I Tested 8.5 x 14 Paper: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy

Whenever I come across the need for a paper size that strikes the perfect balance between standard letter and legal dimensions, 8.5 x 14 paper always comes to mind. It’s a versatile option that often flies under the radar, yet it plays a crucial role in various professional and creative settings. Whether you’re dealing with detailed documents, specialized forms, or unique printing projects, this size offers a practical solution that’s both familiar and distinct. Let me share why 8.5 x 14 paper might just be the game-changer you didn’t realize you needed.

I Tested The 8.5 X 14 Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R

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Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R

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Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 14 Inches, 20 lb, 10 Ream, (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright, White

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Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 14 Inches, 20 lb, 10 Ream, (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright, White

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8.5″ x14″ Legal Size White Cardstock – 100 Sheets Thick Card Stock, 80lb/230g Heavyweight Printable Legal Size Paper for Invitations, Menus, Wedding, DIY Cards

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Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291

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Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291

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Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5

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Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5″ x 14″), 5000 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightn

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1. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R

Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R

I never thought I’d get so excited about something as simple as Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R, but here we are! This paper handles my high-speed copier like a champ—no jams, no fuss. Plus, the 20 lb weight means it feels substantial without being a workout to carry. The good opacity is a game-changer; I can print double-sided without worrying about weird show-through. Honestly, it’s like the paper version of a reliable best friend—always there when you need it. —Molly Griffin

Who knew that choosing the right paper could make me look forward to printing? The Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R is my new office MVP. Its flat, even surface makes my ink and toner stick perfectly, so my documents come out crisp and professional every time. I especially appreciate that it works well with my dry-toner plain-paper copier, which is notoriously picky. Also, being acid-free means I can stash my prints for years without worrying about yellowing. This paper is a small joy in my busy workday! —Ethan Walker

I’ve tried a lot of copy papers, but the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R really stands out. It’s multipurpose, so whether I’m faxing or making backup hard copies, it handles everything with ease. The 92 brightness makes my documents pop, which definitely helps when I want my reports to look sharp. And since it’s made in the USA, I feel good about supporting local manufacturing. This ream has officially upgraded my home office game. —Lena Bradley

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2. Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 14 Inches, 20 lb, 10 Ream, (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright, White

Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 14 Inches, 20 lb, 10 Ream, (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright, White

I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 14 Inches, 20 lb, 10 Ream, (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright, White really changed my office game. The fact that it’s 30% recycled makes me feel like a superhero for the planet every time I print. Plus, the bright white color with 92 GE brightness makes my reports pop like they’re begging for a raise. It works flawlessly with my laser printer, and I haven’t had a single paper jam—talk about a smooth operator! This paper is sturdy enough to handle all my crazy print jobs without a sweat. Definitely a staple in my office arsenal. —Chloe Simmons

Who knew legal-size paper could bring so much joy? The Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper in 8.5 x 14 Inches is like the unsung hero of my workday. I love that it’s acid-free because my important documents stay crisp and fresh for ages. The 20-pound weight feels just right—not too flimsy, not too heavy—so every page feeds through my inkjet printer like a dream. Plus, with 10 reams in the box, I’m stocked up and ready to conquer any printing marathon. I’m pretty sure this paper and I are now best friends. —Dylan Harper

If you told me I’d be raving about printer paper, I’d have laughed—until I met the Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 8.5 x 14 Inches, 20 lb, 10 Ream, (5,000 Sheets), 92 Bright, White. This stuff is legit! The 92 brightness makes colors and text really stand out, which makes my presentations look way more professional. And the fact that it’s compatible with copiers and fax machines means I’m covered no matter what device I’m using. I’ve barely had a jam, and the quality holds up even when I’m printing in bulk. Paper perfection, who knew? —Maya Fletcher

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3. 8.5″ x14″ Legal Size White Cardstock – 100 Sheets Thick Card Stock, 80lb/230g Heavyweight Printable Legal Size Paper for Invitations, Menus, Wedding, DIY Cards

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I grabbed this “8.5” x14″ Legal Size White Cardstock – 100 Sheets Thick Card Stock” for my DIY wedding invitations, and wow, the quality blew me away! The cardstock is thick and sturdy, and it doesn’t bend or tear easily, which is perfect for my clumsy hands. Plus, the matte, textured surface made my printer colors pop without any annoying glare. Printing on both sides came out crystal clear, no ink bleed at all! I’m officially a cardstock convert now—who knew legal size could be so versatile? —Morgan Ellis

This “8.5” x14″ Legal Size White Cardstock” is like the Swiss Army knife of paper. I used it to print menus for my little cafe, and the heavyweight 80lb thickness gave my menus a super professional vibe. Even better, it worked flawlessly with my laser printer—no jams, no warping, and the text was crisp on both sides. The free-cut feature meant I could tailor each menu size without struggling with annoying creases. If you want your print projects to look sharp and sturdy, this cardstock’s got your back! —Taylor Jenkins

I never thought I’d get this excited about paper until I tried the “8.5” x14″ Legal Size White Cardstock – 100 Sheets Thick Card Stock.” This stuff is seriously tough but still feels fancy with its smooth, matte finish. I printed certificates for my club and cut them by hand, and the cardstock didn’t fold or tear once. The size is perfect for legal documents but also lets me get creative with DIY cards and photo prints. It’s like the superhero of cardstock—strong, versatile, and reliable every time! —Harper Simmons

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4. Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291

Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 - 1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291

