The term “binder sheet” is a fancy way to describe the size of paper that fits inside a ringed binder. Most stock binders are the three-ring size that comfortably fits an 8.5″ by 11″ sheet of paper.
On school supply lists, binder sheet size is never mentioned. Going into the business world, binder sheet sizes matter much more. An example is the varied binder sheet size in day planners. These binders are often 7-ring instead of three-ring binders, and the sheet sizes are anything but standard.
What do People Mean When They Ask, “What’s the Sheet Size of Your Binder?”
When someone asks, “What is the sheet size of your binder?”, that person is wondering what size of paper will fit perfectly into your three-ring (or other number of ring) binder. Common binder sheet sizes are 8.5″ by 11″, 8.5″ by 5.5″, and 9.5″ by 6″. These sheet sizes have to do only with the paper pages that can be put into the binder and not the actual cover of the binder.
How Index Tabs and Sheet Protectors Correlate with Sheet Size
With standard 8.5″ by 11″ sheet size, one must take into account tabbed pages, which stick out an additional half inch to make a true sheet size of 9″ by 11″ and also the clear plastic sleeve sizes, which stick out an additional half inch.
To accommodate these sheet sizes one would need a larger binder. If one is adding tabs to the larger plastic sleeves, which would be a great way to get organized, then that puts the actual sheet size out closer to 9.5″ by 11″. It is important to match the binder with the sheet size so that your paper is not hanging out the edge of the cover. The whole purpose of a binder is to effectively protect the sheets from bending and additional wear, while simultaneously creating privacy and organization for the sheets.
Unique Requirements and Custom Binders
For business use, sometimes the standard sheet sizes and stock binders just aren’t good enough. Often for specific sales or training purposes, uniquely sized sheets are required. In these instances, custom binders should do the trick.
Having a professional package of information put together with a correctly matched binder and sheet size can make the difference between looking professional or looking thrown together.
Additionally, having custom printed binders instead of stock binders with pictures inserted in the clear sleeve on the outside really makes a difference in professionalism.
