Printer paper and media are the sheets and materials a printer prints on, from everyday letter paper to photo paper, cardstock, labels, and envelopes. They vary by size, weight, finish, and brightness, and each affects how prints look and whether your printer can handle them. Choosing the right media for the job, and setting the matching paper type in your print settings, is one of the easiest ways to improve results.
Paper and Media Essentials at a Glance
Letter size, 8.5 x 11 in., is the standard paper size in the US
Paper weight describes thickness and sturdiness, listed in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (g/m²)
Photo paper comes in glossy, satin, and matte finishes
Specialty media like cardstock, labels, and envelopes need a compatible printer and tray
Automatic two-sided printing prints both sides of a sheet without flipping it by hand
Common Printer Paper Sizes
Most home and office printers handle the standard US sizes below. Larger sizes, such as tabloid, require a printer that supports wide-format paper.
Paper size | Dimensions | Common uses |
Letter | 8.5 x 11 in. | Everyday documents, letters, schoolwork |
Legal | 8.5 x 14 in. | Contracts and legal forms |
Tabloid (ledger) | 11 x 17 in. | Spreadsheets, posters, newsletters |
A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 in. (210 x 297 mm) | International documents |
4 x 6 in. | 4 x 6 in. | Standard photo prints |
5 x 7 in. | 5 x 7 in. | Photos and greeting cards |
8 x 10 in. | 8 x 10 in. | Larger photo prints and framing |
No. 10 envelope | 4.125 x 9.5 in. | Standard business envelopes |
Check your printer's specifications for the full list of supported sizes, since smaller compact printers may not accept legal or tabloid paper.
Paper Weight and Brightness
What paper weight means
Paper weight describes how thick and sturdy a sheet feels. In the US, it's listed in pounds (lb), while international packaging uses grams per square meter (g/m²). Heavier paper feels more substantial and resists show-through when printing on both sides.
Paper weight | Approximate g/m² | Common uses |
20 lb bond | 75 g/m² | Everyday printing and copies |
24 lb bond | 90 g/m² | Reports, résumés, and two-sided documents |
32 lb bond | 120 g/m² | Presentations and brochures |
65 lb cover (cardstock) | 176 g/m² | Greeting cards, invitations, and flyers |
110 lb index (cardstock) | 199 g/m² | Postcards and sturdier cards |
Because different paper types use different measuring systems, a pound figure on photo paper or cardstock isn't directly comparable to the same number on everyday bond paper. The g/m² figure is the most reliable way to compare. Always check your printer's maximum supported paper weight before loading heavy media.
Paper brightness
Brightness measures how much light a sheet reflects, usually on a scale up to 100. Higher brightness, such as 96, makes paper look whiter, which helps text and colors stand out. Everyday paper is often in the low to mid 90s.
Photo Paper Explained
Photo paper has a special coating that holds ink on the surface, producing sharper detail and richer color than plain paper. It's designed for inkjet printers, and most glossy inkjet photo papers aren't suitable for laser printers.
Photo paper finishes
Finish | Look and feel | Best for |
Glossy | Shiny, with vivid colors and high contrast | Snapshots and photos with bright colors |
Satin or soft gloss | A subtle sheen with less glare | Portraits and framed prints |
Matte | No shine, with a smooth, flat surface | Art prints, photos behind glass, and documents |
HP photo paper lines
Our photo papers come in several tiers. HP Premium Plus Photo Paper is our top tier, on heavier stock, and comes in glossy and satin finishes for display-quality prints. HP Advanced Photo Paper is a lighter glossy option for everyday photo printing. Learn more about photo printers.
Specialty Printer Media
Cardstock: Thick paper for invitations, greeting cards, and crafts. Check your printer's maximum paper weight, and use the rear or manual feed tray if your printer has one.
Labels: Adhesive sheets for mailing and organizing. Choose labels made for your printer type, since laser printers need labels that withstand heat.
Envelopes: Most printers support standard envelope sizes from the main or specialty tray. Set the envelope size in print settings before printing.
Brochure and presentation paper: Coated papers, often two-sided, for flyers and marketing materials with crisp color.
Iron-on transfers and specialty films: Available for some inkjet printers. Check compatibility before buying.
Two-Sided (Duplex) Printing
Two-sided printing, also called duplex printing, prints on both sides of a sheet.
Automatic two-sided printing: The printer flips the page internally and prints the back without any help. Look for "automatic duplex" or "auto two-sided printing" in the specs.
Manual two-sided printing: The printer prints one side, then prompts you to reload the stack so it can print the other side.
Two-sided printing uses less paper and keeps long documents more compact. It takes a little longer than single-sided printing, and very thin paper may show text through from the other side, so 24 lb paper is a good choice for duplex documents. Learn more about print speed.
Printer Paper Trays and Handling
Feature | What it means | Why it matters |
Input tray capacity | How many sheets the main tray holds | Larger trays mean fewer refills for busy households and offices |
Output tray capacity | How many printed sheets the printer can stack | Important for long print jobs |
Rear or manual feed | A slot or tray for one sheet or a small stack | Helps with cardstock, envelopes, and labels |
Photo tray | A separate tray for small photo paper | Lets you print photos without swapping out plain paper |
Optional extra trays | Add-on trays on some office printers | Hold more paper or a second paper size |
If you scan or copy multi-page documents, an automatic document feeder (ADF) saves time. Learn more about all-in-one printers.
Tips for Choosing and Using Printer Paper
Match the paper type setting: Select the paper you loaded, such as plain, photo, or cardstock, so the printer uses the right amount of ink and drying time. Learn more about print quality.
Use paper made for your printer type: Choose inkjet photo paper for inkjets and laser-compatible media for laser printers.
Store paper flat and dry: Humidity can make paper curl and cause jams.
Fan the stack before loading: Separating sheets helps prevent multiple sheets from feeding at once.
Don't overfill the tray: Stay below the tray's fill line.
Load photo paper the right way: Place the printable side according to the printer's tray markings.
Frequently Asked Questions About Printer Paper and Media
What is the standard printer paper size in the US?
The standard printer paper size in the US is letter size, which measures 8.5 x 11 in. Most of the rest of the world uses A4, which is slightly narrower and taller at 210 x 297 mm.
What paper weight is best for everyday printing?
20 lb bond paper is the most common choice for everyday printing and copies. 24 lb paper feels more substantial and works well for reports, résumés, and two-sided printing.
Can you use inkjet photo paper in a laser printer?
Most inkjet photo paper shouldn't be used in a laser printer, because the coating isn't designed for the heat of the fuser and can damage the printer. Use photo or glossy paper labeled as compatible with laser printers instead.
Can a home printer print on cardstock?
Many home printers can print on cardstock, but each printer has a maximum supported paper weight. Check the printer's specifications, and use the rear or manual feed tray if available for a straighter paper path.
Related Printer Topics
Printers: the main types of printers and how they work
Photo printers: printing photos at home
Print quality: resolution, color, and sharpness
Printing costs: up-front price vs. cost per page
