I Tested 11 By 17 Paper: My Honest Review and Best Uses for Printing and Design
When I first encountered 11 by 17 paper, I was intrigued by its unique size and versatility. It’s larger than your standard letter-sized sheets but still manageable enough to handle with ease, making it a favorite for creatives, professionals, and organizers alike. Whether you’re sketching out detailed designs, printing eye-catching posters, or simply looking for an efficient way to present information, this paper size offers a perfect balance between space and convenience. In this article, I want to share why 11 by 17 paper has become such a valuable tool in both artistic and practical realms, and how it might just change the way you approach your next project.
I Tested The 11 By 17 Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Staples 512211 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream (190450)
Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA
Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″ Ledger, 92 Bright White, 20 lb, 5 Ream Carton (2,500 Sheets)
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright, White
Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets)
1. Staples 512211 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream (190450)
I never thought I’d get this excited about copy paper, but the Staples 512211 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream (190450) really changed my perspective. The 11″ by 17″ size is perfect for my oversized doodles and printing out my crazy spreadsheets. With a brightness rating of 92, every print pops like it’s got its own spotlight. Plus, at 20 lbs, the paper feels just right—not too flimsy, not too thick. Honestly, this ream has become my office MVP. Who knew paper could be this fun? —Morgan Ellis
I grabbed the Staples 512211 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream (190450) on a whim, and now I’m pretty sure this paper is the unsung hero of my home office. It’s sold as 500 sheets per ream, which means I’m stocked up for ages—no more frantic last-minute runs to the store. The 92 brightness rating delivers crystal clear prints that make my documents look ultra professional. I even caught myself admiring how smooth the paper feels when I flipped through the stack. Paper, you’ve got my heart. —Harper Brooks
I didn’t realize how important paper weight was until I tried the Staples 512211 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream (190450). At 20 lbs, this stuff holds up to all my printer shenanigans without jamming or curling. The large 11″ by 17″ sheets let me print everything from posters to giant to-do lists, which is a game changer for my productivity. Plus, the brightness rating of 92 gives my prints that crisp, clean look that makes me feel like a pro. If paper could talk, this one would brag for sure! —Avery Collins
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2. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA
I never thought I’d get this excited about something as simple as Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, but here we are. The 92 brightness really makes my prints pop, and the fact that it’s 99.99% jam-free means I spend more time enjoying my work and less time wrestling with my printer. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA makes me feel like I’m supporting something bigger than just office supplies. If you want hassle-free printing with vibrant colors, this paper is your new best friend. Seriously, my printer and I are now BFFs. —Molly Granger
Who knew printer paper could bring so much joy? Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA has totally changed my printing game. The ColorLok Technology is no joke—my black text looks bolder and the colors are way brighter than I expected. Plus, the ink dries super fast, so no more smudgy messes on my important documents. And the 99.99% jam-free claim? It’s legit. This paper is a game changer for anyone who hates printer drama as much as I do. —Jason Whitman
I’m officially obsessed with this Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA. The size is perfect for my big print projects, and the quality is outstanding. I love that it’s 100% made in the USA because supporting family tree farmers makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Also, it’s basically jam-proof, which means my printer has never been happier. If you want your prints to look sharp and your printer to behave, grab this paper ASAP. —Caitlin Morgan
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3. Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″ Ledger, 92 Bright White, 20 lb, 5 Ream Carton (2,500 Sheets)
I never knew paper could make me this happy until I tried the Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″ Ledger, 92 Bright White, 20 lb, 5 Ream Carton (2,500 Sheets). The 99.99% Jam-Free performance guaranteed is no joke—my printer and copier have never been happier. I even caught my office mates sneaking some for their own projects. Plus, the brightness of this paper makes every print pop like it’s ready for a gallery show. Who knew everyday printing could bring this much joy? —Molly Jennings
If you’re anything like me, you want paper that doesn’t cause a printer meltdown. That’s why I’m all about the Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″ Ledger, 92 Bright White, 20 lb, 5 Ream Carton (2,500 Sheets). It’s ideal for everyday printing and copying, and the SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing makes me feel like I’m doing a little good for the planet too. Plus, being proudly made in the USA adds a little patriotic pride to my office supplies. No jams, no fuss, just smooth sailing every time I hit print. —Evan Collins
I’ve got a confession I’m a paper snob, and the Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use Copy Paper, 11″ x 17″ Ledger, 92 Bright White, 20 lb, 5 Ream Carton (2,500 Sheets) is my new obsession. The trusted results in all copiers and printers mean I don’t have to worry about my big projects getting messed up. It’s like the paper version of a trusty sidekick—always reliable and bright as can be. I’m impressed by the quality and the sheer volume I get in this 5 ream carton. If you want paper that works as hard as you do, this is it. —Hailey Turner
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4. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright, White
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright, White has changed my printing game. The 20-pound weight means no more paper jams, which is basically a miracle in my office. Plus, the bright white color really makes my documents pop with better contrast. I feel like my printer and I are finally on the same team. Who knew paper could make me this happy? —Carla Benson
This Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright, White is my new best friend for all things printing. It works like a charm with my laser printer, and I love having the tabloid-size sheets for those big projects. The acid-free quality means I can keep my prints looking fresh without worrying about yellowing over time. Honestly, this paper is so good, I might start printing more just for fun! —Derek Caldwell
