Guide To Sizes

Everything we make starts around the contents you are placing inside of it - and from those dimensions we work outwards.

We can make items to any size that you require (within reason). Every item we make is designed to fit around its contents. 

Therefore an A4 or 11" x 14" portfolio binder is made to accommodate that piece of work plus a margin so that the contents do not stick out. For example, if this is an a A4 screw post binder, we start with a page size of 297mm x 210mm. We then add 8mm to the top, bottom and sides, and this becomes the outer cover size of the portfolio.

The object of a bespoke portfolio or binder, is that the contents sit squarely on the inner cover when closed - Not over nor under, just square.

Importantly an A4 portfolio, (using A4 as an example but will apply to any size) can have a cover that can be of 3 or 4 different sizes depending upon whether:

1. An A4 page is being punched and then directly inserted onto the screw posts.
2. Hinge strips are being used to attach the page to the bindings, which will add 25mm in width, but not height.
3. Page protectors/sleeves are being used and furthermore, whether these are H&Co sleeves or, for example, Pina Zangaro sleeves, all of which add more height and width to the inner and therefore outer cover size
4. You are using plastic protectors and tabbed dividers, in which case the cover will be taller and wider again.

This is why you will be asked whether you will be using page protectors or hinge strips during the order process, otherwise your outer cover may be too big or too small. 

If your contents are going to be slightly over the standard ISO or American paper sizes, please let us know. It is never a problem if we have too much information.

Clamshell Boxes

For boxes, it is the same as the above. All external sizes are based around their contents. We start around the size of the contents and then add a 2mm allowance both widthways and lengthways to allow ease of removing the sheets whilst ensuring they are snug enough not to get damaged due to excess movement.

US paper sizes are different to UK/EU sizes – below we have made a chart showing the approximate equivalents.

INTERNATIONAL (ISO) PAPER SIZES

US PAPER SIZES