Mythbusters: Debunking the Seven Fold Limit Myth

Paper, an unassuming everyday object, holds a mystique of its own. Its tangible nature has ingrained it deeply in our lives, even in this digital age. While technology has made it possible to connect without paper, we still cherish receiving physical letters. Moreover, certain industries, like insurance, insist on hard copies for processing. However, one myth surrounding paper continues to intrigue us all: the seven fold limit. Numerous attempts, including the renowned TV show “Mythbusters,” have tried to debunk it, with varying results. So, what is the truth?

Unraveling the Seven Fold Limit

It is widely believed that a single sheet of paper cannot be folded in half more than seven times, regardless of its finish, size, or weight. The reasons behind this limitation are twofold:

For those inclined towards numbers, let’s dive deeper into the seven fold limit:

• Each fold doubles the number of paper layers.
• The equation 2x = total layers of paper, where x = number of folds.
• Here’s a breakdown:

Number of Folds Layers of Paper
1 2
2 4
3 8
4 16
5 32
6 64
7 128
8 256
9 512
10 1024
11 2048
12 4096

As you can see, reaching 128 layers of paper is no small feat!

Fact or Fiction?

So, is the seven fold limit fact or fiction? Well, it’s a bit of both.

For the average person, the limit stands true. However, with a larger sheet of paper, you can indeed surpass the seven fold barrier. But be warned, as you fold more times, the physical resistance builds up, making it increasingly difficult to continue. Additionally, the size of the sheet must be significantly increased before attempting an extra fold.

While the seven fold limit has been “busted” by both the Mythbusters and a Californian high school student, there’s more to the story.

The Mythbusters’ Journey

The Mythbusters team successfully managed to fold a sheet of paper eight times without any machinery. However, they faced considerable challenges after the seventh fold. Imagine the difficulty of moving 128 layers of a giant football-field-sized sheet of paper! To achieve 11 folds, they had to resort to a steamroller and a forklift. Here’s a glimpse of their feat:

Watch the Mythbusters in action

It’s essential to note that their extraordinary achievement required resources far beyond the reach of the average person.

Britney Gallivan’s Triumph

Another individual who challenged the seven fold limit was Britney Gallivan, a determined high school student from California. As part of her math class, she attempted to go beyond the myth for extra credit. Using a 1.2-kilometer-long (approximately ¾ of a mile) sheet of toilet paper, she achieved an astonishing 12 folds. While her sheet lacked the weight and width of a typical paper, Britney undeniably shattered the myth.

Learn more about Britney Gallivan

In conclusion, the seven fold limit has been debunked by various groups using different materials. However, for the average person, the myth remains a tangible reality. Now it’s your turn to put it to the test. How many times can you fold a single sheet of paper?

Sources:

• Hinders, Dana. “How Many Times Can You Fold Paper?” About.com.
• Romeo, Echo. “Folding Paper: How Hard Can It Be?” Physics Buzz. April 15, 2011.