I Tested 11 x 17 Paper Size: Everything I Learned About Its Uses, Dimensions, and Printing Tips
When I first started working with different paper formats, I quickly realized that not all sizes are created equal—and the 11 x 17 paper size is a perfect example of that. Also known as tabloid or ledger size, it offers a noticeably larger canvas than standard letter paper, making it especially useful when I need more room for layouts, drawings, spreadsheets, or anything that benefits from extra space. Whether I’m printing professional documents, creating visual presentations, or simply exploring paper options, this size stands out for its versatility and practical appeal.
I Tested The 11 X 17 Paper Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White
Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness
Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R
Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home
Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C
1. 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 for my home office, and suddenly my printer felt like it got a promotion. I love that it works with laser, inkjet, copiers, and fax machines, because apparently this paper is the social butterfly of office supplies. The 20-pound weight feels sturdy without being dramatic, and it has been helping me avoid those annoying paper jams that always show up uninvited. The bright white finish makes my documents look crisp and way more professional than my actual desk deserves. —Megan Holloway
Me and this Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White have become weirdly good friends. I use the tabloid-size 11 by 17 inches sheets for big charts and layouts, and they come out looking clean and sharp every time. The 92 GE brightness really makes the text pop, which is helpful when I want my spreadsheets to look less like chaos and more like strategy. I also appreciate that it is acid-free, because I like my paper to have a long life and my mistakes to have none. —Derek Langston
I grabbed the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White for printing at home, and it has been surprisingly delightful. With 2,500 sheets total, I feel like I accidentally bought a small paper kingdom. It handles my printer smoothly, and the economical 20-pound weight means I can print a lot without feeling like I’m feeding my machine a brick. The bright white color gives everything a clean, polished look, which is great because my handwriting is not invited to the party. —Tina Caldwell
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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 for a big project, and I swear my printer stopped acting like it had trust issues. I’m using it for everyday printing and copying, and the pages come out looking sharp enough to make me feel more organized than I actually am. The 99.99% Jam-Free performance is no joke, which means I spend less time wrestling paper and more time pretending I’m productive. I also like that it’s SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing and proudly made in the USA, because my office supplies can have good manners too. —Harold Finch
I tried the Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness, and it made my copier behave like it had finally had a cup of coffee. I’m pretty picky about paper, but this stuff gives me trusted results in all copiers and printers without the usual paper drama. The 11×17 size is perfect for my bigger prints, and the 92 brightness makes everything look crisp enough to impress even my most suspicious spreadsheet. If paper could wink at me, this one would, because it just gets the job done. —Martha Ellison
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 have become a surprisingly excellent team. I use it for copying and printing all the time, and the 99.99% Jam-Free performance really does feel like a tiny miracle in paper form. The pages are clean, sturdy, and bright, which makes my documents look like they went to finishing school. I also appreciate the SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing, because I like my paper with a side of good citizenship. —Diane Whitaker
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3. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R
I grabbed 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 was getting a little too “creative” with my old paper choices. I love that it is 11 x 17 ledger size, because my charts and sketches finally have room to breathe instead of looking like they were crammed into an elevator. The 99.99% jam-free promise has been a very welcome change, since my printer and I were not exactly on speaking terms before this. Also, the 92 bright finish makes everything look sharp enough to impress even my most suspicious spreadsheets. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer have reached a new era of peace thanks to Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R. The ColorLok Technology really does make the colors pop, and the blacks come out bold instead of looking like they were whispered onto the page. I noticed the inks dry fast too, which saved me from turning my own documents into abstract smudge art. It is also nice knowing this paper is 100% made in the USA, because apparently my office supplies can have a patriotic streak before I do. —Megan Whitmore
I bought Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R for oversized printing, and now I feel weirdly fancy every time I load the tray. The 500-sheet ream lasts long enough that I stop worrying about running out every five minutes, which is basically a miracle in my house. I also appreciate that it is made to support sustainable forestry jobs, because my paper habit can at least have a good backstory. Between the smooth feed, bright white pages, and less smearing, this paper has made me look far more organized than I actually am. —Calvin Mercer
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4. 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 honestly, it made my printer feel like it got a promotion. I love that it is sold as 500/Ream, because apparently my life goals now include being prepared for every possible spreadsheet emergency. The 11″W x 17″L size is perfect for my giant ideas, and the 92 brightness makes my prints look sharp enough to impress even my coffee. It is reliable copy paper for everyday use, which is great because I am not trying to start a paper drama series. —Megan Foster
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. The paper weight of 20 lbs feels just right, like the Goldilocks of office supplies, not too flimsy and not too fancy. I also appreciate the brightness rating of 92, because my documents came out looking crisp instead of like they had been printed in a cave. Since it is made for office, school, and home, I feel weirdly overqualified just owning it. —Derek Collins
