Perforation gauge is the number of perforation teeth or holes in two centimeters.
What to record
- Count intervals over a long clean edge.
- Measure both horizontal and vertical sides.
- Record compound gauges separately.
What commonly causes mistakes
- Scans may be resized or distorted.
- Missing teeth do not change the underlying gauge.
- Reperforation can imitate a scarcer gauge.
A practical research sequence
- Identify the issue family.
- Measure with a trusted physical or transparent gauge.
- Compare hole shape, alignment, and edge fibers.
- Check all sides and compare with catalog listings.
Condition and value
Value depends on exact identity, condition, centering, gum or cancellation, faults, certification, demand, and a defensible comparison set. A famous design does not automatically make an individual example rare.
Perforation estimate calculator
Formula: intervals × 20 ÷ measured millimeters. Use this as a check, not a substitute for a proper gauge.
Compare current collector listings
Use listings to study descriptions, scans, certificates, and market supply. Asking prices are not completed-sale evidence.
Compare collector listingsPerforation measurements: count intervals, not guesses
A perforation gauge is commonly reported as the number of teeth or holes in 20 mm. Count consistently across a measured edge, record both horizontal and vertical readings, and verify with a physical gauge.
Check before you buy
- Use millimeters measured along the stamp edge rather than a resized screen image.
- Record horizontal and vertical gauges separately, such as 11 × 10½.
- Check short teeth, repairs or reperforation before assuming a valuable variety.
Compare current eBay listings
Affiliate disclosure: this site may earn a commission from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Marketplace results change. Check the actual listing photos, condition, measurements and seller details; a search match is not authentication or compatibility proof.
Continue researching: Deep perforation guideStamp identification