Shredder Security Levels: What P-2 to P-5 Mean

Shredders are rated by how small the output particles are. The rating, not the marketing language, is what tells you how secure the machine is.

The scale

Lower numbers produce larger pieces; higher numbers produce smaller ones. Strip cut sits at the bottom, cross cut in the middle, micro cut at the top. Each step up means more, smaller particles from the same sheet.

Match the level to the document

Junk mail with a name on it and a document containing financial or identity details do not need the same treatment. Buying the highest rating for everything is an option; it just means a slower machine and a fuller bin.

What higher levels cost you

Finer cutting fills the waste bin faster in volume terms and generally reduces sheet capacity per pass. That is the honest trade.

Check the stated rating

“Cross cut” and “micro cut” are descriptions. The rating is the specification. Where a maker publishes it, use that.