Center: [Link]

4. Email with a CTA:

Best regards,  
Michael Scott  
Regional Sales Manager | Dunder Mifflin  
Phone: (555) 555-5555 | www.dundermifflin.com  
Let’s connect on LinkedIn: [Link]  
Schedule a demo with me: [Link]

Your email signoff is more than just a way to end your message—it's a chance to reinforce your professionalism, foster relationships, and promote your brand or business. Whether you choose a formal “Sincerely” or a casual “Cheers,” your signoff should match the tone of your email and your relationship with the recipient.

By following best practices—keeping it concise, maintaining consistency with your company’s branding, and adding a well-placed call to action—you can turn every email into an opportunity to leave a positive, lasting impression. So next time you’re drafting an email, take a moment to think about your signoff. A thoughtful close can make all the difference.

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