Paper Folding
Work out what folded and punched paper looks like unfolded.
What is Paper Folding?
Paper folding questions show a piece of paper being folded one or more times, then holes are punched through it. You need to work out what the paper looks like when it is unfolded.
The key idea is symmetry: each fold creates a line of symmetry. When you unfold, the holes appear on both sides of each fold line. The more folds, the more holes appear when unfolded.
Step-by-Step Method
Track each fold
Follow the folding sequence step by step. Note which edge folds onto which.
Note where the holes are punched
After all folds are made, mark where the holes go through the layered paper.
Unfold in reverse order
Undo the last fold first. Each time you unfold, the holes are reflected across the fold line.
Continue until fully unfolded
Keep unfolding and reflecting holes until the paper is completely flat.
Worked Examples
A square piece of paper is folded in half (left to right). A hole is punched in the top-right corner of the folded paper. What does it look like unfolded?
Working
- After folding left to right, the right half covers the left half.
- A hole is punched in the top-right corner.
- When unfolded, the hole appears in the top-right corner AND is reflected to the top-left corner.
- Result: two holes, one in each top corner.
A square is folded in half (top to bottom), then folded in half again (left to right). A hole is punched in the centre of the folded piece. What does it look like unfolded?
Working
- Two folds means each hole becomes four holes when fully unfolded.
- Unfold last fold (left to right): the centre hole reflects left, giving 2 holes.
- Unfold first fold (top to bottom): both holes reflect downward, giving 4 holes.
- Result: four holes arranged in a square pattern in the centre of the paper.
Common Mistakes
Unfolding in the wrong order (unfolding the first fold first instead of the last).
Always unfold in REVERSE order. The last fold you made is the first fold you undo.
Reflecting holes in the wrong direction when unfolding.
Holes reflect across the fold line. A fold from left to right means holes reflect left to right when unfolded.
Top Tips
- Practise with real paper! Fold, punch, and unfold to see the results.
- Each fold doubles the number of holes when unfolded. One fold: 2 holes. Two folds: 4 holes. Three folds: 8 holes.
- Draw the fold lines on your diagram to help you reflect the holes correctly.
- Always unfold in reverse order – last fold first.
- The distance from a hole to the fold line stays the same on both sides when unfolded.
Ready to practise?
Put these techniques into action with our free practice papers.
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