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One wrong ream of 11×17 copy paper and you get a printer jam five minutes before a deadline, or wet ink bleeding through to the table. The fix is three numbers — the paper weight (how thick it is), the brightness (how white the page looks), and the sheet count (how many you get) — that tell you exactly how the paper feeds and how your prints turn out. This guide lines up five top buys so you match the right paper to your workload, whether that is weekly church bulletins or daily office printing.
I’m Min — the founder and writer behind Gadgets Feed. This guide is built by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications and the patterns across verified customer reviews, so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing spin.
Each product here is a contender for the best 11×17 copy paper, and I ranked them by what matters most for different buyers: weight for durability, brightness for contrast, and total sheets for value.
Quick Picks
- Hammermill 28 lb Premium Laser Print, 11 x 17, 98 Bright (500 Sheets) — Premium Performer
- Staples Inkjet Paper – 11″ x 17″ Multipurpose, 1 Carton of 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 20 lb, 96 Bright — Best Value Bulk
- Hammermill 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright — Reliable Carton Standard
- Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright — Budget Bulk Pick
- Staples 11″ x 17″ Multipurpose Paper, 20 lb, 96 Bright, 1 Ream (500 Sheets) — Trial-Size Entry
How To Choose The Best 11×17 Copy Paper
Buying tabloid-size (11×17 inch) paper seems simple until you line up the specs side by side. The three numbers that matter most — weight (how thick the sheet is), brightness (how much light it reflects), and sheet count (how many you get) — tell you how the paper feeds, how your prints look, and how much you pay per page. Here is what each one means for everyday printing.
Paper weight (20 lb vs 28 lb)
Weight measures how thick and sturdy one sheet is. The standard for most office copiers and home printers is 20 lb paper — thin enough to feed reliably in high volumes but thick enough for double-sided use without much see-through (ink showing on the other side). A 28 lb paper versus 20 lb resists curling, feels stiffer in your hand, and all but gets rid of show-through when you print on both sides. The cost is higher per sheet, and some printers cannot handle 28 lb — check your manual for the maximum weight before switching.
Brightness rating (92, 96, 98)
Brightness is a scale from 0 to 100 that measures how much light the paper reflects. A higher number means sharper contrast between the white page and the black ink. For everyday documents, 92 brightness keeps costs low. Jumping to 96 or 98 makes text look sharper and colors pop more, which matters if you print presentations or photo-heavy flyers. Buyers report that “96 brightness paper is noticeably brighter and clearer than 92.”
Sheet count and packaging (single ream vs carton)
A standard ream holds 500 sheets. A carton holds 5 reams, or 2,500 sheets. If you print occasional tabloid documents, a single ream avoids storing a bulky box. If you run an office or notary business that goes through multiple reams a week, a full carton cuts the per-sheet cost and saves you from reordering as often. The Staples Inkjet Paper carton holds 2,500 sheets versus 500 sheets for its single ream.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Best For | Weight | Brightness | Sheet Count | Brand |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hammermill Premium Laser 28 lb | Color-intensive professional prints | 28 lb | 98 | 500 | Hammermill |
| Staples Multipurpose 20 lb (Carton) | High-volume office and notary use | 20 lb | 96 | 2,500 | Staples |
| Hammermill 20 lb Copy Paper (Carton) | Reliable bulk everyday printing | 20 lb | 92 | 2,500 | Hammermill |
| Amazon Basics Multipurpose 20 lb | Budget-friendly bulk office paper | 20 lb | 92 | 2,500 | Amazon Basics |
| Staples Multipurpose 20 lb (Single Ream) | Occasional or trial-size purchase | 20 lb | 96 | 500 | Staples |
In-Depth Reviews
1. Hammermill 28 lb Premium Laser Print, 11 x 17, 98 Bright (500 Sheets)
The heavyweight that makes every tabloid document feel like a professional presentation — and stops ink bleeding the Staples carton cannot.
You grab this paper when the print job matters — client proposals, color church bulletin covers, or design mockups. The 28 lb weight versus a standard 20 lb sheet feels rigid when you hold it. Print on both sides and the ink does not show through at all, unlike the 20 lb papers in this list. One reviewer called it “thick, durable, ultra-smooth paper with zero tooth” and said it handled alcohol markers well despite not being designed for that.
The 98 brightness rating is the highest here at 98 versus 92 for the 92-brightness papers. That means white areas reflect more light and color images look sharper with better contrast. Hammermill backs this with a 99.99% jam-free guarantee (no more than one jam in 10,000 sheets on high-speed equipment, according to the maker), so you are not gambling on runs. It is also acid-free (no yellowing over time) and Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified, made in the USA. Unlike the Amazon Basics paper below, this comes as a single 500-sheet ream, making it a premium pick for finishing touches rather than bulk everyday runs.
