This article focuses the types of cases in the business area. The goal was to identify the main types of cases and the more appropriate situations to use each version. A desk research was made, leading to the development of the following topics: (i) definition of case study, (ii) the educational purposes of the case study, (iii) the types of cases and (iv) criteria to classify the cases. Based on the bibliographical research, it could be suggested four criteria to categorize the types of cases; there are: educational purposes, information available, structure level and complexity level. Each case format is more appropriate to a particular educational situation, including undergraduate and graduate courses. The case method has to be accompanied by other educational techniques. It is important that the instructors are able to select the type of case according to the student needs and the desired educational objectives.