How to choose the right printer paper
Pick the right paper for your printer by type, size, weight and finish, with plain-English explanations of gsm, pound weights, Letter and A4.
The right paper prevents jams, smudges and disappointing results, and the wrong paper can even damage a printer. Work through these checks in order: printer type, size, weight, finish and settings. For everyday documents, ordinary multipurpose copy paper is fine in almost every printer.
Steps
Any printer
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Match the paper to your printer type
Paper labelled multipurpose or copy paper works in both inkjet and laser printers. Specialty papers are made for one type only. Never put inkjet photo paper, labels or transparencies in a laser printer: the coating can melt in the hot fuser and damage it. Use products marked for laser printers instead.
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Choose the size
The US and Canada mainly use Letter (8.5 × 11 in, 216 × 279 mm); most other countries use A4 (210 × 297 mm). Legal is 8.5 × 14 in. Whatever you load, set the same size on the tray guides, in the printer's tray settings and in the print dialog, or you may get paper size mismatch errors.
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Pick a weight
Everyday copy paper is 75–80 gsm (20 lb bond). Heavier 90–100 gsm paper (24–27 lb bond) feels sturdier and lets less show through, which suits double-sided printing and reports. Card stock runs from about 160 gsm (60 lb cover) to 270 gsm (100 lb cover) and above.
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Check your printer's limits
Look up the maximum paper weight in your printer's specifications or manual. Heavier paper often needs the rear or manual feed slot, which gives it a straighter path, and too-thick stock is a common cause of jams and pickup problems.
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Choose a finish for photos
For photos on an inkjet, use photo paper, typically 180–300 gsm, in glossy, satin (also called lustre) or matte finish. Glossy gives the most vivid colors; satin and matte show fewer fingerprints and reflections.
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Set the paper type when printing
In the print dialog, set the paper or media type to match what's loaded, such as plain, photo glossy, heavy or envelope. This tells the printer how much ink to use or, on a laser, how much heat to apply, and it makes a big difference to quality.
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Store and load it properly
Keep paper flat in its wrapper in a cool, dry place, as damp paper curls and jams. Fan the stack before loading, don't fill past the tray's maximum line, and don't mix different papers in the same tray.
Tips
- Brightness numbers on paper packs show how white it is. Higher numbers look crisper and make colors stand out, but any brightness is fine for drafts.
- Recycled paper works well in most modern printers. If you see more dust or jams, try a different brand.
- For envelopes, use the manual or rear feed if your printer has one, and choose the envelope size and type in the print dialog.
- Buy a small pack of a new paper type to test before buying in bulk.
Common questions
What is the difference between gsm and lb?
Both describe paper weight. Grams per square meter (gsm) is used in most countries; pounds (lb) is used in North America and depends on the paper category, so 20 lb bond (about 75 gsm) is much lighter than 65 lb cover (about 176 gsm).
Can I use inkjet photo paper in a laser printer?
No. The coating isn't designed for the heat of a laser printer's fuser and can melt, causing jams or damage. Use glossy paper made specifically for laser printers.
Does more expensive paper make text look better?
Slightly, especially on inkjets, where smoother paper reduces ink spreading. Heavier paper mainly reduces show-through on double-sided pages.