This page provides practical reference statistics commonly used by litigation teams when planning document productions, trial binders, and document workflows. These numbers represent industry estimates based on typical litigation support operations and standard equipment.

Use these figures for planning, budgeting, and capacity estimation. Actual results will vary based on document characteristics, equipment settings, and case-specific requirements.

Important: These statistics are provided for informational and planning purposes only. Numbers are approximations and industry estimates, not legal advice. Always verify capacity and specifications for mission-critical deliverables.

Digital Document & ESI Stats

Pages per Gigabyte (PDF)

Document Type Approximate Pages per GB Notes / Assumptions
Black & White Scanned PDFs (300 DPI) 8,000 – 10,000 Standard text documents, searchable OCR PDFs
Color Scanned PDFs (300 DPI) 2,000 – 3,000 Full-color images increase file size significantly
Mixed Content PDFs 4,000 – 6,000 Combination of text, images, and graphics
Native PDF Files 5,000 – 15,000 Varies widely based on content complexity and compression
Text-Heavy Legal Documents 10,000 – 15,000 Pleadings, briefs, contracts with minimal graphics
Why This Matters

Understanding pages per GB helps estimate storage requirements, predict processing times, and plan for data transfer and hosting costs. A 50 GB production might contain anywhere from 100,000 to 500,000 pages depending on document characteristics.

Average PDF File Size

Document Type Approximate Size per Page Notes / Assumptions
Standard Text Page (B&W, 300 DPI) 100 – 150 KB Searchable PDF with OCR layer
Color Document Page 300 – 500 KB Depends heavily on image content
High-Resolution Image Page 500 KB – 2 MB Photos, charts, detailed graphics
Native PDF (Word-to-PDF) 50 – 100 KB Text-based documents with standard fonts

Email Data Approximations

Item Approximate Value Notes / Assumptions
Emails per GB (Text Only) 75,000 – 100,000 Short business emails without attachments
Emails per GB (With Attachments) 2,000 – 5,000 Realistic estimate for typical business email
Average Email Size (No Attachments) 10 – 20 KB Plain text or simple HTML formatting
Average Email Size (With Attachments) 200 KB – 500 KB Varies dramatically based on attachment types
Pages per Email (When Printed) 1 – 3 pages Email body plus metadata; excludes attachments
Real-World Note

Email productions rarely consist of text-only messages. Attachments (PDFs, spreadsheets, images) significantly impact storage requirements. A 50 GB email PST file might contain 100,000–250,000 messages, but printing those messages could yield 300,000+ pages when attachments are included.

TIFF vs PDF Storage

Format Approximate Size per Page Notes / Assumptions
Single-Page TIFF (Group 4, B&W) 50 – 100 KB Standard litigation-grade TIFF, 300 DPI
Single-Page TIFF (Color) 500 KB – 1 MB Color TIFFs are rarely used in productions
Multi-Page PDF (B&W) 100 – 150 KB per page Searchable PDF with OCR layer
TIFF Pages per GB 10,000 – 20,000 Group 4 compression, black and white
Why This Matters

TIFF files are still common in litigation productions despite PDF becoming standard. TIFFs typically require 30–50% more storage than equivalent searchable PDFs. For a 1 million page production, this could mean 50–100 GB vs 100–150 GB depending on format choice.

Printing & Paper Stats

Basic Paper Quantities

Item Approximate Value Notes / Assumptions
Pages per Ream 500 sheets Standard for letter-size (8.5" x 11") paper
Reams per Carton 10 reams Standard case = 5,000 sheets
Sheets per Inch (Loose Stack) 200 – 250 sheets 20 lb copy paper, depends on paper density
Pages per Inch (Single-Sided Print) 200 – 250 pages One printed side = one page
Pages per Inch (Double-Sided Print) 400 – 500 pages Two printed sides per sheet = two pages

Paper Weight by Volume

Item Approximate Weight Notes / Assumptions
One Ream (500 sheets) 5 lbs Standard 20 lb copy paper
One Carton (10 reams) 50 lbs 5,000 sheets total
One Inch of Paper 2 – 2.5 lbs Loose stack, 20 lb paper
Cardstock (110 lb cover) 5.5x heavier Used for dividers and covers
Real-World Note

Paper weight matters for shipping logistics. A standard banker's box filled with paper (2,500–3,000 sheets) weighs approximately 25–30 lbs before adding binder hardware or covers. Plan for additional weight when calculating freight costs.

Print Cost Implications

Print Type Relative Cost Impact Notes / Assumptions
Black & White (Single-Sided) Baseline (1x) Industry standard for most productions
Black & White (Double-Sided) ~1.5x baseline Requires duplex capability; saves paper but slower
Color Printing 3x – 5x baseline Per page; toner costs drive this premium
High-Volume Black & White ~0.7x baseline Economies of scale for 50,000+ page jobs

Impression vs Page vs Image Clarification

Term Definition Litigation Context
Page One side of a sheet Standard unit for document counts and billing
Sheet Physical piece of paper One sheet = two pages if double-sided
Impression One pass through printer Copier/printer billing term; duplex = 2 impressions
Image Typically same as page In scanning: one image = one side of one sheet
Why This Matters

Confusion between these terms can lead to billing disputes and planning errors. When a printer reports "10,000 impressions" for a duplex job, that's actually 5,000 sheets or 10,000 pages. Always clarify which unit is being referenced in vendor quotes and internal communications.

