What Is the Best Paper to Use in a Regular Printer?

Choosing the best paper for a regular printer sounds simple. But if you have ever dealt with paper jams, faded prints, or smudged ink, you know it matters more than you think.

The right paper improves print quality, reduces printer wear, and saves money in the long run.

Start with Your Printer Type

Before choosing paper, identify your printer type:

• Inkjet printer

• Laser printer

Each uses a different printing technology. Inkjet printers spray liquid ink onto paper. Laser printers use toner powder fused with heat.  The best paper depends on which printer you use.

Best Paper for Inkjet Printers

Inkjet printers need paper that absorbs ink properly without bleeding.

Recommended Paper:

• Standard multipurpose copy paper (20 lb / 75–90 GSM)
• Inkjet-specific paper for sharper results

Inkjet paper is designed with a slightly more absorbent surface. This prevents smudging and improves color vibrancy.

If you print mostly:

• Schoolwork
• Office documents
• Internal reports

Good-quality 20 lb copy paper works perfectly.

If you print:

• Photos
• Color graphics
• Marketing materials

Upgrade to inkjet photo paper or premium presentation paper for better clarity and richer colors.

Best Paper for Laser Printers

Laser printers generate heat during printing. That means the paper must tolerate high temperatures without curling.

Recommended Paper:

• Laser-compatible copy paper (20 lb / 75–90 GSM)
• Slightly heavier 24 lb paper for professional documents

Laser paper has a smoother surface and lower moisture content. This ensures toner bonds properly and produces crisp text.

For everyday office use, 20 lb laser paper is ideal. For contracts, presentations, or client-facing documents, 24-lb paper provides a thicker, more professional feel.

Understanding Paper Weight and GSM

Paper weight affects durability and print quality.

• 20 lb (75–80 GSM): Standard everyday printing
• 24 lb (90–100 GSM): Higher quality documents
• 28 lb (105+ GSM): Premium reports and presentations

For regular home or office printing, 20 lb paper is the best balance between cost and performance.

Heavier paper may feel nicer, but it can increase costs and may not feed smoothly in all printers.

Brightness Matters Too

Paper brightness affects how sharp your text looks.

Brightness levels range from 92 to 100+.

• 92–96 brightness: Good for everyday printing
• 97–100 brightness: Brighter white, sharper contrast

If you print a lot of text documents, higher brightness makes black ink stand out more clearly.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

Using the wrong paper can cause:

• Paper jams
• Curling
• Smudging
• Poor print quality
• Increased printer wear

Avoid using inkjet-only paper in a laser printer unless it’s labeled compatible. Also, avoid extremely cheap paper with rough surfaces, as it creates dust that can affect printer rollers over time.

What About Specialty Papers?

For certain uses, standard copy paper is not enough.

• Photo paper: Best for images and high-resolution prints
• Cardstock: For invitations or thicker documents
• Thermal paper: Used for POS receipt printers, not regular inkjet or laser printers

If you operate a retail business, your regular office printer uses copy paper, while your POS system uses thermal receipt rolls. Each requires the correct paper type for best performance.

Final Recommendation

So, what is the best paper to use in a regular printer?

For most homes and offices,

• 20 lb (75–90 GSM) multipurpose copy paper
• Brightness of 96 or higher
• Compatible with your specific printer type

It’s affordable, reliable, and works well for everyday printing.