Why Do Saddle-Stitched Booklets Require the Page Count to be a Multiple of 4?

Booklets are commonly produced using the Saddle-Stitch binding method, which is cost-effective and widely used. This method involves taking printed sheets, folding them, and nesting them within one another. The nested sheets are then stapled along the fold line using two wire staples. These staples pass through the folded crease from the outside and are clinched between the centermost pages. Saddle-Stitch binding provides a secure and efficient way to bind booklets, making it a popular choice for various publications such as brochures, pamphlets, catalogs, and magazines.

Pages Must Be in Multiples of Four

Folding any sheet of paper in half will create four separate panels. Because saddle-stitched booklets are constructed entirely of folded sheets, the page count must therefore be a multiple of four.

Since each folded sheet joined within the finished booklet will form four pages of the booklet, it is not possible to create a 7-page, 10-page, or 25-page saddle-stitched booklet. The only feasible page counts for saddle-stitched booklets are 4 pages, 8 pages, 12 pages, 16 pages, 20 pages, 24 pages, 28 pages, 32 pages and so on. Even if a page within the booklet is blank, it still counts as a page. When writing or planning your book it is important to keep this 4 page count in mind.

If you have any questions about the saddle-stitch binding method, give Formax Printing a call at 866-367-6221. Or, if you have an upcoming project and would like a quote, submit our easy quote request form. As always, we look forward to assisting you!

Take care! Rick