Printer paper varies by weight, thickness, finish, coating, and printer compatibility. Once you know what each type is meant for, the paper aisle gets much less mysterious.
Does this affect you?
Use this when choosing paper for home inkjet or laser printing, including everyday documents, reports, photos, cards, labels, and specialty projects.
The main paper types and what they are for
These run from everyday paper to specialty media.
- Standard copy/printer paper: usually 20 lb or about 75 to 80 GSM. Best for everyday documents, schoolwork, drafts, and general printing.
- Premium or presentation paper: often 24 to 32 lb or about 90 to 120 GSM. It feels thicker and brighter, making resumes, reports, and graphics look sharper.
- Cardstock: heavy, stiff paper used for cards, postcards, index cards, and crafts. Check your printer maximum weight before feeding it.
- Photo paper: coated paper for photos. Glossy looks shiny and vivid; matte reduces glare and fingerprints.
- Specialty paper: labels, transparencies, transfers, and other single-purpose media. Match it to inkjet or laser use.
More control
GSM is easier to compare than pounds
US pound ratings can be confusing because paper categories use different base sizes. GSM always means grams per square meter, so higher GSM always means heavier paper.
Do not put inkjet-only coated paper in a laser printer
Laser printers use heat to fuse toner. Inkjet photo coatings or transfers can melt or damage rollers if they are not laser-rated.
Check maximum paper weight
Many home inkjets can handle lighter cardstock through a rear or manual feed, but very heavy stock can jam or damage the feed path.
Sources
- HP Support – Choosing the Right Paper for Your Printer (2025)
- Epson – Understanding Photo Paper Types (2025)
- International Paper – Paper Weight and GSM Explained (2025)