Loose Leaf & Binder Filler Paper
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Loose leaf paper is a staple office supply for companies and schools alike. Whether gearing up for a new semester with loose leaf college ruled or graph paper or needing extra paper for quick notes in the office, Staples has the paper product to fit your needs.
What Is Loose Leaf Paper?
Loose leaf paper, also known as filler paper, is a type of paper that is not bound in any way, with each sheet being loose. It is typically used as an insert to fill 3 ring binders and folders. Each page features lines for clear writing and organization, which is an important feature for school and office settings.
In addition to the lines for writing, loose leaf paper differs from printer paper in that there are holes punched in the sides so it can easily be secured in binders or pronged pocket folders. Loose leaf paper is purchased in packs, allowing businesses to buy in bulk and have enough supplies for long periods of time between restocking.
What Standard Sizes Does Loose Leaf Paper Come In?
While the standard letter size for copy or printer paper is 8.5” x 11” inch, sizes for loose leaf paper vary. Staples sells packs of slightly smaller 8.5” x 10.5” loose leaf paper as well as packs of the standard 8.5” x 11” size.
Packs of loose leaf paper also vary in the number of sheets. Smaller packs have 100-150 sheets, while bulk packs can include up to 500 sheets.
What Styles Does Loose Leaf Paper Come In?
Not all loose leaf paper or filler paper looks the same. The two most common ways to categorize loose leaf paper is by the size of the rule, or lines that assist with writing and whether the hole punches are reinforced or not. Another style is loose leaf paper graph paper, which features a grid pattern allowing users to map precise measurements on each line when drawing diagrams or plotting points on graphs.
Type of Rule
Loose leaf paper comes in college ruled and wide ruled varieties. College ruled loose leaf papers feature more lines that are condensed together, encouraging smaller and neater handwriting. The space between college ruled lines measures 9/32nds of an inch, or 7.1 mm. Wide ruled loose leaf paper is typically used for younger students, since the lines are spread farther apart to accommodate the development of handwriting skills. The space between wide ruled lines measures 11/32nds of an inch, or 8.7 mm. Graph paper is another type of rule that is perfect for math equations and other complex calculations that use charts and graphs for plotting data points.
Reinforced Punches
Loose leaf paper is available with reinforced margins, where additional material is applied around the holes of the paper to make them extra secure. Reinforced loose leaf papers have a polyester strip running down the side to avoid rips or tears that can happen with regular loose leaf paper when opening or closing a binder.
Is Loose Leaf Paper Recyclable?
Loose leaf paper is almost always recyclable. Even after it has been written on, you can toss it in the recycling bin. However, there are a couple of uncommon exceptions involving loose leaf paper:
- that has come into contact with paint
- with any sticky adhesive
- that has been shredded, as the fibers are too short for the recycling process
As always, be sure to check with your local waste management authorities prior to recycling items you are unsure of.