Most people buy copy paper without a second thought, until the printer jams or a report feels flimsy in a client's hands. Here's what the numbers on the ream mean and how to pick the right paper.
What gsm means
Gsm stands for grams per square metre: the weight of one square metre of a single sheet. The higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper.
- 80gsm is standard office paper, right for everyday printing, copying and notes. Double A, Atlas Premium and HP Everyday are all 80gsm.
- 100gsm feels more substantial, and less text shows through from the other side. Use it for letters, CVs and client reports. Panda Executive Bond comes in white and cream.
- 200 to 250gsm is card-weight paper for covers, certificates, invitations and menus. Try Navigator Silky Touch 200gsm or 250gsm. Check your printer's manual first, because many office printers need heavy paper fed through the manual tray.
Paper sizes
- A4 (210 × 297 mm) is the standard size for printing and letters in Qatar.
- A3 (297 × 420 mm) is twice the size of A4. It's used for posters, drawings, large spreadsheets and plans, and needs a printer that takes A3.
Reams and boxes
A ream is 500 sheets, and a box usually holds 5 reams, or 2,500 sheets. Buying by the box costs less per sheet and is the simplest way to keep an office stocked, for example the Double A box of 5 reams.
Which paper for which job
| Job | Paper |
|---|---|
| Everyday printing and copying | 80gsm A4, by the box |
| Letters, CVs and reports | 100gsm A4 |
| Certificates, covers and invitations | 200 to 250gsm A4 |
| Posters and large spreadsheets | 80gsm A3 |
Keep paper dry and flat
Store reams flat and in their wrapping, away from air-conditioning vents and damp walls. Paper that has absorbed moisture curls, and curled paper is one of the most common causes of printer jams, especially in humid months.
See all copy paper and rolls.