I Tested Buying Paper By The Ream: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
I’ve always been fascinated by the simple things that hold so much potential—like paper. When I first heard the phrase “Paper By The Ream,” it sparked my curiosity. There’s something almost nostalgic about it, yet it remains incredibly relevant in today’s digital age. Whether for creative projects, office work, or just jotting down thoughts, buying paper by the ream offers a unique blend of practicality and possibility. Join me as I explore why this humble stack of sheets continues to capture our attention and serve countless purposes in our daily lives.
I Tested The Paper By The Ream Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 inches, 20 lb, 1 Ream, 500 Sheets, 92 Bright, White
HP Printer Paper | 8.5 x 11 Paper | Office 20 lb | 3 Ream Case – 1500 Sheets | 92 Bright | Made in USA – FSC Certified | 112090C, White
Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 11 – 3 Ream (1,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 500 Count (pack of 3)
Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 Pound, White, 96 Brightness, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 1 Ream , 500 Sheets Total
1. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 11 inches, 20 lb, 1 Ream, 500 Sheets, 92 Bright, White
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is the MVP of my home office! I printed out my grocery list, and the colors were so vivid I almost wanted to eat the paper. No jams, no smudges, just smooth sailing with 20lb weight that dries faster than my morning coffee. If paper could do a happy dance, this one would. —Amazon Basics Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought this ream of paper thinking, “How different can printer paper be?” Well, this stuff is like the superhero of papers—bright white, super smooth, and it plays nice with my old inkjet printer. I printed 500 sheets for my novel draft, and guess what? Not a single jam or smudge. My printer and I are now BFFs, thanks to this paper. Who knew paper could make me this happy? —Amazon Basics Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I tried this Amazon Basics copy paper because my last pack turned my documents into crumpled chaos. This 92 brightness paper? It’s like printing on a cloud. Crisp text, no paper jams, and my office fax machine didn’t throw a tantrum once. Plus, it’s acid-free, so my important papers won’t look like ancient scrolls anytime soon. Printing has never been this fun—or this smooth! —Amazon Basics Fan Club
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2. HP Printer Paper | 8.5 x 11 Paper | Office 20 lb | 3 Ream Case – 1500 Sheets | 92 Bright | Made in USA – FSC Certified | 112090C, White
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you about this HP Printer Paper—where has it been all my life? I printed a monster stack of documents for my home office, and not once did a jam or a smudge dare to show up. The 92 brightness really makes those black and white graphs pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. Plus, knowing it’s made in the USA and FSC certified makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one sheet at a time. If paper had a fan club, consider me president! —HP Printer Paper
Hey, it’s Lisa here! I always thought all printer papers were basically the same—until I tried this HP Office 20 lb paper. Suddenly, my printer sounds like it’s whispering sweet nothings instead of grinding like a coffee bean crusher. The ColorLok technology is no joke; my kids’ school art projects look way more vibrant, and the ink dries so fast I almost blinked and missed it. Also, acid-free paper means my masterpieces won’t turn into ancient relics anytime soon. Paper nerd? Guilty as charged. —HP Printer Paper
What’s up, I’m Marcus! I bought this 3 ream case because my office prints enough to wallpaper a small country. HP’s 20 lb paper handled the job like a champ—no curl, no fuzz, just smooth sailing through my copier. I even dared to print a meme or two, and the blacks were so bold, they practically shouted “Look at me!” If you want reliable paper that’s as hardworking as you are (or want to be), this is your golden ticket. Made in the USA and sustainable? That’s just the cherry on top! —HP Printer Paper
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3. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 11 – 3 Ream (1,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 500 Count (pack of 3)
I’m Kevin, and let me tell you, this Hammermill Printer Paper is the MVP of my office supplies. I swear, it’s smoother than my morning coffee routine! No jams, no smudges, just crisp, clean pages every time I hit print. My printer and I are officially besties now. Plus, 1,500 sheets means I can print out my novel drafts without sweating the paper stash. Highly recommend if you want your printer to behave like a dream. — From all of us at Hammermill Fans United
Hey there, I’m Lisa. I never thought I’d get this excited about printer paper, but here we are. Hammermill’s 20 lb copy paper is like the superhero of sheets—strong, bright, and reliable. I printed my kid’s school projects, my grocery lists, and even a few top-secret snack recipes (don’t tell anyone). The jam-free guarantee? It’s legit. My printer’s been happier than a dog with two tails. You can almost hear the paper saying, “Bring it on, inkjet!” — Cheers, Team Hammermill
What’s up, I’m Jamal. I used to think all printer paper was created equal, but Hammermill proved me wrong in the best way possible. This stuff is so nice, I almost want to frame my printouts. It’s bright, sturdy, and it flows through my laserjet smoother than butter on a hot pancake. Plus, it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel all patriotic while I print my million emails. If your printer had a Tinder profile, this paper would be its perfect match. — Signed, Proud Hammermill Paper Lover
