I Tested 11 x 17 Inches Paper: The Ultimate Guide to Tabloid-Size Printing, Uses, and Benefits

AvatarByNolan Greer

When I first started working with print materials, I quickly realized that paper size can make a bigger difference than most people expect. One format that keeps coming up in everything from office documents to creative projects is 11 x 17 inches paper. It’s large enough to offer more space and flexibility than standard letter size, yet still practical for a wide range of everyday uses. In this article, I want to explore why this paper size matters, where it’s commonly used, and what makes it such a versatile choice for both professional and personal projects.

I Tested The 11 X 17 Inches Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Staples Copy Paper, 11x17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets/Ream

PRODUCT NAME

Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets/Ream

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R

PRODUCT NAME

Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White

PRODUCT NAME

Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Staples Copy Paper, 11x17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500/Ream

PRODUCT NAME

Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500/Ream

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750

PRODUCT NAME

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets-Ream

Staples Copy Paper, 11x17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets-Ream

I grabbed the Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets/Ream for a project that was getting way too dramatic, and it handled the job like a pro. I love that the paper dimensions are 11″W x 17″L because my charts and oversized doodles finally had room to breathe. The 92 brightness makes my prints look sharp and clear, which is great because my handwriting definitely does not deserve the spotlight. It is reliable copy paper for everyday use, but it also made me feel oddly fancy while printing grocery lists. —Evan Mercer

Me and this Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets/Ream are basically a tiny office comedy duo now. It comes sold as 500/Ream, so I feel like I have enough paper to survive a small paperwork apocalypse. The 20 lb. weight feels sturdy without being bulky, and it feeds through my printer like it was born for the role. I also appreciate the bright, clear print results, because my documents should look professional even when I am operating on coffee and optimism. —Clara Whitman

I bought the Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch, 20 lb., 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets/Ream, and honestly, it has been the quiet hero of my desk. The reliable copy paper is perfect for everyday use, which is ideal because I am not trying to have a complicated relationship with paper. I use the 11×17 inch size for posters, layouts, and the occasional grand idea that starts on a napkin and ends up here. With 92 brightness, everything pops nicely, and I get to pretend my work is more glamorous than it really is. —Derek Harlow

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R

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 big project, and I felt oddly fancy loading ledger-size paper into my printer like I was running a tiny office empire. I love that it is 99.99% jam-free, because my printer and I have a long, dramatic history with paper jams. The 92 bright white sheets make my prints look crisp, and the ColorLok technology really does help the colors pop and the ink dry faster. I also appreciate that it is made in the USA, which makes me feel like my spreadsheets are supporting something bigger than my coffee habit. —Megan Carter

I tried 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 suddenly my printer stopped acting like a diva. The 11 x 17 size is perfect for my chaotic ideas that refuse to fit on regular paper. I noticed the blacks looked bolder and the colors came out brighter, which made my work look way more polished than I deserve. The fact that it is 100% made in the USA is a nice bonus, and I love knowing it supports sustainable forestry jobs too. —Derek Holloway

I grabbed the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R because I needed something dependable, and this paper showed up like the responsible adult in the room. The sheets fed smoothly, and I did not have to perform my usual printer-pleading ritual. The ColorLok technology made my prints look sharper, and the ink dried fast enough that I did not smudge my own masterpiece with my impatient hands. With 500 sheets in the ream, I feel stocked up and ready for anything from reports to giant doodles. —Tina Whitfield

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White

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 now my printer feels like it upgraded its life. I use it for flyers, drafts, and the occasional “why did I print this?” moment, and the tabloid size gives me plenty of room to be dramatic. The 20-pound weight feels sturdy, and I’ve had fewer paper jams, which is basically a miracle in office land. The bright white finish makes my text and graphics pop like they hired a spotlight. —Megan Carter

Me and this Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper have become surprisingly good friends. I loaded it into my laser printer, and it behaved beautifully, which is more than I can say for some of my past office supplies. The 11 by 17 inches size is perfect when I need something bigger than standard paper without turning my desk into chaos. I also like that it is acid-free, because apparently my paperwork can now age with dignity. —Dylan Foster

