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. Saddle-stitched booklets are made from folded sheets. This means the page count must 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.
What Is the Ideal Page Count?
While any page count that's a multiple of 4 can work, some of the most common saddle-stitched booklet sizes include:
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8 pages - for short brochures or menus
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12-20 pages - for event programs or product guides
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24-32 pages - for catalogs or magazines
If your content doesn't perfectly fit one of these options, consider adding supplementary material like:
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A full-page image
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A thank-you message
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Product or service highlights
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An About Us or Contact page
This is often a better solution than leaving unused space or trying to force your content to fit awkwardly.
If your final file doesn't meet the required page count, Formax Printing can help you adjust your layout or suggest creative ways to fill out the remaining pages while still aligning with your message.
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
