Choose paper in this order: confirm what your printer accepts, match the sheet size to the document, then compare weight, surface and how much print shows through. A heavier or brighter sheet can change the result, but the right paper is the one that feeds reliably and suits the finished job.
Start with the printer's exact model number and the paper wrapper. Keep the model's media specifications beside you: the main tray, manual feed, automatic duplexer and document feeder can have different limits. The document feeder scans originals; its limits are separate from the trays that supply blank paper.
Read size, weight and thickness separately
| Specification | Meaning | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet size | The cut sheet's width and length | Match the document, tray guides and print settings; A4 and US Letter differ. |
| g/m² or gsm | Mass per square metre of paper | Compare mass across paper types and check the printer's supported range. |
| Pounds / basis weight | Mass of a specified quantity at that paper category's basic sheet size | Compare like categories, or use the wrapper's gsm figure. |
| Caliper | The physical thickness of one sheet | Check thickness limits where given, particularly for card and feeding paths. |
| Opacity | How effectively the sheet conceals what is behind it | Compare show-through on a two-sided sample. |
| Surface and compatibility | Finish, coating and intended printing process | Look for explicit compatibility with your inkjet, laser or other equipment. |
In the US basis-weight system, paper categories use different basic sheet sizes. An 80 lb text paper and an 80 lb cover paper therefore have different mass per unit area. Mohawk's paper-selection explanation distinguishes basis weight, gsm and caliper. Use gsm for the straightforward mass comparison, then check thickness separately.
Brightness describes reflected light under specified test conditions; opacity describes how much the reverse side shows through. For a two-sided handout, compare opacity and an actual printed sample. A high brightness number alone answers a different question. Sylvamo's paper technical guide (PDF) explains these properties.
Match the paper to the finished document
Everyday text: begin with plain paper explicitly supported by the printer. Check text edges, feeding and the way the sheets handle. For internal drafts, a reliable ordinary stock may meet the task completely.
Two-sided reports: test both sides with a page that includes your usual headings, charts and darker areas. Look at the reverse side under normal reading light. A change of stock may improve show-through, but check the duplexer's media limits before increasing weight.
Photographs and colour presentations: choose a paper intended for the printing technology, then select the corresponding media setting. Glossy, matte and textured surfaces produce different appearances. Use the paper maker's instructions for the printable side and drying or handling time. A surface described as “photo” does not, by itself, establish laser compatibility.
Cards, envelopes and labels: consult the printer's supported media types, sizes and feed path. Check both the paper and adhesive product's compatibility when using labels. The ability to pass one heavy sheet through a manual slot does not establish that the automatic duplexer accepts it.
As an example of why model-specific details matter, Brother's paper-and-weight guidance separates print media from the automatic document feeder's range. Use the documentation for your own model rather than copying another machine's limits.
Test a small batch before buying a carton
- Write down the paper name, gsm, size, finish and intended printer type from the wrapper. Keep a photograph of the label.
- Set the tray guides and select the correct size and media type in the printer and print dialog. Use the loading orientation in the manual.
- Print a representative page: normal text, a small chart, a photograph if relevant, and the smallest type you routinely use.
- If the job is two-sided, test the supported duplex process. Inspect both sides for clipping, show-through, smearing and acceptable colour.
- Run a short batch using the intended feed path. Record feeding problems and any change required. Keep the successful sample with its settings.
This is a practical comparison, not a laboratory paper rating. Try competing papers with the same document and supported settings. Judge them against the actual task: a folded mailing, a report that will be annotated, or a photograph to display.
Worked example: how much do the sheets weigh?
For UK online postage, the SmartStamp and current Royal Mail postage guide explains how dimensions and total packed weight affect the next step.
Store the paper well and isolate print problems
Keep unused paper flat in its protective packaging, away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight. Follow the paper maker's storage guidance. Epson's media-handling guide describes returning unused photo paper to its package and notes that loading capacity varies with media and conditions. Its tray counts apply to the documented printer, not every Epson model.
For repeated misfeeds, check guides, loading quantity, curl and the supported feed path before changing several settings at once. For smearing, verify paper side, media setting and handling time. For clipping, compare the document's page size with the loaded sheet and printer margins. Follow the machine's jam-removal instructions; a successful sample on a known compatible stock helps separate a paper issue from a printer issue.
Related subjects: photo paper, paper manufacturing equipment, and crosscut shredders. These linked pages include historical coverage. Browse the Office Supplies library for current practical guides.