3-Ring Binder Calculator
Here's a comprehensive table summarizing all you need to know about 3-ring binder sizes:
| Binder Type | Dimensions (inches) | Paper Size | Ring Spacing | Typical Capacity (pages) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Letter | 11.375 x 11.625 | 8.5 x 11 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| Legal | 11.5 x 14.5 | 8.5 x 14 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| Mini | 8.5 x 9 | 5.5 x 8.5 | 2.75" | 115-200 |
| Half-Size | 5.5 x 8.5 | 5.5 x 8.5 | 2.75" | 115-200 |
| Ledger | 20 x 11.5 | 11 x 17 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| A4 | 11.3 x 12.5 | 8.25 x 11.75 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| A3 | 18.8 x 12.5 | 11.75 x 16.5 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| Scrapbook | 12 x 12 | 12 x 12 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| Music | 9 x 12 | 9 x 12 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
| Art | 14 x 17 | 14 x 17 | 4.25" | 200-550 |
Additional Information
Ring Types and Capacities:
- Round rings: Common sizes include 1", 1.5", 2", 3", 4", and 5", holding 200 to 850 pages4.
- D-rings: Hold about 25% more than round rings, with sizes from 1" to 5", accommodating 220 to 950 pages4.
- Slant D-rings: Offer the largest capacity, holding 235 to 1,050 pages in sizes from 1" to 5"4.
Measuring Binders:
Binders are measured by the diameter of their rings, not the spine width4. For D-rings and slant D-rings, measure the straight edge of the ring3.
Paper Capacity:
The number of pages a binder can hold depends on the ring size and paper thickness. Estimates are based on standard 20 lb copy paper1.
European Binders:
European binders use different ring spacing, with 2-ring or 4-ring configurations spaced 8 cm apart1.Remember that binder dimensions are always slightly larger than the paper size they're designed to hold, typically by about 0.5 inches in width and height3. This extra space provides room for the ring mechanism and better protection for your documents.