Binder capacity planner
Count pockets, reserve future spaces and work out how many binders your collection needs.
Change the inputs to explore your options. These tools run in your browser and do not save your entries.
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Count pockets, not advertised pages
Total pockets = physical sheets × pockets on one face × independently pocketed faces. Usable pockets per binder = total pockets − spaces reserved per binder. Binders needed = cards ÷ usable pockets, rounded up. Plan one card per pocket, and respect the maker’s page and sleeve limits.
Worked examples
| Setup | Usable per binder | Collection | Binders needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 sheets × 9 pockets × 2 sides; reserve 36 | 324 | 300 cards | 1 (24 usable spaces remain) |
| Same setup | 324 | 325 cards | 2 (323 usable spaces remain) |
| 20 sheets × 9 pockets × 1 side; reserve 0 | 180 | 180 cards | 1 |
What this cannot tell you
The arithmetic does not establish whether a pocket accepts your sleeves, toploaders or thick cards. Do not increase a fixed binder’s capacity by inserting extra sheets or pushing multiple cards into a pocket. Check the exact product specification and stop if the binder bows or needs pressure to close.
Next: compare binder formats, plan a collection index or use the glossary.