Printer Paper Guide: Types, Sizes, and Weights

Standard Office Paper

Standard multipurpose paper, typically 75 to 80 grams per square metre, works well for everyday printing in both inkjet and laser printers. Higher brightness ratings produce crisper text and more vivid colours on printed documents.

Paper Weight Explained

Paper weight affects both feel and print quality. Lightweight paper around 60 grams per square metre is suitable for internal drafts. Standard 80 gram paper handles most office printing. Heavier paper at 100 to 120 grams per square metre is better for presentations and customer-facing documents.

Photo Paper

Photo paper comes in glossy, semi-glossy, and matte finishes. Glossy paper produces the most vivid colours and sharpest detail. Matte paper resists fingerprints and glare. Semi-glossy offers a balanced finish suitable for most photography.

Specialty Papers

Label sheets, cardstock, envelopes, and transparencies require specific printer settings to feed correctly and produce good results. Always verify that your printer supports the specialty media before purchasing.

Paper Size Standards

Letter size paper, measuring 8.5 by 11 inches, is the standard in the United States. Legal size is 8.5 by 14 inches. Tabloid or ledger size at 11 by 17 inches is used for larger format printing. International A4 size, measuring 210 by 297 millimetres, is the global standard.

Storage Tips

Store paper in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight. Keep paper in its original wrapper until ready to use. Exposure to humidity causes paper to absorb moisture, leading to jams, curling, and poor print quality.