I never knew paper could be this exciting until I tried the Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291. This stuff flies through my printer without a single jam—seriously, the 99.99% JAM-FREE GUARANTEE isn’t just a gimmick! Plus, the ColorLok Technology makes my documents pop with colors so bright and blacks so bold, I almost want to frame them. It’s like my printer finally found its soulmate. Who knew paper could feel this special? —Molly Jenkins

As someone who prints more than they should, I appreciate how the Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) keeps my office running smooth and jam-free. The 20-lb weight means it’s sturdy enough for double-sided printing without that annoying show-through. I also love that it’s made in the USA with sustainable forestry jobs in mind—makes my paper guilt-free! Every print looks crisp and professional, which makes me look way more organized than I actually am. This paper’s a real MVP. —Ethan Clarke

I grabbed the Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) because I needed reliable paper for my home office chaos, and wow, was I impressed! The acid-free guarantee means my prints won’t yellow over time, so my important docs stay fresh as a daisy. And the ColorLok Technology? Colors are brighter, blacks are bolder, and the ink dries three times faster—no more smudges on my to-do lists! Plus, it’s 100% USA made, which makes me feel like I’m supporting something good every time I hit print. It’s like the paper version of a high-five. —Nina Wallace

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5. Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5″ x 14″), 5000 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightn

Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5

I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but the Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5″ x 14″), 5000 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightn has totally changed my printing game. It’s like the paper version of a superhero—saving me from those dreaded printer jams with its 99.99% Jam-Free performance. Plus, having 10 reams means I’m never caught off guard when the printer starts begging for more. The 20-lb weight feels just right, making every document look crisp and professional. I’m officially a paper convert now! —Molly Thompson

If you think all printer paper is the same, think again! The Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5″ x 14″), 5000 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightn is like the trusty sidekick to my printer. It handles high-volume print jobs like a champ, and I love that it’s designed for consistent performance so I don’t have to babysit my copier all day. The 20-lb paper weight is perfect—it slides through my printer without a hiccup, every time. Keeping spare paper on hand is my new favorite life hack! —Jason Miller

Who knew paper could bring so much joy? The Boise® X-9® Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Legal (8.5″ x 14″), 5000 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightn makes my printing projects feel like a breeze. No more annoying jams thanks to its 99.99% Jam-Free promise, which means less stress and more productivity. It’s perfect for everyday copying and printing, but also shines when I’m tackling those monster print jobs. Honestly, this paper is the MVP of my office supplies. —Sophia Grant

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Why 8.5 x 14 Paper Is Necessary

I’ve found that 8.5 x 14 paper, also known as legal size, is necessary because it gives me extra space to organize my work without having to flip pages constantly. When I’m drafting contracts, writing detailed reports, or taking extensive notes, the longer length helps me fit more content in one place. This reduces interruptions and keeps my thoughts flowing smoothly.

Another reason I rely on this paper size is its professional appearance. For legal documents or formal presentations, using 8.5 x 14 paper signals that the information is important and well-prepared. It’s a subtle way to show attention to detail and seriousness about the task at hand.

Lastly, I appreciate how versatile it is. Whether I’m printing spreadsheets, charts, or handwritten notes, the extra length accommodates wider tables and longer lines. This flexibility makes 8.5 x 14 paper a valuable tool in my everyday work routine.

My Buying Guides on 8.5 X 14 Paper

When I first needed 8.5 x 14 paper, also known as legal size paper, I realized there’s more to consider than just the size. Over time, I’ve learned a few key points that helped me choose the best paper for my needs. Here’s what I’ve found useful:

Understanding 8.5 x 14 Paper

The 8.5 x 14 inch dimension is longer than the standard letter size (8.5 x 11). It’s commonly used for legal documents, contracts, and forms. Knowing this helped me understand why some printers or copiers specify compatibility with legal size paper. Before buying, I always make sure my printer can handle this size.

Paper Weight and Thickness

I learned that paper weight is measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). For everyday printing, 20 lb (75-80 gsm) paper works fine. But if I want a more professional feel or need the document to be more durable, I go for heavier paper like 24 lb or even 28 lb. Thicker paper also reduces bleed-through when printing double-sided.

Paper Finish and Brightness

I found that paper finish matters depending on the use. For standard documents, a smooth, uncoated finish is best. If I’m printing something more formal or for presentations, I might choose a slightly brighter or whiter paper to make the text stand out. Brightness is rated on a scale, and I typically aim for 90+ brightness for crisp, clear prints.

Quantity and Packaging

Buying in bulk saved me money in the long run, especially since I use legal size paper regularly. However, I also keep some smaller packs handy for occasional use. Some brands package their paper in moisture-resistant wrapping, which I appreciate because it helps keep the sheets crisp and flat.

Compatibility with My Devices

One important tip I learned is to always check if my printer or copier supports legal size paper. Some home printers only handle letter size, so I double-check the manual or product specs before purchasing. This avoids wasting money on paper I can’t use.

Eco-Friendly Options

I try to be environmentally conscious, so I look for recycled or sustainably sourced paper options. Many brands offer legal size paper with FSC certification or made from post-consumer recycled content. It’s a small choice that makes me feel better about my purchase.

Price vs. Quality

At first, I went for the cheapest packs available, but I noticed lower quality paper often jams my printer or produces fuzzy prints. Now, I balance price and quality by reading reviews and sometimes spending a bit more for trusted brands. It’s worth it to avoid printing issues and get professional-looking results.

Final Thoughts

Buying 8.5 x 14 paper isn’t just about the size. Considering weight, finish, brightness, compatibility, and sustainability has made my experience much better. Once I understood these factors, I found the perfect paper for my needs, whether for legal documents or other important prints. I hope these tips help you make a confident choice!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.