Under NISPOM, what is the maximum permissible crosscut shred size?

Under NISPOM, what is the maximum permissible crosscut shred size?

• A. 1/32 inch width, with a length up to 1/2 inch and 1/64 inch tolerance
• B. 1/16 inch width, length up to 1 inch
• C. 1/64 inch width, length up to 1/8 inch
• D. 1/8 inch width, length up to 1 inch

Answer: (A)

Shredding for classified information is about turning material into pieces small enough that reconstructing the original document is practically impossible. The standard that meets this goal specifies a crosscut width of 1/32 inch and a length not exceeding 1/2 inch, with a tolerance of 1/64 inch. This combination creates tiny, irregular particles that resist reassembly, balancing security with manageable waste. The other options would produce larger pieces—either wider strips or longer fragments—which would leave more information legible and easier to reconstruct, so they do not meet the required protection level.

Shredding for classified information is about turning material into pieces small enough that reconstructing the original document is practically impossible. The standard that meets this goal specifies a crosscut width of 1/32 inch and a length not exceeding 1/2 inch, with a tolerance of 1/64 inch. This combination creates tiny, irregular particles that resist reassembly, balancing security with manageable waste.

The other options would produce larger pieces—either wider strips or longer fragments—which would leave more information legible and easier to reconstruct, so they do not meet the required protection level.