How to Count Pages and Sheets

2 MIN READ
Level: basic

In the printing industry, there’s often confusion around how to count pages and sheets and what the difference is between the two. They may sound the same but they’re very different and can’t be used interchangeably.

Understanding the difference between sheets and pages can make setting up your file and ordering your online printing project much easier.

What’s the Difference?

How to count pages and sheets

A page is one side or face of a piece of paper. Since one piece of paper has two sides, you would have two pages.

A sheet is two pages. So that one piece of paper is actually a sheet.

How to Count Pages and Sheets

Knowing the difference is especially important when you’re designing a custom booklet or custom calendar, since the page or sheet count and arrangement is crucial for any online printer.

Saddle Stitch Booklets

How to count pages for saddle stitched books

Require you to enter the number of pages:

  • Page one is the front cover, page two is the inside of the front cover, page three is the first interior page, etc.
  • Note: Page count must be divisible by four.

Perfect Bound, Spiral Coil and Wire Coil Booklets

Require you to enter the number of sheets:

  • Page one is the front cover, page two is the inside of the front cover, page three is the first interior page, etc.
  • To calculate the number of sheets, divide the number of pages by two.

Tips & Tricks

If you’re unsure of how to count to pages and sheets, just remember: one sheet = two pages.

If you have questions about how to count pages and sheets or any of our online printing services, please contact customer service and chat with one of our print experts.