Binder & Trial Prep Stats

Pages per Binder (Single-Sided Printing)

Binder Size Approximate Page Capacity Notes / Assumptions
1-Inch Binder 200 – 250 pages Standard 20 lb paper, no tabs
1.5-Inch Binder 300 – 375 pages Commonly used for trial exhibit sets
2-Inch Binder 400 – 500 pages Popular size for comprehensive trial binders
3-Inch Binder 600 – 750 pages Heavy-duty for large document sets
4-Inch Binder 800 – 1,000 pages Maximum practical size; unwieldy when full

Pages per Binder (Double-Sided Printing)

Binder Size Approximate Page Capacity Notes / Assumptions
1-Inch Binder 400 – 500 pages Uses half the sheets for same page count
1.5-Inch Binder 600 – 750 pages More common for internal working binders
2-Inch Binder 800 – 1,000 pages Standard for double-sided trial binders
3-Inch Binder 1,200 – 1,500 pages Practical limit for courtroom handling
4-Inch Binder 1,600 – 2,000 pages Rarely used at full capacity; difficult to close
Real-World Note: Binder Capacity

Manufacturer specifications are optimistic. A "3-inch binder holds 600 sheets" claim assumes perfect conditions with no tabs, covers, or sheet protectors. In practice, reduce manufacturer capacity by 20–30% for realistic trial binder planning. A 3-inch binder comfortably holds 400–450 sheets (800–900 double-sided pages) plus tabs and covers without straining the rings.

Binder Capacity with Tabs & Dividers

Binder Size Pages (No Tabs) Pages (With 10–15 Tabs) Pages (With 25+ Tabs)
1-Inch Binder 200 – 250 180 – 220 150 – 180
2-Inch Binder 400 – 500 360 – 440 320 – 380
3-Inch Binder 600 – 750 540 – 660 480 – 580
4-Inch Binder 800 – 1,000 720 – 880 640 – 780
Tab Impact on Capacity

Each plastic tab or cardstock divider reduces usable binder capacity. Paper tabs (5-tab sets) have minimal impact. Heavy-duty plastic tabs (commonly used for trial exhibits) can reduce capacity by 10–20%. If building binders with 50+ exhibits, consider using thinner tab materials or moving to multi-binder sets.

Ring Capacity Realities

Ring Diameter Manufacturer Claim Realistic Working Capacity Notes
1-Inch Rings 225 sheets 175 – 200 sheets Allow room for tabs and smooth ring operation
2-Inch Rings 450 sheets 350 – 400 sheets Most versatile size for trial work
3-Inch Rings 670 sheets 500 – 550 sheets Heavy when full; consider usability
4-Inch Rings 890 sheets 650 – 750 sheets Difficult to handle; rings may not close properly
Why This Matters

Overstuffed binders create real problems in trial. Rings that won't close, covers that don't align, and tabs that tear when pages are turned all reflect poorly on preparation quality. Build to 70–80% of manufacturer capacity for professional results that hold up under courtroom use.

Tabs, Dividers & Exhibits

Tab & Divider Thickness

Divider Type Approximate Thickness Notes / Assumptions
Standard Paper Tab (5-tab set) Same as copy paper Negligible impact on binder capacity
Cardstock Divider (110 lb) ~0.014 inches Approximately 5–6x thicker than standard paper
Plastic Tab (Standard) ~0.020 inches About 10x thicker than copy paper
Heavy-Duty Plastic Tab ~0.030 inches Durable but consumes significant binder space
Reinforced Index Divider ~0.025 inches Mylar-reinforced tabs for heavy use

Exhibits per Binder (Single-Sided)

Binder Size Typical Exhibit Count Assumptions
1-Inch Binder 15 – 20 exhibits Average 10 pages per exhibit, plastic tabs
2-Inch Binder 30 – 40 exhibits Most common size for trial exhibit sets
3-Inch Binder 45 – 60 exhibits Heavier but manageable for comprehensive sets
4-Inch Binder 60 – 80 exhibits Practical limit; consider splitting into volumes
Real-World Note: Exhibit Variation

Trial exhibits vary dramatically in size. A single-page email and a 50-page contract both count as "one exhibit." The averages above assume mixed-size exhibits typical in commercial litigation. For cases with many long documents (real estate deals, complex contracts), expect fewer exhibits per binder. For cases with primarily short documents (emails, invoices), you may fit more.