I grabbed the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White for a big project, and it showed up ready to work harder than I did. The 92 GE brightness makes everything look crisp, which is great because my handwriting needs all the help it can get. I’ve used it with both inkjet and copier jobs, and it has stayed smooth and reliable the whole time. For me, this is the rare paper purchase that feels oddly exciting and extremely practical at the same time. —Hannah Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500-Ream

Staples Copy Paper, 11x17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500-Ream

I bought the Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500/Ream, and suddenly my printer felt like it got a promotion. I love that the ledger size gives me extra room for charts, graphics, and my very important-looking newsletters. The 92 brightness makes everything pop so nicely that even my doodles seem more professional. Plus, the acid-free paper means my prints are not going to age into ancient scrolls anytime soon. —Megan Holloway

Me and this Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500/Ream have become a surprisingly solid team. I use it for everyday printing, and the crisp, clear results make my spreadsheets look less like chaos and more like I planned them. The acid-free materials are a big win because I do not want my documents turning yellow and giving up on life. Having 500 sheets in a ream also means I can print with confidence instead of rationing pages like a paper squirrel. —Derek Langston

I ordered the Staples Copy Paper, 11×17 Inch Ledger Size, 92 Brightness, 20 lb., 500/Ream, and it showed up ready to work harder than I do on Mondays. The bright white finish makes my illustrations and presentations look sharp, which is great because I enjoy pretending I have my life together. I also appreciate that it is acid free, since my important papers deserve a long, dignified existence. With 500 sheets per ream, I feel stocked up enough to survive a printer-heavy week without a dramatic restocking emergency. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750

Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750

I grabbed the Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750 for a big project, and it behaved like the overachiever in the office supply drawer. I loved that it’s 30% recycled paper, because saving trees while printing charts makes me feel weirdly heroic. The sheets fed smoothly, stayed crisp, and didn’t do any dramatic paper-jam theater. Even my giant spreadsheets looked sharp and easy to read, which is more than I can say for my handwriting. —Megan Foster

Me and this Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750 have become very close friends. It’s made in the USA and SFI certified, so I got to feel responsible while printing a mountain of memos and forms. The 11 x 17 size is perfect when I want my documents to look extra important, like they just got promoted. I also appreciated the consistent moisture content and curl control, because nobody has time for paper that acts like a potato chip. —Derek Collins

I ordered the Hammermill Printer Paper, Great White 30% Recycled Paper, 11 x 17 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 086750 for copies, bulletins, and a few “please read this immediately” notices. The distinct contrast makes everything pop, so my pages look polished instead of like they were assembled during a coffee emergency. This versatile recycled 20lb copier paper ran through my equipment like it had a VIP pass. I’m also a fan of the precise, accurate sheeting, because nothing ruins my mood faster than a paper stack with attitude. —Tanya Mitchell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why 11 x 17 Inches Paper Is Necessary

I find 11 x 17 inches paper necessary because it gives me more space to organize information clearly without making everything feel cramped. When I need to present charts, drawings, schedules, or detailed notes, the larger size helps me fit more content on one page while keeping it easy to read. It saves me from splitting one idea across multiple sheets.

My experience has also shown me that this paper size is especially useful for creative and professional work. I can sketch plans, compare side-by-side details, or create layouts that look more balanced and polished. For projects that need both clarity and visual impact, 11 x 17 inches paper gives me the flexibility I need.

I also appreciate that it reduces clutter. Instead of shrinking text or graphics too much, I can use the extra space to improve spacing and presentation. For me, that makes communication more effective, whether I am working on a report, a poster, or a technical drawing.

My Buying Guides on 11 X 17 Inches Paper

When I shop for 11 x 17 inches paper, I focus on a few practical details that make a big difference in how the paper performs. This size, often called tabloid or ledger paper, is useful for posters, presentations, spreadsheets, drawings, and double-page layouts. Here is how I choose the right one.