What puts it ahead
- 28 lb weight stops ink bleed-through on double-sided tabloid prints
- 98 brightness makes color documents and photos look noticeably richer
- 99.99% jam-free guarantee on high-speed digital equipment per Hammermill
- Acid-free and FSC certified for archival-quality, sustainable paper
One trade-off to know
- Single ream (500 sheets) only — higher cost per sheet versus carton buys
- 28 lb weight may not feed reliably in older or basic printers — check your manual
Reach for this if: you print color-heavy proposals or images that need to look professional, and you pay more per sheet for zero show-through and maximum contrast.
Look elsewhere if: you need a bulk supply for everyday copies or your printer manual says 24 lb is the max weight.
2. Staples Inkjet Paper – 11″ x 17″ Multipurpose, 1 Carton of 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 20 lb, 96 Bright
The office workhorse — 2,500 sheets of 96-bright paper in one box beats the Hammermill 20 lb carton for contrast at a similar per-sheet cost.
This Staples carton holds 2,500 sheets versus 500 sheets for the single-ream Staples option. For a notary business, law firm, or church printing weekly bulletins, that means fewer reorders. The paper is 20 lb, standard for most copiers and laser printers, and runs reliably. One buyer running a mobile notary business said it was “just what I needed and was received just before I needed.”
The 96 brightness here is the same as the single-ream Staples, and owners mention it is “noticeably brighter and clearer than 92” paper. That puts this carton a step above the 92-brightness cartons from Hammermill and Amazon Basics — your black text looks sharper and color prints have more pop. Unlike the Hammermill 20 lb carton, this paper does not include ColorLok technology (a surface treatment that according to Hammermill brightens colors and speeds drying), but 96 brightness gives you a visible contrast advantage side by side. It is acid-free and biodegradable.
Why it stands out
- 2,500 sheets in one carton versus 500 sheets in a single Staples ream
- 96 brightness is noticeably higher contrast than 92-bright alternatives
- 20 lb standard weight feeds reliably in most office copiers and printers
- Acid-free and biodegradable for long-term storage
What to watch for
- One review reported the carton arrived with a damaged outer case and split reams taped together
- 20 lb weight is standard, not premium — some show-through possible on heavy double-sided printing
Best for: offices and notaries who go through reams of tabloid paper each month and want 96 brightness in bulk without paying 28 lb prices.
skip it if: you need the zero show-through of the Hammermill 28 lb sheet, or you want a single ream to test before buying a full carton.
3. Hammermill 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright
Hammermill’s best-selling 20 lb paper in bulk, backed by a jam-free promise and ColorLok chemistry — but the Staples carton outshines it for contrast.
This is Hammermill’s own 20 lb carton, and it carries two features the Staples and Amazon Basics cartons lack. First, the 99.99% jam-free guarantee — the same promise Hammermill makes on its premium 28 lb sheet — so on high-speed digital equipment the risk of a jam is low. One reviewer noted “misfeeds are rare; print quality is good,” and another said it “works great” with an inkjet for color printing. Second, ColorLok technology: according to Hammermill, colors are 30% brighter, blacks are up to 60% bolder, and inks dry three times faster — so you get less smearing on fresh prints.
The trade-off versus the Staples carton is brightness. At 92, this Hammermill is less reflective than the 96-bright Staples, so side by side the Staples sheet looks whiter and gives crisper contrast. That difference matters if you print color graphics or sharp text for clients. For everyday internal office printing, 92 brightness is fine and keeps costs lower. Like the premium Hammermill, this is made in the USA from renewable materials and is FSC certified.
What makes it a solid buy
- 99.99% jam-free guarantee gives confidence on high-speed printers per Hammermill
- ColorLok technology aims for bolder blacks and faster drying to reduce smears
- 5 reams (2,500 sheets) in one carton for bulk buying convenience
- FSC certified and made in the USA from renewable materials
The catch
- 92 brightness is lower than the 96-bright Staples carton — less contrast for color work
- 20 lb weight can show some ink bleed on heavy double-sided printing
Choose this for: a jam-resistant bulk supply that handles high-speed runs and dries fast, and brightness matters less than reliability.
Pass on it if: you want the whitest background for color marketing materials — the 96-bright Staples carton delivers more pop at a similar per-sheet cost.
4. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright
The entry-level carton that does the job without frills — and the lowest-cost 2,500-sheet option here, right for buyers who prioritize price over brightness or a jam guarantee.
If you print internal memos, copies of forms, or draft versions, this carton gives you 2,500 sheets of 20 lb tabloid paper with no premium extras. The 92 brightness is standard for this tier. It will not match the crispness of a 96-bright Staples sheet, but it produces clear, readable text for daily use. One reviewer called it “reliable for high-volume office printing.” Another buyer said it “feeds smoothly without jams or smudging.”