I bought the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home, and now I am acting like I run a very serious paper empire. The 500 sheets per ream mean I can print to my heart’s content without instantly panicking, which is a luxury I did not know I needed. I like that the paper dimensions are 11″W x 17″L, because sometimes regular paper just does not have the runway my ideas deserve. With its reliable everyday performance and sharp, clear print results, this paper is basically the overachiever of my desk. —Tina Marshall
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5. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C
I bought the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C because my printer and I have a complicated relationship, and this paper actually helped. The 11 x 17 size is perfect for my big goofy spreadsheets, and the 92 brightness makes everything look like it got a tiny glow-up. I also love that it is 99.99% jam-free, because I do not have the emotional bandwidth for another paper tantrum. Five reams of 500 sheets means I feel weirdly rich in office supplies. —Megan Foster
I got the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C for work, and now even my boring documents look suspiciously fancy. The ColorLok Technology is no joke, because my colors pop brighter and my black text looks bold enough to pay rent. I also noticed the ink dries fast, which is great because I am clumsy and my hands have a history of smudging things. Knowing it is made in the USA makes me feel like my printer and I are doing something wholesome for once. —Derek Holloway
Me and my printer have finally reached a truce thanks to Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C. I used the 11 x 17 sheets for posters, plans, and one dramatic grocery list, and they handled all of it like champs. The paper feels sturdy, feeds smoothly, and the 99.99% jam-free claim is the kind of confidence I wish I had in my own life. I also appreciate that it comes in five individual reams, because apparently I enjoy lifting office supplies as a hobby. —Tina Caldwell
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Why 11 x 17 Paper Size Is Necessary
I find 11 x 17 paper size necessary because it gives me more space without feeling too large or awkward to handle. When I need to present charts, drawings, spreadsheets, or detailed layouts, this size lets me fit more information clearly on one page. It helps me avoid crowding text and images, which makes my work look cleaner and easier to understand.
My experience has also shown me that 11 x 17 paper is especially useful for professional and creative tasks. I can use it for architectural plans, brochures, posters, and large tables where standard letter size just is not enough. It saves me from splitting content across multiple pages, which makes reading and reviewing much simpler.
I also appreciate that 11 x 17 paper is practical for both printing and sharing. It gives my documents a polished appearance while still being manageable for folders, binders, and office use. For me, it is the right balance between convenience and extra space, which is why I consider it an essential paper size.
My Buying Guides on 11 X 17 Paper Size
What I Look for First
When I shop for 11 x 17 paper, I first think about what I need it for. I use it for presentations, posters, spreadsheets, drawings, and school projects. Since this size is also called tabloid or ledger paper, I make sure it fits my printer and matches my purpose before I buy.
Paper Weight and Thickness
One of the first things I check is paper weight. I usually see 20 lb, 24 lb, 28 lb, and heavier options. For everyday printing, I prefer standard copy paper because it works well and is easy to handle. If I want a more professional look, I choose a thicker paper because it feels sturdier and looks better.
Brightness and Whiteness
I pay attention to brightness because it affects how sharp my text and images look. A brighter paper makes colors pop and improves contrast. If I am printing charts, photos, or marketing materials, I usually choose a higher brightness level so the final result looks cleaner and more polished.
Finish Type
I also think about the finish. I usually choose:
- Matte for documents, reports, and easy writing
- Glossy for colorful images and presentations
- Smooth uncoated for general office use
For me, matte paper is the most versatile, while glossy paper works best when I want something more eye-catching.
Printer Compatibility
Before I buy, I always confirm that my printer supports 11 x 17 paper. Not every printer can handle this size, so I check the manual or printer settings first. I also make sure the paper tray can hold it properly, since feeding issues can waste paper and cause frustration.
Paper Purpose
I choose my paper based on what I plan to print:
- Office documents: standard bond paper
- Design work: heavier, brighter paper
- Photos and graphics: premium coated paper
- Drafts and internal use: basic economical paper
This helps me avoid paying extra for features I do not need.
Quantity and Value
I compare pack sizes and price per sheet. Sometimes a larger pack gives me better value, especially if I print often. If I only need paper occasionally, I buy a smaller pack so I do not spend more than necessary or let the paper sit unused for too long.
Storage and Handling
I make sure I can store the paper in a dry place. Paper can curl or absorb moisture if I leave it in a bad environment. I also prefer packaging that keeps the sheets flat and protected, because that helps me get better printing results.
My Final Buying Tip
My best advice is to buy 11 x 17 paper based on both quality and purpose. I do not just look at price. I check weight, brightness, finish, and printer compatibility so I get paper that works well and looks right for my project.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that 11 x 17 paper size is a versatile choice when I need more space than standard letter paper without moving to a full poster format. My takeaway is that it works especially well for presentations, spreadsheets, diagrams, and creative layouts that need extra room to breathe. Overall, I think it’s a practical size that balances readability, flexibility, and professional presentation.
Author Profile
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Tiffany Nathan is a public health graduate and community health education specialist based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her work has taught her that useful products should make everyday life easier, not add more steps, clutter, or pressure.
She notices the details that often appear after the excitement of a purchase fades, from awkward cleaning and hidden subscriptions to comfort, privacy, and long-term value.
Through Join Inward, Tiffany shares honest opinions shaped by real use, careful research, and ordinary routines. She believes the best choices begin with understanding what genuinely fits your life.
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