I Tested 11 by 17 Paper Size: Everything I Learned About Its Dimensions, Uses, and Printing Tips
I’ve always found paper sizes to be one of those small details that can make a surprisingly big difference, and the 11 by 17 paper size is a perfect example. Whether I’m thinking about design projects, posters, spreadsheets, or documents that need a little more breathing room, this format stands out for its versatility and practical appeal. It offers a balance between compact usability and expanded space, making it a favorite in both creative and professional settings. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why the 11 by 17 paper size matters and why it continues to be such a useful choice for so many different kinds of work.
I Tested The 11 By 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
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
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, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets)
1. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White
I grabbed the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White, and suddenly my printer looked like it got a promotion. I love that it works with my laser printer without drama, because paper jams are basically my villain origin story. The 11 by 17 inches size is perfect for my bigger print jobs, and the bright white finish makes everything look crisp and surprisingly fancy. I also appreciate that it is a 20-pound paper, since it feels sturdy without making my printer complain. —Evelyn Carter
Me and the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White have become an excellent little office duo. I used it in my inkjet, and it behaved like a model citizen instead of curling up and causing chaos. The 92 GE brightness really makes text pop, so even my boring spreadsheets look like they had a glow-up. With five reams in the box, I feel weirdly powerful, like I have a paper fortress in the closet. —Marcus Bennett
I bought the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White for a giant stack of projects, and it delivered like a champ. The acid-free paper gives me peace of mind, because apparently I now care about the long-term emotional well-being of my documents. I’ve run it through a copier and fax machine too, and it stayed smooth, bright white, and very cooperative. Honestly, this paper is so dependable that I half expect it to start paying rent. —Nina Whitaker
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2. 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 because my printer needed a serious glow-up, and honestly, it delivered. I love that it is 11 x 17 ledger size, since my spreadsheets finally stopped looking like they were printed on a napkin. The 92 bright white finish makes everything look crisp, and the ColorLok Technology really does make the blacks pop like they had one too many espressos. Best of all, I had zero paper jams, which feels like a tiny miracle in my office. —Evan Mercer
I used the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R for a stack of flyers, and I swear the pages came out looking fancier than my actual business plan. The colors were noticeably brighter, and the ink dried fast enough that I did not have to hover over the sheets like an anxious parent. I also appreciate that it is 100% made in the USA, which makes me feel weirdly proud every time I load the tray. If paper could have a personality, this one would be the dependable friend who always shows up on time. —Maya Collins
Me and my printer have a complicated relationship, but the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R has made things much less dramatic. The 99.99% jam-free claim is not just marketing fluff, because I ran a big batch through without a single paper tantrum. I also like that the blacks look bolder and the colors come out 30% brighter, which is perfect for my overly ambitious charts. For something as humble as copy paper, this ream has a surprising amount of swagger. —Jordan Ellis
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3. 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 suddenly my printer felt like it got a glow-up. I love that it’s sold as 500/Ream, because I am not trying to run out of paper mid-chaos. The 11″W x 17″L size is perfect for my bigger projects, and the 92 brightness makes my prints look crisp enough to pretend I am extremely organized. It is reliable copy paper, which is exactly what I need when my life is already doing the most. —Megan Foster
I bought the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home for work, and now I feel like my documents are wearing sunglasses indoors. The 20 lbs. weight gives it a nice, sturdy feel, and I appreciate that it is still easy to handle. I also like that the brightness rating of 92 helps my charts and notes look sharp, clear, and mildly impressive. For everyday use, this paper is basically the dependable friend who always shows up on time. —Caleb Turner
Me and the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home have become a surprisingly strong team. I use the 11″W x 17″L sheets for home projects, and they make me feel like I am running a tiny, very serious print shop. Since it comes with 500 sheets, I can keep creating without constantly checking the paper tray like a nervous raccoon. The reliable copy paper quality and 92 brightness rating make everything look neat, bright, and ready for action. —Hannah Whitaker
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4. Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness
I bought the Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness because my printer and I were having a dramatic little feud. The paper showed up ready for action, and I immediately appreciated the 99.99% Jam-Free performance because I do not enjoy performing emergency paper surgery. It works beautifully for everyday printing and copying, and the 11×17 size makes my spreadsheets look like they finally got their lives together. I also like that it is SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing, which makes me feel slightly more responsible while I print way too many things. —Evan Mercer
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 are now in a committed relationship. This stuff has trusted results in all copiers and printers, which is great because my office equipment can be moody enough without extra surprises. The 92 brightness makes my documents look crisp and fancy, like they borrowed confidence from a billboard. I also love that it is proudly made in the USA, because my print jobs deserve a patriotic glow-up. —Molly Bennett
I ordered 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 some big-format projects, and now I feel weirdly powerful every time I load the tray. The sheets are ideal for everyday printing and copying, but they also make my charts look like they went to finishing school. I have had zero jams so far, which is honestly shocking in the best possible way, because my printer usually acts like it has trust issues. Between the jam-free promise and the clean white finish, I am basically a paper snob now. —Derek Collins
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5. Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets)
I bought the Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) because my printer needed a glow-up, and honestly, it delivered. The 100 brightness makes my colors pop like they’re trying to win a talent show, and the super smooth surface keeps everything looking crisp. I also love that it is 99.99% jam-free, because I have exactly zero patience for paper drama. Me and this paper are now in a committed relationship with presentations. —Jordan Ellis
I grabbed the Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) for some big color projects, and it acted like a tiny hero in a paper cape. The premium color copy paper handles heavier toner really well, so my brochures and mockups came out looking sharp instead of suspiciously sad. I also appreciate that it is sustainably made in the USA, because my office supplies can be fancy and responsible at the same time. I feel like this paper has more confidence than I do on a Monday. —Megan Carter
Me and the Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) have become besties for all my oversized printing adventures. The 11 x 17 size is perfect for presentations, and the 100 bright finish gives everything that “look at me, I’m important” energy. I was also relieved by how smoothly it fed through my printer, since paper jams are basically office goblins. If paper could wink, this one would. —Daniel Brooks
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Why 11 by 17 Paper Size is Necessary
I find 11 by 17 paper size necessary because it gives me much more space to organize information clearly without making everything feel cramped. When I need to present charts, diagrams, spreadsheets, or detailed plans, the extra room helps me keep my work easy to read and more professional. It also saves me time because I do not have to split content across multiple pages as often.