Compared to the Hammermill 20 lb carton, this paper does not include ColorLok technology or a formal 99.99% jam-free guarantee. That matters less for general-purpose printing in a standard office printer. But if you run a high-speed copier all day or want the best print quality per sheet, the brightness or drying benefit from the Hammermill might be worth the price jump. Reviewers consistently mention the paper is “good value” and produces “clear text, decent colors” — honest, workmanlike performance. It is acid-free, so archived pages will not yellow.
What it does well
- 5 reams (2,500 sheets) at the most approachable cost in this group
- Feeds smoothly and jams rarely according to multiple verified buyers
- Acid-free for archival storage of important documents
- Bright white 92 brightness is adequate for standard office text and forms
Where it falls short
- 92 brightness trails the 96-bright Staples options — the difference is visible side by side
- No ColorLok technology or formal jam-free guarantee like the Hammermill carton
Ideal for: cost-conscious offices that go through reams for everyday internal printing and want the lowest per-sheet price in a bulk carton.
Not the best fit for: client-facing color work or situations where your printer runs at high speed all day and you need a formal jam-free warranty.
5. Staples 11″ x 17″ Multipurpose Paper, 20 lb, 96 Bright, 1 Ream (500 Sheets)
The same 96-bright paper as the Staples carton, but in a single ream — smart for light use or testing before you buy the full 2,500-sheet box.
This is the same Staples 20 lb paper with the same 96 brightness that customers note is “noticeably brighter and clearer than 92,” but in a single 500-sheet ream. That makes it a smart pick if you only print tabloid documents occasionally — a few oversized charts or a spreadsheet — and do not want to lug a big box around. It is also a low-stakes way to test the paper quality before committing to the 2,500-sheet carton. One mobile notary business buyer gave it 5/5 and said it was “good quality.”
Acid-free construction means this paper will not yellow or crumble in storage. At 20 lb, it is standard weight for most printers. The single-ream approach means you pay more per sheet than the carton version from Staples. So if you know you print tabloid regularly, the carton (product 2 above) is a better long-term value. One buyer did mention the packaging “was torn to shreds” on arrival, with reams taped back together — soft packaging may get roughed up in transit.
Why you might pick this
- 96 brightness delivers noticeably better contrast than 92-bright paper
- Single ream is easy to store and perfect for infrequent tabloid printing
- Acid-free construction for archival document longevity
- 20 lb standard weight works in virtually any printer
Things to consider
- Higher per-sheet cost than buying the 5-ream Staples carton
- One buyer mentioned the ream arrived with damaged packaging and split sheets taped together
Grab this if: you only need a small supply of bright 96 paper for occasional 11×17 prints and do not want to store a full carton.
The better bulk move: if you go through multiple reams per month, the Staples 2,500-sheet carton gives you the same brightness at a lower per-sheet cost.
Understanding the Specs
Paper weight (20 lb vs 28 lb)
Weight tells you how thick each sheet is. A 20 lb paper is the standard for most office copiers and inkjet printers — it feeds reliably and works for single-sided and light double-sided jobs. A 28 lb paper versus 20 lb feels stiffer and resists ink bleeding through on double-sided prints. The catch is that some basic home printers will not accept 28 lb paper, so check your printer’s maximum paper weight before buying the heavier sheet.
Brightness rating (92, 96, 98)
Brightness measures how much light the paper reflects, on a scale from 0 to 100. A 92 brightness is standard and produces readable documents. A 96 brightness adds noticeable snap to black text and makes color images look richer with better contrast. A 98 brightness is the top of the range here, giving your prints a whiter-looking background that makes images pop. The difference is most visible side by side.
FAQ
Will 28 lb paper work in my home laser printer?
What is the difference between 92 and 96 brightness paper?
How many sheets are in a ream of 11×17 paper?
What does ColorLok technology do for my prints?
Can I use 11×17 paper in an inkjet printer?
Is acid-free paper important for archiving documents?
What does the 99.99% jam-free guarantee mean?
Which 11×17 paper is best for double-sided printing?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For the majority of shoppers, the 11×17 copy paper winner is the Staples Inkjet Paper 5-Ream Carton because it delivers 2,500 sheets of 96-bright paper in a single box — the best balance of contrast, reliability, and value for high-volume tabloid printing. If you want professional-grade color prints with zero show-through, grab the Hammermill 28 lb Premium Laser Print. And for budget-friendly bulk everyday printing, the standout is the Amazon Basics 5-Ream Carton at 2,500 sheets.
How We Picked
We do not accept paid placement, and we did not hands-on test every unit. Instead, we match each pick to a real buyer and use-case by comparing the manufacturers’ published specifications against the patterns in verified customer reviews — so you get each pick’s real strengths and trade-offs instead of marketing copy.
Sources & Methodology
Specifications: manufacturer listings and product documentation. Review insights: verified customer reviews, as of July 2026. Pricing: not shown on this page (it changes often); check the current price via the retailer link.
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