Choosing the right printer paper can be a difficult decision, but it doesn’t have to be. We’ve done the research for you and found the best printer paper to buy.
Top Picks
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Best Overall: Office Depot White Copy Paper
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Best Value : Hammermill Printer Paper
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Best For Copying: Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper
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Best Recycled: Printworks 100 Percent Recycled Multipurpose Paper
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Best Budget: HP Printer Paper
Buyer’s Guide
If you're looking to buy printer paper, there are several factors to consider before making a purchase. Here is a guide to help you make an informed decision:
Paper Size: The most common paper size for printers is 8.5 x 11 inches, also known as letter-size. However, if you need to print larger documents, you may need to consider larger paper sizes such as legal (8.5 x 14 inches) or tabloid (11 x 17 inches).
Paper Weight: The weight of the paper is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). For standard office documents, a weight of 20 lb or 75-80 gsm is sufficient. However, for printing graphics or photos, a heavier weight paper of 28-32 lb or 105-120 gsm is recommended.
Paper Finish: Paper finish refers to the surface texture of the paper. There are three common types of paper finishes: matte, gloss, and satin. Matte paper has a flat finish and is good for printing text documents. Glossy paper has a shiny finish and is good for printing photos. Satin paper has a semi-gloss finish and is good for printing both text and photos.
Brightness: Paper brightness is measured on a scale of 1 to 100, with 100 being the brightest. For standard office documents, a brightness level of 92 or 93 is sufficient. However, for printing graphics or photos, a brightness level of 98 or 99 is recommended.
Recycled Content: If you are concerned about the environmental impact of your paper use, you may want to consider paper with recycled content. Look for paper with a high percentage of post-consumer waste (PCW) content.
Brand: The brand of the paper can also affect the quality of your prints. Look for well-known brands that specialize in printing paper, such as HP, Hammermill, or Staples.
Price: Finally, you should consider the price of the paper. Determine your budget and look for a paper that offers the features you need within your budget.
By considering these factors, you can find the best printer paper that meets your needs and budget.
FAQs
What is the difference between matte and glossy paper?
Matte paper has a flat finish and is ideal for printing text documents as it minimizes glare and reflection. Glossy paper has a shiny finish and is ideal for printing high-quality photos or graphics as it enhances color and contrast.
What is the best weight for printer paper?
The best weight for printer paper depends on the type of document you're printing. For standard office documents, a weight of 20 lb is sufficient. However, for printing photos or graphics, a weight of 28-32 lb is recommended.
What is the difference between brightness and whiteness?
Brightness refers to the amount of light reflected from the surface of the paper, while whiteness refers to the actual color of the paper. A paper with high brightness and high whiteness will produce sharp, vibrant prints.