Multi-Binder Exhibit Sets

Total Exhibit Count Recommended Approach Why
1 – 40 exhibits Single 2-inch binder Easy to handle, fits most trial tables
41 – 80 exhibits Two 2-inch binders Split alphabetically or by topic
81 – 120 exhibits Three 2-inch binders Volume 1, 2, 3 with clear labeling
120+ exhibits Multiple 2-inch or 3-inch sets Consider topical organization (damages, liability, etc.)
When to Split Binders

Multi-binder sets become necessary when a single binder would exceed 3 inches or 60+ exhibits. Splitting into volumes improves usability during trial—attorneys can quickly locate exhibits without flipping through hundreds of tabs. Label volumes clearly: "Plaintiff's Exhibits 1–40 (Volume 1 of 3)" to avoid confusion.

Tab Labeling Styles

Labeling Approach Best For Considerations
Pre-Printed Number Sets Large volume jobs (100+ binders) Cost-effective but inflexible for changes
Print-On Inserts Custom exhibit lists, smaller runs Flexible; allows last-minute adjustments
Direct Print on Tab Professional finish, medium volume Requires specialized printer or outsourcing
Handwritten Labels Emergency situations only Avoid when possible; appears unprofessional

Shipping & Storage Reference

Binder Weight Estimates

Binder Type Empty Weight Full Weight (Approx.) Notes
1-Inch View Binder 1 – 1.5 lbs 2.5 – 3 lbs Includes ~200 pages
2-Inch View Binder 1.5 – 2 lbs 5 – 6 lbs Includes ~400 pages
3-Inch View Binder 2 – 2.5 lbs 8 – 9 lbs Includes ~600 pages; heavy to carry
4-Inch View Binder 2.5 – 3 lbs 11 – 13 lbs Includes ~800 pages; requires two hands

Paper Storage & Shipping

Container Type Typical Capacity Approximate Weight Notes
Standard Banker's Box 2,500 – 3,000 sheets 25 – 30 lbs Letter/legal size, standard depth
File Storage Box (Deep) 4,000 – 5,000 sheets 40 – 50 lbs Maximum weight for comfortable lifting
Shipping Carton (Medium) 1,500 – 2,000 sheets 15 – 20 lbs Better for fragile documents or shipping
Trial Exhibit Case (Rolling) 3 – 5 binders 15 – 30 lbs Depends on binder size and thickness
Real-World Note: Box Weight Limits

Just because a box can hold 5,000 sheets doesn't mean it should. For long-term storage, limit boxes to 25–30 lbs to prevent bottom boxes from collapsing and to allow safe lifting. For shipping, always reinforce box bottoms with packing tape and consider weight limits for carrier pricing tiers (FedEx/UPS charge significantly more above 50 lbs).

Storage Planning Estimates

Scenario Paper Volume Storage Requirement Assumptions
Small Trial (50 exhibits) 500 – 1,000 pages 2 binders or 1 small box Single-sided, with tabs
Medium Trial (200 exhibits) 2,000 – 4,000 pages 6–8 binders or 2 banker's boxes Multiple party sets and working copies
Large Trial (500+ exhibits) 10,000 – 20,000 pages 20+ binders or 6–8 banker's boxes Court sets, party sets, working sets
Document Production (100,000 pages) 100,000 pages 40–50 banker's boxes Loose pages, no binding
Large Production (1 million pages) 1,000,000 pages 400–500 banker's boxes Requires warehouse space or digital delivery

Boxes per Pallet

Pallet Type Box Configuration Approximate Count Notes
Standard Pallet (40" x 48") Banker's boxes, single layer 6 – 8 boxes Safe stacking without crushing
Standard Pallet (40" x 48") Banker's boxes, double-stacked 12 – 16 boxes Maximum for safe transport
Standard Pallet (40" x 48") Small cartons, triple-stacked 24 – 36 boxes Lighter materials only
Euro Pallet (47" x 39") Banker's boxes, double-stacked 10 – 14 boxes Slightly different configuration
Storage Space Planning

When planning for large document storage, account for aisle space, handling room, and climate control. A pallet of 16 banker's boxes contains approximately 40,000–48,000 pages and weighs 400–500 lbs. For productions exceeding 500,000 pages, seriously consider digital-only delivery or hybrid approaches with key documents printed.

Shipping Cost Considerations

Package Profile Weight Range Shipping Implications
Single Binder (2-inch) 5 – 6 lbs Standard ground shipping; envelope not possible
Box of 3 Binders 15 – 18 lbs Still in lowest weight tier for most carriers
Banker's Box (Full) 25 – 30 lbs Mid-tier pricing; fragile sticker recommended
Heavy Banker's Box 50+ lbs Significant price jump; consider splitting shipments
Palletized Freight 200+ lbs Requires freight carrier; dock delivery typical
Why This Matters

Shipping costs scale non-linearly. A 55 lb box might cost 2x more to ship than a 45 lb box due to carrier pricing tiers. When shipping large document productions, splitting into multiple lighter boxes often saves money and reduces damage risk. Always get dimensional weight quotes—a large, light box can cost more than expected.