<p>To address the problems of low gas extraction efficiency and insufficiently optimized borehole layout in three soft coal seams, this study systematically analyzes the evolution law of effective gas extraction areas and the optimization strategy for borehole layout under the influence of multiple factors. First, a 3D gas extraction coupling model was developed for simulating and analyzing. Simulations confirm that higher initial temperature, permeability, pressure, and pore size enhance effective gas extraction area by accelerating its expansion. Secondly, given the unique properties of the three soft coal seams, this study is the first to compare and optimise triangular and linear borehole configurations. The results indicate that the growth rate of the effective mined area experiences a significant increase after 85 days of mining for triangular arrangements with a spacing of 4.5 and 4&#xa0;m. Furthermore, the efficiency of long-term mining is notably enhanced. Within the linear arrangement, the effective extraction area of the middle borehole is consistently larger than that of the side boreholes, highlighting its pivotal role. Furthermore, the analysis reveals that the triangular borehole configuration overcomes the limitations of linear arrangements through a synergistic mechanism of staggered coverage, path optimization, and stress dispersion. Its staggered geometry reduces low-pressure zones between boreholes, thereby aligning with the short diffusion distance characteristic of gas migration in three-soft coal seams. The research results provide a quantitative basis for the optimization of gas extraction parameters and hole layout design in three-soft coal seams, and have important theoretical and engineering application value for efficient extraction of high-gas coal seams.</p>