US 2-Hole Top Punch vs. US 3-Hole
Comparing 2 standards across 8 specifications. 7 key differences identified.
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.
The North American 3-Hole Standard is the ubiquitous paper punching system in the United States, Canada, and Mexico for 8.5 × 11-inch US Letter paper. Specifying three circular holes spaced exactly 4.25 inches (107.95 mm) apart (an 8.5-inch total span) with 5/16-inch (7.94 mm) hole diameters, it is the standard for 3-ring school and business binders.
Specification Comparison Table
8 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Center-to-Center Hole Spacing
|
2.75 in (69.85 mm) | 4.25 in (107.95 mm) |
|
Hole Diameter
|
5/16 in (7.94 mm) standard or 9/32 in (7.14 mm) | 5/16 in (7.94 mm) standard or 9/32 in (7.14 mm) |
|
Edge Distance to Hole Center
|
0.375 in (9.53 mm) from top edge | 0.375 to 0.50 in (9.5 to 12.7 mm) |
|
Primary Applications
|
Hospital patient medical charts, courtroom deposition binders, real estate mortgage closings | School 3-ring binders (Avery, Wilson Jones), corporate training manuals, loose-leaf filler paper |
|
Placement Orientation
|
Centered along the top 8.5-inch edge of US Letter or US Legal sheets | — |
|
Fastener Pairing
|
2-prong metal compressor fastener prongs (2.75 in base) | — |
|
Total Outer Hole Span
|
— | 8.50 in (215.90 mm — from top hole center to bottom hole center) |
|
Top & Bottom Margins on US Letter
|
— | Exactly 1.25 in (31.75 mm) from sheet edge to outer hole centers |