Why does Watney’s notebook in The Martian have four holes?

Question

I just watched The Martian again and noticed something I missed the first time: Watney's notebook has four holes (instead of three) punched in the left margin, which means it's probably A4 in size (though I didn't get a close enough look to be sure).

This is odd since it's an American mission. Is there an official explanation? If not, what's the likeliest explanation?

1. By 2035 the US has switched to ISO paper formats and metric measurements.
2. Watney stole the notebook from Vogel's personal effects.
3. The production designer thought that that particular notebook looked cool.
4. Other.

Answer 1

I've reached out to the film's Prop Master and the film's Senior Graphics Artist who both kindly responded to my (more than slightly odd) email.

I assume they won't mind my quoting verbatim.

I don't remember any 4 hole binders. We punched all the hand books to 3 holed ones with 2 hooks like NASA does. The binders in bg [background] were probably 4 hole just cause it was easier to get. No hidden meaning just budget and time. Haha

and

There are many prop elements that go into a complicated film like the Martian and when making decisions about what props should look like we firstly research what NASA has used in the past, or what fits into are fictional Martian world and helps to tell our story and look good on screen.

I'm pleased that you and your friends found the ring binders so interesting, I just hope the rest of the film lived up to your exacting standards.

Answer 2

The Martian was filmed in Hungary and Microsoft lists A4 as the default paper size for that country in its applications adding weight to the suggestion that it was just cheap to go and buy some notepads locally rather than ship them in and they would therefore have likely been A4.

Answer 3

I know this notebook well, because it's my everyday notebook at work, but not only for this reason... It's an Oxford International MeetingBook, A4+ size, squared 5x5mm ruled. https://www.my-oxford.com/int-en/oxford-international/oxford-international-meetingbook/oxford-international-meetingbook-100100362 I have always thought the reason for the 4 holes A4 size (instead of US standards) was because it was shot in Hungary, do European standards. I use this notebook since 2004. As soon as it was launched on the market.