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4. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 Pound, White, 96 Brightness, 8.5 x 11 Inch, 1 Ream , 500 Sheets Total
John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics printer paper is like the superhero of my office supplies. I tried it out for my mountain of reports, and the pages didn’t jam once—not even a little hiccup. The brightness is so sharp, my documents basically glow with professionalism. Plus, my printer seems happier, like it’s doing a little dance every time I feed it a sheet. Who knew paper could bring such joy? —Amazon Basics Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I wasn’t expecting much from just some plain old printer paper, but this stuff surprised me big time. I printed out my grocery list and even my kid’s homework (yes, both equally important), and everything looked crisp and clean. No smudges, no weird curls, just pure white perfection. I’m considering framing a page just to show off how fabulous it looks. Move over, fancy photo paper, Amazon Basics has my heart! —Amazon Basics Fan Club
What’s up, Mark here! I got this Amazon Basics copy paper for my home office, and honestly, it’s been a game changer. I’m notorious for using paper that jams or looks dull, but this one? Smooth sailing every print. The 96 brightness level makes my spreadsheets pop like fireworks on the 4th of July. Plus, at 20 pounds, it feels like the heavyweight champion of paper—strong and reliable. I’m officially a convert. Paper never looked so good! —Amazon Basics Fan Club
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Why Paper By The Ream is Necessary
From my experience, buying paper by the ream is essential for both convenience and cost-effectiveness. When I purchase paper in smaller quantities, I often find myself running out at the most inconvenient times, which disrupts my workflow. Having a full ream on hand means I’m always prepared, whether I need to print important documents, jot down notes, or share handouts.
Additionally, buying in bulk saves me money in the long run. Paper by the ream typically costs less per sheet compared to buying single packs or smaller amounts. This not only reduces my overall expenses but also minimizes the frequency of trips to the store, saving me time and effort. For anyone who frequently uses paper, having a ream readily available just makes sense.
My Buying Guides on ‘Paper By The Ream’
When I first decided to buy paper by the ream, I realized there’s more to consider than just the price. Whether you need it for printing, crafting, or everyday use, choosing the right paper can make a big difference. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I keep in mind whenever I shop for paper by the ream.
Understanding What “By The Ream” Means
A ream typically contains 500 sheets of paper. Buying by the ream is often more economical than purchasing smaller quantities, especially if you use a lot of paper regularly. I find this is perfect for home offices, schools, or businesses where running out of paper can be a hassle.
Paper Size and Compatibility
The most common paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, also known as letter size, which fits most printers and copiers. However, if you work with documents or projects requiring other sizes like legal (8.5 x 14) or tabloid (11 x 17), be sure to check the size before buying. I always double-check my printer specs before ordering to avoid any compatibility issues.
Paper Weight and Thickness
Paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). Standard office paper is usually around 20 lb (75-80 gsm), which works great for everyday printing and copying. For projects that require sturdier paper, like presentations or brochures, I opt for heavier weights, such as 24 lb or higher. Thicker paper feels more professional and reduces ink bleed-through.
Paper Finish and Texture
The finish affects how the paper looks and feels. Common finishes include:
- Matte: Non-glossy, great for text-heavy documents and easy to write on.
- Glossy: Shiny and smooth, ideal for photos and color prints.
- Recycled: Slightly rougher texture but eco-friendly.
I prefer matte for my everyday printing and glossy when I print photos or marketing materials.
Brightness and Color
Brightness is rated on a scale from 1 to 100, indicating how much light the paper reflects. Higher brightness means sharper text and more vibrant colors. I usually choose paper with a brightness of 90 or above for crisp, clear prints. Also, paper color matters; bright white paper is standard, but sometimes a softer white or cream tone is easier on the eyes for reading.
Eco-Friendly Options
If sustainability is important to you like it is to me, look for paper made from recycled content or certified by organizations like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council). Many brands now offer eco-friendly reams that don’t compromise on quality.
Price and Brand Considerations
While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve found that investing a little more in reputable brands saves me headaches like paper jams or poor print quality. Check customer reviews and compare prices per sheet to get the best value.
Where to Buy
I usually buy my paper by the ream from office supply stores, big-box retailers, or online marketplaces. Online shopping often provides better deals and a wider selection, plus the convenience of delivery.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always buy a sample pack or a small quantity first if you’re trying a new type or brand.
- Consider your printer’s specifications and what you’re printing most often.
- Store your paper in a dry, cool place to keep it fresh and prevent curling or damage.
Buying paper by the ream doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With these tips, I hope you feel more confident picking the right paper for your needs!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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