Filofax 6-Hole vs. ISO 838 (2-Hole)
Comparing 2 standards across 12 specifications. 12 key differences identified.
The Filofax 6-Hole Standard (invented by Norman & Hill in London in 1921) is the global benchmark for personal ring planners, organizing 6 holes into two distinct 3-hole groups spaced 19.05 mm (0.75 in) apart. Available in standardized Personal (51 mm gap), A5 (70 mm gap), and Pocket (19 mm continuous) formats.
ISO 838 (DIN 821) is the international standard for 2-hole paper punching, specifying two circular holes spaced exactly 80.0 mm ± 0.5 mm apart with a diameter of 6.0 mm ± 0.5 mm, positioned 12.0 mm ± 1.0 mm from the binding edge of the sheet. It is the universal standard for ring binders and lever arch files across Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
Specification Comparison Table
12 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hole Grouping Structure
|
Two groups of 3 holes (19.05 mm / 3/4 in spacing within each 3-hole cluster) | — |
|
Personal Size Center Gap
|
51 mm (2.0 in) gap between clusters — 19-19-51-19-19 mm (95 × 171 mm paper) | — |
|
A5 Size Center Gap
|
70 mm (2.75 in) gap between clusters — 19-19-70-19-19 mm (148 × 210 mm paper) | — |
|
Pocket Size Spacing
|
Uniform 19.05 mm continuous spacing — 19-19-19-19-19 mm (81 × 120 mm paper) | — |
|
A5 Interchangeability
|
The middle holes of the two clusters (at 70+19+19 = 108 mm) align with US 3-hole spacing on some desk punches | — |
|
Primary Applications
|
Filofax, FranklinCovey, Gillio, Moterm, Kikki.K ring planners | — |
|
Center-to-Center Hole Spacing
|
— | 80.0 ± 0.5 mm (3.15 in) |
|
Hole Diameter
|
— | 6.0 ± 0.5 mm (0.24 in) |
|
Edge Distance to Hole Center
|
— | 12.0 ± 1.0 mm (0.47 in) |
|
Centering Standard
|
— | Holes are centered symmetrically along the paper's long edge (A4) or short edge (A5) |
|
Target Paper Pairing
|
— | ISO 216 A4 (210 × 297 mm) and A5 (148 × 210 mm) |
|
Binder Compatibility
|
— | 2-ring binders, European lever arch files (Leitz Ordner, Esselte, Rexel) |