In fixed format, the COBOL source record is divided into the following areas:
| Columns 1 - 6 | Sequence number |
| Column 7 | Indicator area |
| Column 8 - 11 | Area A |
| Columns 12 - 72 | Area B |
A COBOL source record can extend up to a maximum of 80 columns in length. The contents of columns 73 to 80 are ignored by the COBOL system.