A1 Copy Paper Case 20lb, 95 Brightness, 10 Ream Case, 5000 Sheets, 500 sheet/Ream Paper isn’t as straightforward as it looks. If you run the wrong kind of paper through…
your copier, you may end up spending more than you should on paper. Having the right paper available to meet specific needs is a must for any busy office performing a variety of functions like copying and printing. It is important to understand which paper fits each specific need so that you know which TBS product is best for each project. In this article, we will tackle one of the most common questions about choosing paper: What is the difference between copy paper and printer paper?
What Does “20 Pound Ream” or “24 Pound Ream” Mean, Does This Distinguish Between Copy Paper and Printer Paper?
Yes. In California and the rest of the country, the most common convention that distinguishes copy paper from printer paper is the weight convention. Some paper is labeled as multipurpose or copier paper, and some is labeled as color copy or laser paper. Note the label on these two different sets of paper. Multipurpose or copier paper also shows “20-pound” bond paper, while most color copy or laser paper shows “24-pound” to “28-pound” bond paper on their labels.
To be clear about the weight convention, let us first explain the value before the “pound” means. If a package says “20-pound” ream of bond paper, that means 500 sheets of bond paper with a size of 17 inches by 22 inches weighs 20 pounds. The paper mill cuts these reams into four segments to make your letter-sized paper commonly used in every office. That means a 500-sheet ream of 20-pound bond paper weighs 5 pounds. Therefore, a “24-pound” ream of bond paper is heavier per sheet.
The heavier the paper weight, the more stringent printing requirements it can take on. That means a 24-pound bond paper is pricier and used for external correspondence or more formal purposes such as your company’s letterhead, invitations, menus, and formal reports. Moreover, 24-pound bond paper can handle more graphic-intensive printing than a sheet from a 20-pound ream. At the same time, the cheaper 20-pound ream, which is commonly labeled as “copy paper,” is meant for internal memos, copier, and less graphic-intensive documents.
Modern paper manufacturers constantly improve paper quality over time without increasing the thickness. They can do so by optimizing the brightness levels of the paper surface to take on a more vibrant color. Adding ingredients to the paper allows this type of copy paper, even those available at 20-pounds, to take on heavier printing tasks making them more versatile.
However, the lightest weight available is a 16-pound ream. While this may be the least expensive option, it will not be as versatile as its heavier counterparts. For the most part, this variant of copy paper is used for photocopiers or when one-side printing is required with black ink only because it is not thick enough to carry vibrant colors without bleeding through.
Other Paper Weights and Their Uses
Aside from copy paper, marketed as 20-pound ream, and printer paper, sold as 24-pound ream, there are other types of paper classified by weight:
Bond Paper:
Bond paper is the most commonly used paper in offices today. Most people refer to this thickness as printer paper. This paper comes in 16-pound, 20-pound, 24-pound, 28-pound, 32-pound, and 36-pound reams. All of these weight variants can run safely through office inkjet printers. The thickest variants can better handle color graphics and provide a more luxurious feel to more formal documents. For instance, contracts and business proposals bearing the company’s letterheads use the thicker variants such as the 32-pound or 36-pound bond paper ream weights.
Text Paper:
Text Paper is for commercial printing, namely for brochures or stationery. These come in 50-pound, 60-pound, 70-pound, 80-pound, and 100-pound reams. Note that these are not named “printer paper” because most laser printers and copiers can’t run these types of heavier pap
Card Stock:
These types of paper are stiff and thick and known as “cover paper.” These resemble light cardboard. It sold in weights ranging from 60-pound reams to 120-pound reams.
Index Paper:
As its name suggests, this paper is for index cards, folders, and postcards. These thick paper variants come in 90-pounds, 110-pounds, and 140-pound reams.
Tag Paper:
Tag paper is the thickest commercially-available variant of paper which comes in 100-pound and 200-pound reams. These are used for price tags, door hangers, and signs.
Making The Most of Your Copy Paper: Brightness
A1 Copy Paper Case 20lb, 95 Brightness, 10 Ream Case, 5000 Sheets, 500 sheet/Ream
Paper is made of virgin pulp that is optimized by paper mills with the addition of ingredients such as titanium dioxide to improve its brightness levels. Paper brightness is expressed in values on a number scale from zero to 100. The scale measures the amount of blue light reflected off the paper’s surface. The higher the number, the more light it reflects. The quality of the form affects its brightness level. The brighter the paper is rated, the more vibrant colors will look when printed on that paper. On the other hand, the cheapest copy paper has ratings below 90, so printing on these in color looks more washed-out.
The copy paper sold by TBS is of the highest quality for its thickness. Despite being marketed as 20-pound reams, this paper is versatile enough to carry colored ink for double-sided printing. Please note that our copy paper’s paper brightness levels from A1 and Double-A are at 95 and 96. This is considered premium quality paper and can work well with any printer type available in offices as well as photocopiers and fax machines. Not only does this paper cost about 20% less than paper of the same quality from our competitors, but being able to buy just one type of paper for all your needs also saves you more in the long run.
Takeaways: Why TBS Business Solutions Provides The Best Value for Copy Paper on The Market
With its two paper products, TBS Business Solutions provides the perfect combination of high quality and versatility at a price point that is economically feasible for any office. These products have the thickness and the brightness that can take on just about any office printing requirement including graphs, charts, and an occasional photo in reports. Though classified as a “copy paper,” its weight allows it to take on heavier tasks commonly associated with 24-pound printer paper. The printing result is beautifully vibrant at this brightness level. Moreover, it is sturdy and thick enough to reduce waste by allowing for double-sided printing. For more details on the types of paper we sell and to learn more about our office supplies and other products, you can contact us or call us at (888) 542-9888.