Japanese Multi-Hole (JIS) vs. US 2-Hole Top Punch
Comparing 2 standards across 11 specifications. 11 key differences identified.
The Japanese Loose-Leaf standard (governed by JIS P 0138) specifies a fine multi-hole grid with an exact 9.5 mm (3/8 inch) pitch and 5.5 mm hole diameter, featuring 26 holes for B5 paper and 30 holes for A4 paper. Engineered by stationery manufacturers such as Kokuyo and Maruman, it eliminates paper tear-out entirely.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Hole Diameter
|
5.5 ± 0.5 mm | 5/16 in (7.94 mm) standard or 9/32 in (7.14 mm) |
|
Primary Applications
|
Kokuyo Campus Smart Ring binders, Maruman Giuris, King Jim multi-ring loose-leaf notebooks | Hospital patient medical charts, courtroom deposition binders, real estate mortgage closings |
|
Hole Pitch (Center-to-Center)
|
9.5 mm (0.374 in / approx. 3/8 in) | — |
|
Edge Margin to Hole Center
|
6.5 ± 0.5 mm | — |
|
B5 Paper Hole Count
|
26 holes (for 257 mm JIS B5 paper) | — |
|
A4 Paper Hole Count
|
30 holes (for 297 mm ISO A4 paper) | — |
|
A5 Paper Hole Count
|
20 holes (for 210 mm ISO A5 paper) | — |
|
Center-to-Center Hole Spacing
|
— | 2.75 in (69.85 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) |