Printer and Copier Paper Guide: Size, Weight, Finish & More

Learn about different printer or copier paper sizes, weights, finishes, and specialty types for your business needs. Does laser paper work with an inkjet printer, or the other way around? Read our paper primer to get the basics about paper stock. 

Printer Paper Sizes

Below are commonly used paper tray sizes, but keep in mind that some multifunction printers can handle a much wider variety:

• Letter: 8.5×11 inches
• Legal: 8.5×14 inches
• Tabloid: 11×17 inches
• A1: 23-3/8 x 33-1/8 inches or 594 x 841 mm
• A2: 16-1/2 x 23-3/8 inches or 420 x 594 mm
• A3: 11-3/4 x 16-1/2 inches - most similar to tabloid (297 x 420 mm)
• A4:8-1/4 x 11-3/4 inches - most similar to letter (210 x 297 mm)
• A5: 5-7/8 x 8-1/4 inches (148 x 210 mm)
• There is no direct, standard international (ISO 216) equivalent to US Legal size.
• Photo paper is typically 11x14, 8x10, 5x7 or 4x6 inches in the U.S.

Paper Finish

There are a variety of coating finishes and specialized uncoated papers, most designed for inkjet printers or laser printers.

• Inkjet paper is engineered for liquid ink, often featuring special coatings for better absorption, vivid colors, and fast drying. Don't use inkjet paper in a laser printer. The coating can melt and damage internal components. 
• Laser paper can withstand the heat of laser printers. It has a smoother surface for toner adhesion, with fewer jams or warping. General purpose copier or printer paper is typically a laser paper. You can use it in a pitch for inkjet printing. 
• Coated paper is covered with a thin clay or polymer. The coating improves brightness and smoothness. It also makes text and images display sharper and colors denser. Inkjet paper is typically a coated paper
• Uncoated paper has a matte surface and is absorbent. Uncoated paper is easy to write on and is generally used as general office paper, stationery, and envelopes.

Paper Weight

Paper weight in the United States is typically measured in pounds, which is the weight of 500 sheets of the “basis size” of paper before trimming. GSM (grams per square meter) is the weight of 1 square meter of paper.

• 24lb/20lb: lightweight, usually the standard copier paper for everyday use (75-90 GSM)
• 60lb-100 lb Text: Typically called poster paper or text stock (90-150 GSM)
• 110lb: Premium Cardstock (300 GSM)

Bond paper - Engineers for everyday use, such as copier sheets and letterheads, typically ranging from 20lb to 32lb.
Text stock is heavier paper used for brochures and stationery.
Cardstock – Heavier and more rigid paper. 

Recycled Paper

You do not have to sacrifice quality with recycled paper. There are countless types of high quality recycled printer paper that can be used for every kind of project. Recycled paper does not have to look recycled either! It comes in a variety of shades  and feels as fine as non-recycled paper.

High Quality Paper can Help Reduce Paper Jams

A few simple habits and paper choices can dramatically reduce jams to keep you and your team productive. Read our story about how to reduce office paper jams. 

Specialty Types of Paper

Specialty papers such as bristol stock and tag stock, which is usually heavier with more unique finishes, will need to be printed on production equipment.

Bristol stock

It’s drawing paper that is pasted to form multi-ply sheets. It provides a stiff, strong surface to work on without the need for mounting. It has a fabric-like feel and generally, there are two types of surfaces: smooth and vellum. Bristol stock is used for formal occasions and sometimes certificates. It is found in 67 or 120pound weights.

Index stock

Index stock differs from cardstock in that it often lacks the protective coatings found on cardstock (like those that make business cards shiny), making it not as thick as cardstock. It’s a durable workhorse at most commercial printing companies. It is found in similar weights as card stock (50, 80, 90, 120, and 130pound weights). 

Tag stock

Tag stock is a thick, stiff, utility-grade card stock designed for making signs or product tags that will see heavy use. It’s tear-resistant and can stand up to frequent handling and bending. It is available in 100, 150, and 200 pound weights.

Get the Right Business Printer for the Job with RJ Young

Today’s printing market offers a variety of options to assist businesses with delivering an impactful and professional presentation in their printed documents. 

Choosing the best printer for a small business is easier with RJ Young as a trusted partner. Contact RJ Young today to discover your best options.