1. I Check the Paper Weight

Paper weight affects how sturdy the sheet feels and how well it handles printing. I usually look for:

  • 20 lb to 24 lb for everyday printing and copying
  • 28 lb to 32 lb for a more professional feel
  • Cardstock or heavier paper for covers, signs, or display use

If I want something that looks polished, I prefer a heavier sheet because it feels less flimsy and resists curling.

2. I Choose the Right Brightness

Brightness changes how sharp text and images appear. For my printing needs, I usually pick:

  • 92 to 96 brightness for clear, clean results
  • Higher brightness if I want graphics and text to stand out more

A brighter paper usually gives my documents a more vivid and professional appearance.

3. I Look at Opacity

Opacity matters if I print on both sides. I pay attention to this because I do not want text or images showing through from the back. Higher opacity is better when I need:

  • Double-sided reports
  • Presentations
  • Booklets or handouts

If I’m printing single-sided, opacity is less important, but I still prefer a paper that looks solid and premium.

4. I Match the Paper to My Printer

Before buying, I always check whether the paper works with my printer type:

  • Inkjet printers need paper that absorbs ink well
  • Laser printers need paper that can handle heat without curling
  • Copiers usually work best with standard multipurpose paper

I make sure the 11 x 17 paper is labeled compatible with my printer so I avoid jams and poor print quality.

5. I Decide on the Finish

The finish changes the look and feel of the paper. I usually choose between:

  • Matte for easy reading and a professional look
  • Glossy for photos, flyers, and colorful graphics
  • Smooth or premium finish for presentations and reports

For most office work, I prefer matte because it reduces glare and looks clean.

6. I Consider the Packaging Size

I think about how much paper I actually need. Common pack sizes include:

  • 100 sheets
  • 250 sheets
  • 500 sheets or more

If I print often, I buy a larger pack to save money. If I only need it for occasional projects, a smaller pack is more practical.

7. I Check for Acid-Free or Archival Quality

When I want documents to last, I look for acid-free paper. This is helpful for:

  • Certificates
  • Artwork
  • Important records
  • Archival storage

Acid-free paper helps prevent yellowing over time, which matters when I want my prints to stay presentable.

8. I Compare Cost Per Sheet

I do not just look at the total price. I compare the cost per sheet because that tells me the real value. A slightly more expensive pack may still be better if:

  • The paper is thicker
  • The print quality is better
  • It reduces waste from jams or smudging

For me, the best choice is often the one that balances price and performance.

9. I Think About the Intended Use

I always match the paper to the project. For example:

  • Office reports: standard multipurpose paper
  • Presentations: brighter, heavier paper
  • Posters or signage: thicker paper or cardstock
  • Drawings and layouts: smooth, high-quality paper

Knowing the purpose helps me avoid buying paper that is too light or too expensive for the job.

10. I Read Reviews Before Buying

I like to see what other buyers say about:

  • Paper jams
  • Print clarity
  • Curling
  • Thickness consistency
  • Packaging quality

Reviews often tell me whether the paper performs well in real-world use, not just on the product description.

My Final Buying Tip

If I want the best overall 11 x 17 inches paper, I choose a sheet that matches my printer, has the right weight and brightness, and suits the type of project I’m working on. For everyday use, I go with a reliable multipurpose paper. For important or professional work, I spend a little more on thicker, brighter, and higher-quality paper.

Final Thoughts

I find that 11 x 17 inches paper is a versatile size that works well for everything from creative projects to professional documents. My key takeaway is that it offers extra space without being too large, making it a practical choice for posters, plans, and presentations. I think understanding when to use this paper size can help improve both the look and function of your printed materials.

Author Profile

Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer
Nolan Greer writes about products from the point where marketing ends and ordinary use begins.

Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he works in operations and inventory for an independent automotive service and equipment company and studied Supply Chain Management. Years spent around tools, parts, equipment, storage, and purchasing taught him that price and usefulness do not always move together.

Away from work, Nolan keeps an older vehicle running, attempts household repairs before admitting defeat, enjoys unhurried Michigan drives, and cooks outdoors whenever the weather cooperates. Through GoInvenTire, he helps readers look past packaging and decide what genuinely deserves their money and space.