Pages, Sides, and Leaves, Oh My! A Quick Guide to Print Terminology

Printing terminology can be confusing.

Leaves? Pages? Sides? It sounds less like printing and more like assembling a dining room table.

But if you’re getting ready to place an order for a booklet, brochure, or multipage project, understanding these terms can save you time and ensure your job is printed just the way you expect.

So, here’s a quick, no-jargon-needed guide to help you count it all correctly.

What’s a “Leaf”?

Think of a leaf as one sheet of paper in your printed piece.

If you pick up a book or catalog and flip through it, each “flip” is one leaf. But because it’s printed on both sides, one leaf equals two pages.

1 leaf = 2 pages

What’s a “Page”?

A page is what you read on one side of a leaf.

So, the front side of a flyer? That’s one page. The back? That’s another page.

This is why an 8-leaf booklet has 16 pages—it’s all about the number of printed sides.

What’s a “Side”?

“Side” is often used interchangeably with “page,” but the key distinction is that it emphasizes the printed surface.

If you have a single sheet printed on one side only, that’s one side.

If it’s printed on both sides? That’s two sides, even though it’s still one sheet of paper.

So… How Do I Count What I Need?

Here’s the simplest rule of thumb:

Count the number of printed pages or sides. That’s the number you’ll enter on your order form.

If you’re supplying artwork or reviewing a proof, think in terms of pages/sides, not sheets or leaves. It’ll make communication clearer and help us keep your project accurate and on track.

Still Unsure? That’s What We’re Here For.

You don’t need to memorize these terms. You just need a print partner who helps you get it right.

If you have questions about pages, leaves, or anything in between, we’re happy to walk through it with you.

Let’s make sure your print project is counted, formatted, and delivered exactly how you expect.