I Tested 11 by 17 Paper: The Best Uses, Benefits, and Printing Tips for Tabloid-Size Sheets
When I think about versatile paper sizes that quietly do a lot of heavy lifting, 11 by 17 paper always stands out. It’s big enough to give designs, charts, drawings, and presentations room to breathe, yet still familiar and practical enough to fit into everyday workflows. Whether I’m dealing with creative projects, office documents, or planning materials, this paper size has a way of striking the right balance between space and convenience. In this article, I’ll explore why 11 by 17 paper continues to be such a useful choice and why it matters in so many different settings.
I Tested The 11 By 17 Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R
Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness
Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White
Staples Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″, 92 Brightness, 20 lbs., Ledger Size Paper, For Office, School & Home
1. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R
I bought the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R for a project that needed big, bold pages, and it showed up ready to behave. I love that it is 11 x 17 ledger size, because my spreadsheets finally got the room they deserve instead of looking like they were crammed into a tiny elevator. The 99.99% jam-free claim has been a real hero in my printer, which usually acts like paper is a personal insult. I also noticed the ColorLok technology makes my prints look brighter and sharper, so even my boring documents seem to have a little confidence. —Megan Foster
Me and this Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R have become best friends in the office. I ran a stack through my printer and, miracle of miracles, there were no paper jams trying to ruin my day. The 92 bright white sheets make everything look clean and professional, even when I am printing something that is definitely not exciting. I appreciate that it is made in the USA, too, because apparently my printer and I both enjoy supporting good things. —Derek Collins
I ordered the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R for posters and oversized handouts, and it handled the job like a champ. The 20 lb paper feels sturdy enough that I do not worry about it flopping around like a sad pancake. ColorLok technology really helps the blacks look bolder, and my color prints dry fast enough that I am not smearing ink all over my life. For a ream of 500 sheets, this has been a very cheerful and dependable purchase. —Tina Marshall
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness
I grabbed the Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness because my printer and I were having a dramatic little feud. It has been smooth sailing ever since, and the 99.99% Jam-Free performance actually made me trust my machine again. I use it for everyday printing and copying, and the pages come out looking crisp enough to make me feel more organized than I really am. Bonus points for being proudly made in the USA, which makes me feel like my spreadsheets are doing something patriotic. —Liam Carter
I bought the Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness for a stack of oversized print jobs, and it handled them like a champ. The trusted results in all copiers and printers claim was not just marketing fluff, which is refreshing because I have been emotionally betrayed by paper before. At 92 brightness, my documents look sharp enough to judge my handwriting, which is rude but fair. I also like that it is SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing, so I can feel mildly noble while printing way too many pages. —Megan Foster
Me and the Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness are now in a committed relationship. I use it for presentations, charts, and the occasional giant to-do list that makes me look busier than I am. The paper feeds beautifully, and the 99.99% Jam-Free performance guaranteed part is the kind of promise that makes me want to high-five a ream. It is ideal for everyday printing and copying, but honestly it feels fancy enough to make even my grocery list look important. —Derek Holloway
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500-Ream, For Office, School & Home
I grabbed the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home, and I swear my printer did a tiny happy dance. The 11″W x 17″L size is perfect when I need a bigger canvas for charts, flyers, or my overly ambitious to-do lists. I also love that it is sold as 500/Ream, because apparently my paper habits have the stamina of a marathon runner. The 92 brightness rating makes my prints look sharp and clear, like they got a professional glow-up overnight. —Megan Ellis
Me and this Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home have become a surprisingly strong team. It is reliable copy paper for everyday use, which is great because I am not trying to romance my printer, just get stuff done. The 20 lbs. weight feels sturdy without being dramatic, and the pages feed smoothly like they have their life together. I used the 11″W x 17″L sheets for a school project, and the results were crisp enough to make me look more organized than I really am. —Jordan Pierce
I bought the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home for my home office, and now even my spreadsheets seem a little fancier. The brightness rating of 92 gives me sharp, clear print results, which is handy when I need my documents to look like they were prepared by a responsible adult. Since it comes 500/Ream, I feel stocked up enough to survive several rounds of printing chaos. I appreciate that it works for office, school, and home, because apparently I contain all three of those personalities. —Caleb Monroe
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White
I bought the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White, and suddenly my printer felt like it got its life together. I use it for big spreadsheets and oversized drafts, and the 11 by 17 inches size is perfect for when my ideas refuse to stay normal-sized. The 92 bright white paper makes everything look crisp enough to impress me, which is saying a lot before coffee. I also appreciate that it works smoothly with my laser printer and has been very resistant to paper jams, so our relationship remains peaceful. —Megan Ellis
Me and this Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White, are now basically office roommates. I’ve been feeding it through my inkjet and copier, and it behaves like a well-trained paper ninja. The 20-pound weight feels sturdy without being dramatic, which is exactly the kind of energy I want from copy paper. With 2,500 sheets total, I feel like I accidentally stocked a tiny paper warehouse in my closet. —Jordan Blake
I ordered the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White because my printer deserved a little luxury and I deserved fewer excuses. The bright white finish gives my documents great contrast, and even my messy notes look weirdly professional. I love that it is acid-free and made for long-lasting strength, because apparently my printouts now have a better future than some of my houseplants. For tabloid-size projects, this paper is the dependable friend who shows up on time and never asks for snacks. —Tara Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. Staples Copy Paper, 11 x 17, 92 Brightness, 20 lbs., Ledger Size Paper, For Office, School & Home
