Copy and Printer Paper

Weight, brightness and finish change how a page behaves

Basis weight, quoted in pounds or grams per square meter, tells you thickness and opacity: 20 lb (about 75 gsm) is the everyday sheet, while 24 lb or heavier stock shows less show-through on double-sided prints. Brightness is rated on a scale up to 100; 92 or higher looks whiter and gives text more contrast, though it says little about thickness. Matte, satin and glossy finishes matter mainly for photo and presentation paper.

Plotter rolls and photo sheets add width, core and coating to check

Wide-format paper is sold on rolls described by width and length, such as 24, 36 or 54 inches wide and 100 to 300 feet long, and the roll's core must fit your plotter's spindle. Thickness for rolls is given in mils. Inkjet photo paper has a receiving coating on one side, in glossy, satin or matte, and you should check which ink types it is made for. Translucent bond is used for drawings and overlays, and adhesive-backed paper suits labels and signs.

Questions about Copy and Printer Paper

What does 92 brightness mean on copy paper?

Brightness measures how much light the sheet reflects on a scale up to 100. Higher numbers look whiter and give black text more contrast. Everyday copying works well with a mid-range figure, while high brightness is mainly an appearance choice for presentations and color prints.

When should I choose 24 lb paper over 20 lb?

Choose 24 lb when you print on both sides, print heavy graphics, or want a more substantial feel, because it shows less through the page. Standard 20 lb is fine for drafts and one-sided office documents, and it feeds through almost every machine.

What core size do plotter paper rolls need?

Plotters take rolls on a 2 inch or 3 inch core, and the machine's spindle or adapters decide which. Check your plotter's manual, then match the roll width and core size in the listing, because a roll that is too wide will not load.