End-Tab Folders vs. Top-Tab Folders
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
End-Tab Shelf Filing Folders (designed for open-shelf modular lateral file systems) feature an extended full-cut vertical tab along the right-hand vertical edge rather than the top. Standard in hospital medical record rooms, dental clinics, and insurance claims departments, they utilize color-coded numeric and alphabetic Mylar labels.
Top-Tab File Folders (standardized in US Letter and US Legal sizes) are heavy manila or pressboard document jackets featuring elevated indexing tabs cut in standardized fractions of the folder width: 1/3-Cut (three staggered positions: Left, Center, Right), 1/5-Cut (five positions), 1/2-Cut, and Straight-Cut (full width).
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Folder Size (US Letter)
|
9.50 in height × 12.25 in width (including 0.50 in side end-tab) | — |
|
Folder Size (US Legal)
|
9.50 in height × 15.25 in width (including end-tab) | — |
|
End-Tab Width
|
0.50 in (12.7 mm) extending along the entire 9.5-inch vertical side edge | — |
|
Reinforcement
|
Double-ply reinforced end tab to withstand repeated pulling from metal shelves | — |
|
Color-Coded Filing Standard
|
Terminal Digit Filing (TDF) — color bands visually expose misfiled charts instantly | — |
|
Space Savings
|
Increases filing density by up to 50% compared to traditional pull-out drawer cabinets | — |
|
US Letter Folder Size
|
— | 9.50 in height (including tab) × 11.625 in width (241 × 295 mm) |
|
US Legal Folder Size
|
— | 9.50 in height (including tab) × 14.625 in width (241 × 371 mm) |
|
Tab Extension Height
|
— | 0.50 in (12.7 mm) proud of the main front folder flap |
|
1/3-Cut Tab Width
|
— | Approx. 3.67 in (93 mm) — provides 3 staggered tab positions (Left, Center, Right) |
|
1/5-Cut Tab Width
|
— | Approx. 2.20 in (56 mm) — provides 5 staggered tab positions across the top edge |
|
1/2-Cut Tab Width
|
— | Approx. 5.50 in (140 mm) — provides 2 broad tab positions (Left, Right) |
|
Standard Point Caliper
|
— | 11 pt Manila (standard utility), 14 pt Manila (heavy-duty), 25 pt Pressboard (archival) |