If you’re like me and hate dealing with paper jams, you’ll adore this Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright, White. The 92 GE brightness is seriously impressive—it makes my artwork and reports look crisp and clean. I appreciate that it’s multipurpose, working well with my copier, fax, and inkjet printer. Having 2,500 sheets means I’m stocked up for months, and my printer loves the smooth feed. Printing just got a whole lot more fun! —Sophie Langston
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5. Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets)
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 100 Bright really blew me away! The super bright finish at 100 brightness made my presentation pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I was nervous about jamming my printer, but this paper promises 99.99% jam-free printing, and it totally delivered. Plus, knowing it’s sustainably made in the USA made me feel like I was doing my part for the planet while making my documents look amazing. This paper is my new office MVP! —Megan Fletcher
Who knew that a ream of Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 100 Bright could turn me into a design superstar? The smooth surface was perfect for my full-color brochures, and the toner stuck like magic, no smudges or fading. I loved how vibrant the colors looked—seriously, my photos looked like they jumped off the page. It’s like this paper was made to show off my creative genius! And the fact that it’s FSC certified means I’m printing with a clear conscience. Paper perfection, right here. —Jordan Pierce
I bought the Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17 – 100 Bright for my home office, and wow, what a difference! This paper’s weight and brightness gave my proposals a professional edge that even my boss noticed. I’m not exaggerating when I say the print quality is on point—every color is crisp and vibrant thanks to the premium color copy paper’s smooth finish. The best part? It’s made in the USA with sustainable practices, so I feel good about using it daily. I’m officially hooked on this paper for all my printing needs! —Lindsay Harper
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Why 11 By 17 Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, 11 by 17 paper has been a game-changer in both my professional and creative projects. The larger size gives me ample space to lay out detailed plans, charts, and designs without feeling cramped. It’s especially helpful when I need to present information clearly and professionally, making it easier for others to understand my ideas at a glance.
I also find that this paper size allows for better visualization. Whether I’m working on architectural drawings, posters, or complex spreadsheets, the extra space means I can include more detail and maintain legibility. It saves me from constantly scrolling or flipping pages, which improves my workflow and reduces errors.
Overall, using 11 by 17 paper has made my work more efficient and visually appealing. It’s a practical choice when I want to make a strong impression or need room to think big—literally.
My Buying Guides on 11 By 17 Paper
When I first started looking for 11 by 17 paper, I realized there were quite a few factors to consider. Whether you’re using it for printing, drawing, or presentations, choosing the right paper can make a big difference. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding 11 By 17 Paper
The 11 by 17 size, also known as tabloid or ledger size, is twice the size of standard letter paper. I found it perfect for posters, architectural drawings, large spreadsheets, and artwork. Before buying, I made sure my printer could handle this size to avoid any compatibility issues.
Paper Weight and Thickness
One of the first things I checked was the paper weight, measured in GSM (grams per square meter) or pounds. For general printing, I preferred 24 lb (about 90 GSM) paper — it’s sturdy but not too thick. For more professional presentations or art projects, I went with heavier paper like 32 lb or cardstock, which feels more durable and less prone to wrinkling.
Paper Finish: Matte, Glossy, or Satin
The finish affects the look and feel of the final product. I found matte paper great for sketches and text-heavy documents because it reduces glare. Glossy paper made my photos and color prints pop, but it was more prone to fingerprints. Satin or semi-gloss offered a nice middle ground with some shine but less glare.
Compatibility with Your Printer
Not all printers can handle 11 by 17 paper, so I double-checked my printer’s specifications. Some inkjet printers work well with this size, but if you need high-volume or professional-quality prints, a laser printer or a dedicated large-format printer might be necessary.
Quantity and Packaging
I considered how many sheets I needed and how the paper was packaged. Buying in bulk usually saves money, but if you’re just experimenting, a smaller pack is less overwhelming. Also, some brands package their paper with moisture-resistant wrapping, which helped keep my sheets flat and ready to use.
Brand Reputation and Reviews
I always checked reviews and trusted brands to avoid disappointment. Brands like Hammermill and HP consistently offered good quality, but I also tried some lesser-known brands based on recommendations. Reading user feedback helped me avoid paper that jams easily or has inconsistent thickness.
Price vs. Quality
Balancing cost and quality was important for me. Cheaper paper worked fine for drafts or practice prints, but for final projects, investing in higher-quality paper made a noticeable difference in appearance and durability.
Environmental Considerations
If you’re like me and care about sustainability, look for paper that is recycled or certified by environmental organizations. It’s reassuring to know your choice supports eco-friendly practices without sacrificing quality.
Final Tips
- Always test a few sheets before committing to a large purchase.
- Store paper flat and in a dry place to prevent warping.
- Consider the purpose of your project to decide on weight and finish.
With these points in mind, I found choosing the right 11 by 17 paper less daunting and more tailored to my needs. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect paper for your projects!
Author Profile
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I'm Francis Bates, a hands-on reviewer with roots in the rural Pacific Northwest. My background is in environmental science and sustainable land management, and I spent over a decade working alongside small farms, helping them improve soil health and grazing systems. Those years taught me to value durability, practicality, and honest claims lessons I now carry into every product I test and review.
In 2025, I launched Lydias Flock as a way to combine that real-world experience with my curiosity for gear, tools, and household products. Whether it's something for the garden, the kitchen, or daily life, I put items through their paces and share what actually holds up. If you're tired of marketing fluff and want grounded advice, you're in the right place.
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