Copy Paper Buying Guide

Become an expert in types of printer paper to help you discover the right paper for your needs 
Copy Paper Buying Guide. Become an expert in types of printer paper to help you discover the right paper for your needs.
"People understand and remember what they read on paper better than what they read on screen. Researchers think the physicality of paper explains the discrepancy." 1

Understanding Paper Language

There are many factors to consider when determining the right paper for your project

The Basics

Reams &
Cartons

A ream of paper, most commonly a quantity of 500 sheets, is made of the same size, weight and brightness of paper. A carton of paper can consist of 3-reams, 5-reams, 8-reams or 10-reams. For example, a 5-ream carton will include 5 singularly wrapped reams of paper which makes up 2,500 sheets in total.

Size

Paper sizing measures the width x length of a sheet of paper. The most common sizes of paper used in North America are Letter 8.5" x 11", Legal 8.5" x 14", and Ledger or Tabloid 11" x 17".

Weight

Paper weight refers to the thickness and sturdiness of a sheet of paper measured in pounds (lbs.), not the physical weight of a 500-sheet ream. The heavier the pound of paper, the thicker the sheet. Standard weights range from 20lbs - 24lbs while premium weights range from 28lbs - 32lbs. Paper weights above 32lbs are considered cardstock.

Brightness

Paper brightness measures how much light a sheet of paper reflects and is measured on a scale of 0-100. Brighter paper appears whiter and has more contrast between the paper and what is printed on it.


Additional Terms

Acid Free

Paper lacking acid or the acid-producing chemicals that can diminish the quality of the paper. This helps prevent yellowing or crumbling over long periods of time.

FSC Certified

The FSC or Forest Stewardship Council, is a non-governmental, not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable forestry. They set standards for forest products and verifies that these standards are being met. FSC certification means that the products come from forests that are managed responsibility and provide environmental, social, and economic benefits.

ColorLok

ColorLok® is a quality standard that ensures reliable printing from inkjet and laser printers, as well as copy machines. Paper with the ColorLok® logo has been created to meet high performance standards that will produce top quality prints.

Everyday copy paper is perfect for daily printing tasks. It’s ideal for black-and-white documents like memos, invoices, and homework, as well as for color prints and double-sided projects like flyers and reports. This paper is typically available in 20lb-24lb weight and 92-100 brightness, and works well with inkjet, laser, and multifunction printers.
Everyday Paper
Everyday copy paper is perfect for daily printing tasks. It’s ideal for black-and-white documents like memos, invoices, and homework, as well as for color prints and double-sided projects like flyers and reports. This paper is typically available in 20lb-24lb weight and 92-100 brightness, and works well with inkjet, laser, and multifunction printers.
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Top Rated Paper for Every Day Printing
Premium Paper
Premium paper is also known as specialty paper, typically heavier in weight and ideal for printing color documents. Best used for brochures, resumes, portfolios, and any project that needs to stand out amongst the rest. This paper is most often found in 24lb-32lb and 96-100 brightness.
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Premium paper is also known as specialty paper, typically heavier in weight and ideal for printing color documents. Best used for brochures, resumes, portfolios, and any project that needs to stand out amongst the rest. This paper is most often found in 24lb-32lb and 96-100 brightness.
Top Rated Paper for Premium Printing
Printer paper that comes in a wide range of colors spanning from neutrals and pastels to brights and muted tones. Colored printer paper varies in weight but standard ranges between 20lb and 60lb. Best used for marketing, business documents, classroom/personal projects and more.
Colored Paper
Printer paper that comes in a wide range of colors spanning from neutrals and pastels to brights and muted tones. Colored printer paper varies in weight but standard ranges between 20lb and 60lb. Best used for marketing, business documents, classroom/personal projects and more.
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Cardstock Paper
Cardstock is a thick and durable paper that is often used for arts, school projects, invitations, business cards, and other assignments or designs that require more substance than regular printer paper. Cardstock is made up of a blend of hardwood and softwood material allowing it to form properly while providing strength from the fibers.
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Cardstock is a thick and durable paper that is often used for arts, school projects, invitations, business cards, and other assignments or designs that require more substance than regular printer paper. Cardstock is made up of a blend of hardwood and softwood material allowing it to form properly while providing strength from the fibers.

Sources

1 Ferris Jabr, "Why the Brain Prefers Paper" Scientific America