Filofax 6-Hole vs. US 2-Hole Top Punch
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 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.
The US 2-Hole Top Punch (standardized at 2.75 inches / 69.85 mm center-to-center spacing) is the North American standard for punching the short top edge of US Letter or US Legal documents. Paired with 2-prong metal fasteners, heavy classification pressboard folders, and clipboard arches, it is standard for medical charts and legal court exhibits.
Specification Comparison Table
11 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Primary Applications
|
Filofax, FranklinCovey, Gillio, Moterm, Kikki.K ring planners | Hospital patient medical charts, courtroom deposition binders, real estate mortgage closings |
|
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 | — |
|
Center-to-Center Hole Spacing
|
— | 2.75 in (69.85 mm) |
|
Hole Diameter
|
— | 5/16 in (7.94 mm) standard or 9/32 in (7.14 mm) |
|
Placement Orientation
|
— | Centered along the top 8.5-inch edge of US Letter or US Legal sheets |
|
Edge Distance to Hole Center
|
— | 0.375 in (9.53 mm) from top edge |
|
Fastener Pairing
|
— | 2-prong metal compressor fastener prongs (2.75 in base) |