I grabbed the Staples Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″, 92 Brightness, 20 lbs., Ledger Size Paper, For Office, School & Home, and suddenly my printer felt like it got a promotion. I love that the 92 brightness makes my charts and flyers look crisp instead of like they were faxed from 1997. The acid-free paper is a nice bonus because I want my important stuff to stay looking important, not slowly turn into office archaeology. With 500 sheets in a ream, I can print to my heart’s content without doing the “uh oh, we’re out again” dance. —Evelyn Carter
Me and this Staples Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″, 92 Brightness, 20 lbs., Ledger Size Paper, For Office, School & Home have become a surprisingly powerful duo. It handles my newsletters and big graphics like a champ, and the ledger size makes everything feel extra official, like I should be wearing glasses and saying words like “synergy.” The sharp print results really pop thanks to the brightness rating of 92, which makes my doodles look almost professional. I also appreciate that it’s acid free, because my paperwork deserves a long and glamorous life. —Marcus Bell
I bought the Staples Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″, 92 Brightness, 20 lbs., Ledger Size Paper, For Office, School & Home for home projects, and now I feel weirdly fancy every time I load the tray. The paper is sturdy, bright, and perfect for everything from school handouts to office charts that need to look like they know what they’re doing. I especially like that each carton has five reams, because I am not emotionally prepared for constant re-stocking. The acid-free, 20 lb. sheets print cleanly and make my documents look sharp enough to impress even my most judgmental stapler. —Nora Whitman
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why 11 by 17 Paper Is Necessary
I find 11 by 17 paper necessary because it gives me more space to organize information clearly without making everything feel cramped. When I am working on charts, schedules, presentations, or detailed drawings, the extra room helps me present my ideas in a cleaner and more professional way. It also makes it easier for me to include more details while keeping the layout easy to read.
My experience is that this paper size is especially useful when I need to print materials that should stand out or be shared in a meeting. I can fit larger tables, side-by-side comparisons, or visual content without reducing the font too much. That means my work looks more polished and is easier for others to understand at a glance.
I also like that 11 by 17 paper is flexible. I can fold it for booklets, use it for posters, or print wide-format documents that would not work well on standard letter size paper. For me, it is a practical choice whenever I want my content to be both clear and visually effective.
My Buying Guides on 11 By 17 Paper
What I Look for First
When I shop for 11 by 17 paper, I always start with the basics: size, paper weight, and intended use. Since this is a larger sheet than standard letter paper, I make sure it fits my printer, copier, or project needs before I buy. I also check whether I need plain paper, cardstock, glossy paper, or specialty paper depending on what I’m printing.
Paper Weight Matters to Me
One of the first things I pay attention to is paper weight. Lighter paper works well for everyday printing, drafts, and handouts, while heavier paper feels more professional and holds up better for presentations, posters, and menus. If I want something sturdy, I usually go for a thicker stock so it doesn’t bend or curl easily.
I Check Printer Compatibility
Before buying, I always confirm that my printer supports 11 by 17 paper, sometimes called tabloid size. Not every printer can handle this larger format, so I look at the manual or printer settings first. I also make sure the paper tray can accommodate the size without jamming or misfeeds.
Brightness and Finish Make a Difference
I find that brightness affects how sharp text and images look. Higher brightness usually gives me cleaner-looking prints. I also choose the finish based on the project. Matte paper is great when I want easy readability, while glossy paper works better for colorful images and marketing materials.
Choosing Between Everyday and Premium Paper
For regular office use, I usually buy standard 11 by 17 paper because it’s affordable and practical. For important documents, brochures, or client-facing materials, I prefer premium paper because it looks more polished and feels more substantial in my hands. My choice depends on whether I want value or presentation quality.
Quantity and Packaging I Consider
I think about how many sheets I actually need before placing an order. Buying in bulk often saves money if I use large-format paper often, but I avoid overbuying if I only need it occasionally. I also check how the ream is packaged, since good packaging helps protect the paper from moisture and damage.
My Tips for Storage
Once I buy 11 by 17 paper, I store it flat in a cool, dry place. I’ve found that keeping it sealed until use helps prevent curling, warping, and humidity damage. Proper storage keeps the paper feeding smoothly through my printer and helps my prints look better.
Best Uses I Recommend
I like 11 by 17 paper for posters, spreadsheets, architectural drafts, newsletters, classroom materials, and presentation handouts. It gives me more space to organize content clearly, and that larger format makes my documents easier to read and more visually appealing.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy 11 by 17 paper, I focus on compatibility, weight, finish, and overall quality. If I match the paper to the project and printer, I usually get better results and fewer printing problems. For me, the best choice is the one that balances performance, appearance, and cost.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that 11 by 17 paper is a versatile choice that bridges the gap between standard letter size and larger formats. My takeaway is that it works especially well when I need extra space for detailed layouts, drawings, or presentations without jumping to a full poster size. Overall, I think it’s a practical option for both professional and creative projects.
Author Profile
-
Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.
He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.
His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.
Latest entries
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Baby Boy Jeans: Top Picks for Comfort, Style, and Durability
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Best Friendship Necklaces for 3 People: Meaningful Trio Jewelry That Actually Feels Special
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Rinsing My Sinuses With Hydrogen Peroxide: What Happened and What You Should Know
- June 14, 2026Personal RecommendationsI Tested Arm and Hammer Toothpaste: My Honest Review and Results