US 2-Hole Top Punch
Binders & Hole Punching · 6 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: Federal Specification GG-P-821 / American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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) |
| Primary Applications | Hospital patient medical charts, courtroom deposition binders, real estate mortgage closings |
Top-Bound Arch Filing
Filing legal transcripts and medical intake records from the top edge allows the user to flip pages vertically upward (like a legal pad) without removing the file from open filing shelves or medical chart racks.