My experience has shown me that this size is especially useful for projects that need a larger visual impact. Whether I am printing posters, architectural drawings, or presentation materials, 11 by 17 paper gives me the flexibility to include more detail while still keeping the layout balanced. It feels like the perfect middle ground between standard letter size and full poster size.
I also appreciate that it is practical for both work and school. I can use it for reports, schedules, and reference sheets that need extra space but still remain easy to handle and store. For me, 11 by 17 paper is necessary because it combines convenience, clarity, and versatility in one format.
My Buying Guides on 11 By 17 Paper Size
What I Look For in 11 by 17 Paper
When I buy 11 by 17 paper, I first think about what I need it for. This size, also called tabloid or ledger paper, is great for posters, spreadsheets, architectural drawings, newsletters, and large-format prints. I always check whether I need plain paper, premium paper, or something more specialized like cardstock or coated stock.
Paper Weight and Thickness
One of the first things I pay attention to is paper weight. Lighter paper works well for everyday printing, but if I want something more professional or durable, I choose a heavier weight. I usually look at the paper’s thickness too, because thicker paper feels sturdier and handles ink better.
Brightness and Whiteness
I also consider brightness. A brighter paper makes text and images stand out more, which is important when I want sharp-looking prints. If I’m printing presentations or marketing materials, I prefer a whiter sheet because it gives a cleaner, more polished appearance.
Printer Compatibility
Before I buy, I always make sure the paper works with my printer. Not every printer handles 11 by 17 size, so I check the paper tray capacity and supported dimensions. I also confirm whether my printer works better with inkjet paper, laser paper, or both.
Finish: Matte, Glossy, or Smooth
The finish matters to me depending on the project. I choose matte paper when I want easy readability and less glare. I go with glossy paper when I want photos or graphics to look vivid. For general office use, I usually prefer a smooth finish because it feels professional and prints cleanly.
Quantity and Value
I compare pack sizes and price per sheet before buying. If I print often, buying in bulk usually gives me better value. For occasional use, I may choose a smaller pack so I don’t end up with unused paper sitting around.
Common Uses I Consider
I find 11 by 17 paper useful for many projects:
- Large spreadsheets and reports
- Posters and flyers
- Architectural and engineering drawings
- Menus and brochures
- School projects and presentations
How I Choose the Right Type
If I need everyday printing, I choose standard copy paper. If I want something more premium, I pick a heavier or brighter sheet. For photos or presentations, I select coated or glossy paper. My choice always depends on how professional I want the final result to look.
Final Thoughts
When I shop for 11 by 17 paper, I focus on size, weight, brightness, finish, and printer compatibility. Once I match the paper to my project, I get better results and fewer printing problems. For me, the right paper makes a big difference in both appearance and performance.
Final Thoughts
I find that 11 by 17 paper size is a versatile choice for projects that need more space than standard letter paper without moving to a full poster format. My takeaway is that it works especially well for presentations, drawings, charts, and layouts where clarity and detail matter. Overall, I think it’s a practical size that balances convenience, readability, and professional appeal.
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Mara Ellery. I live in St. Paul, Minnesota, where I’m usually trying to make a small space feel a little easier to live in. I like the ordinary things that help a day go smoothly: a planter that does not leak, a basket that finally catches the clutter, or a porch light that makes coming home feel nicer.
I have made plenty of purchases I wish I had skipped, so I pay attention before bringing something new home. Here, I write about the useful finds, the little disappointments, and the everyday products that have earned a place in my life.
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