You are interested in reducing the size of your archives by digitizing the paper in your filing cabinets or those boxes in storage. One of the biggest challenges when planning a document scanning project is estimating the cost, costs dependent on how much paper you have.
Since no one has the time to count the number of documents in each individual box we can leverage our experience in the document scanning industry by multiplying the number of storage containers by the expected number of pages per container.
Typical Document Storage
| Icon | Container Name | Pages | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Standard Archive Boxes |
2000 | Typically 16” Long Also known as Bankers Boxes. |
 |
Large Archive Boxes |
3250 | Typically 24″ Long Also known as Archival Boxes. |
 |
Large Binder |
300 | Typically 2.5″ Deeo Lever Arch or Spiral Bound |
 |
Transfer Box |
400 | Typically 3” Deep Also known as Transfer File Cases. |
 |
Box File |
600 | Typically 4.5” Deep Also known as Document Cases. |
 |
Vertical File Drawer 18″ |
2400 | 18″ Deep Drawer |
|
Vertical File Drawer 24″ |
3250 | 22″ Deep Drawer |
 |
Horizontal File Drawer 36″ |
4850 | 36″ Wide Drawer |
|
Horizontal File Drawer 48″ |
6500 | 48″ Wide Drawer |
Actual amounts may vary based on how many dividers you have and how tightly each container is packed, but below are the typical page counts you can expect from each container type.
There are typically about 135 sheets of paper per inch. In a tightly packed box can have up to 180 sheets of paper per inch.
A More Exact Count
Each institution files differently with a different number of files and fullness. In order to calculate how many documents you have more exactly, you will have to figure out two variables. First you will need to know how many inches of paper you have. Secondly, you will have to figure out how much paper you have in an inch. Once you have both of those numbers just multiply them out and that will give you a great idea of how many documents you have.
To figure out your sheets per inch number just look inside your containers and count how many files you have in one foot. Then you will have to count how many sheets are in your typical file. Just open up one or two files and physically count how many sheets are in each file. Average that number out and multiply the number of documents in that one foot section times the average file length and that will give the approximate number of documents you have per foot. Multiply that number by the total lineal feet of container space you have.
Want to Save on Storage?
TierFive Can Help
No matter what your existing document management system, or if you don’t have a document management system at all, TierFive can help. TierFive Imaging can help you digitize your existing backfile physical archives from those filing cabinets of paper, rolls of large format plans, to all kinds of microform, microfilm, microfiche, and everything in-between.
We can help you save time & space, access all your files securely, locally, or through the cloud, and help enable your remote workplace by putting all of your organization’s files at your fingertips with a simple online quote or call to +1 (888) 547-2267 for a free consultation and learn about how we can help you digitize your documents.