Planner Hole Spacing Guide: A5, Personal, A7 and M5 Inserts
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Planner insert compatibility depends on more than the paper size. The number of holes, distance between holes and distance from the paper edge all affect whether a refill will turn smoothly inside a ring binder.
This guide explains the measurements commonly used by adjustable planner punches and what to check before making custom A5, Personal, A7 or M5 inserts.
Three measurements that matter
- Hole diameter: the width of each punched hole. Many compact planner tools create 4 mm holes.
- Hole spacing: the centre-to-centre distance between adjacent holes. A common modular spacing is 19 mm (0.75 in).
- Feed depth: the distance from the paper edge to the hole centre. A 5 mm guide helps keep holes aligned consistently.
A correct paper size can still fit poorly if one of these measurements does not match the binder mechanism.
Common planner formats
| Format | Common use | What to verify |
|---|---|---|
| A5 | Desk planning, study and detailed journaling | Six-hole arrangement and page width |
| Personal / Bible | Weekly planning, lists and home organization | Six-hole layout and actual insert dimensions |
| A7 / Pocket | Compact planning and everyday carry | Ring count, height and spacing |
| M5 | Mini trackers, notes and collections | Five-hole layout and exact page width |
Size names are not always standardized across brands. Review the exact dimensions and ring mechanism instead of relying only on labels such as A6 Personal, Pocket or Mini.
Why adjustable punches are useful
An adjustable punch lets you position punch heads for different binder arrangements. A tool that can make three, six or nine holes is useful when you work with several planner sizes or create folded and layered paper projects.
The Precision Hole Puncher for Journals and Planners makes 4 mm holes with 19 mm spacing and can punch up to eight sheets of standard paper at once. Paper thickness affects capacity, so test fewer sheets when using cardstock or specialty paper.
How to punch planner inserts accurately
- Confirm the finished page dimensions before cutting.
- Use an existing correctly fitting insert as a visual reference.
- Set the punch heads for the required ring arrangement.
- Align the paper against the guide without forcing it.
- Test one sheet before punching the full set.
- Place the test page in the binder and turn it through the rings.
For a single correction hole or custom craft project, a mini single-hole punch can be more practical than resetting a multi-hole tool.
Frequently asked questions
Are Personal and A6 inserts interchangeable?
Usually not. True A6 is generally 105 x 148 mm, while Personal or Bible pages are taller and narrower. Ring placement may also differ.
Is every M5 refill the same width?
No. M5 pages often share a 105 mm height, but widths can vary. Always check the listed measurements and your binder's usable width.
Can a planner punch handle cardstock?
Often yes, but the number of sheets must be reduced. Punch one sheet at a time when the material is thick or textured.
Compare the most common paper formats in our planner size guide, then browse journal and planner accessories for tools and organizers.