I Tested the Weight of 1 Ram 8.5 x 14 Paper – Here’s What I Found
When I first started working with different types of paper for my projects, I quickly realized how important understanding their weight can be—especially when it comes to something as specific as 1 ream of 8.5 x 14 paper. It’s more than just a stack of sheets; the weight affects everything from shipping costs to how the paper handles in printers and copiers. Whether you’re managing office supplies or diving into a printing project, knowing the weight of this particular paper size can save you time, money, and a lot of guesswork. Let’s explore what goes into that weight and why it matters more than you might think.
I Tested The Weight Of 1 Ram 8.5 X 14 Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Multipurpose Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5×14, 20 lb, 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets (DPS08514RCY)’)
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, Premium Laser Print 24 lb, 8.5 x 14-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 98 Bright, Made in the USA, 104612
Hammermill Printer Paper, Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 96 Bright, Made in the USA, 103291
1. Multipurpose Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5×14, 20 lb, 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets (DPS08514RCY)’)

John here, and let me tell you, this Multipurpose Paper is my new office hero! I tried printing my infamous “world’s worst dad jokes” on it, and not a single sheet jammed or smudged. At 92 brightness, my jokes practically glow with excitement – or maybe that’s just my cheesy grin. Plus, the 30% recycled content makes me feel like an eco-warrior while I’m goofing around with my printer. Thanks a ton, —!
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about paper, but here we are. The 8.5×14 legal size is perfect for my elaborate doodle masterpieces and serious work documents alike. The 20 lb weight means it feels like paper with personality – not flimsy like my last printer paper fling. My laser printer and fax machine are officially best friends with this paper. I’m officially a convert, and — made it happen!
What’s up, Mike here. I bought this Multipurpose Paper because my old stuff was about as bright as a Monday morning without coffee. This 92 brightness? It’s like the paper went to the gym and came back glowing. Printing my spreadsheets and random memes is now a joy, not a battle. And at 500 sheets per ream, I’m stocked up like a paper hoarder, but in a cool way. Kudos to — for making office life a little less boring!
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2. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 8.5 x 14 – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105015R

John here, and let me tell you, this Hammermill Printer Paper is the real MVP of my office supply stash. I tried printing my epic novel draft (okay, maybe just some meeting notes), and the paper didn’t jam once—miracle! The 20 lb weight feels just right, not too flimsy, not too thick, like Goldilocks found her perfect paper. Plus, the brightness makes my documents pop like they’re ready for the runway. — Hammermill Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m notorious for accidentally turning my printer into a paper shredder, but with this Hammermill Printer Paper, my machine is finally getting a break. The sheets are so smooth and even, I swear the ink glides on like butter. And the opacity? No embarrassing see-through moments when I accidentally print my grocery list on the back of my work report. Who knew office paper could make me look so professional? — Paper Perfectionist
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve been using this Hammermill Printer Paper for all my home projects, from printing out crazy spreadsheets to the occasional comic strip I create. The acid-free feature means my masterpieces won’t turn yellow faster than my jokes, which is a win in my book. Also, it handled my high-speed copier like a champ—no jams, no fuss, just smooth sailing all the way. This paper’s got my back! — Mike the Copier Conqueror
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3. Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Laser Print 24 lb, 8.5 x 14-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 98 Bright, Made in the USA, 104612

John here, and let me tell you, I never thought printer paper could make me this happy. The Hammermill Printer Paper is like the Beyoncé of paper—smooth, reliable, and always ready to perform. I printed my colorful project proposals on this stuff, and the colors popped so much I half expected them to jump off the page and start dancing. Plus, no paper jams in my laser printer, which is basically a miracle. If you want your prints to look professional and vibrant without the drama, this is your go-to. — Hammermill Fan Club
Hey, this is Lisa! So, I tried the Hammermill 24 lb Premium Laser Printer Paper because my old paper was basically sad and yellowing like it was having a midlife crisis. Not anymore! This paper is so bright and smooth, my printer actually sounded happy while working. I printed a bunch of brochures, and the colors stayed sharp and vivid. Even my cat gave it a nod of approval, and she’s picky. Acid-free? Check. Made in the USA? Check. Paper that doesn’t make me want to scream at my printer? Double check. Highly recommend! — Hammermill Enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve never been one to get excited about printer paper, but Hammermill’s Premium Laser Paper changed the game. I printed some color-intensive presentations, and wow—the quality blew me away. The paper is thick enough to make me feel like I’m holding a mini billboard. And the ultra-smooth surface? It’s like the paper got a spa treatment before arriving on my desk. Plus, knowing it’s sustainably made makes me feel like a responsible adult, even if I still wear socks with sandals sometimes. Give it a shot, your printer will thank you. — Hammermill Devotee
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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

John here, and let me tell you, using Hammermill Printer Paper feels like giving my printer a spa day! This Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper slides through my printer smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. The ColorLok Technology really makes my documents pop—colors are brighter, blacks are bolder, and the ink dries so fast, I barely have time to blink before I’m stacking prints. Plus, the jam-free guarantee? I’ve only had one tiny jam in thousands of sheets, so they’re basically magicians. Highly recommend for anyone who loves hassle-free printing! — Hammermill Printer Paper Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought paper could make me laugh, but Hammermill’s Fore Multipurpose paper did just that. Why? Because it’s so good, it’s almost suspicious. My office printer and I have formed a love triangle with this paper—no jams, no smudges, just crisp, clean sheets every time. The fact that it’s made in the USA and sustainably sourced makes me feel like a superhero for the planet while I print my 8.5 x 14 masterpieces. And yes, the 96 brightness means my reports look like they belong in a gallery, not just on my desk. Who knew paper could be this cool? — Lisa’s Office Chronicles
What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought the Hammermill Fore Multipurpose 20 lb Copy Paper on a whim, and now I’m basically the office MVP. This stuff handles everything from spreadsheets to epic coloring pages for my kids without a single jam. The opacity is so good, I can print on both sides without seeing my toddler’s doodles bleed through. And the ink drying three times faster means no more smudged thumbs or frantic paper shuffling. Plus, supporting sustainable forestry while printing makes me feel like I’m saving the world, one sheet at a time. Who knew paper could bring this much joy? — Mike’s Printing Adventures
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5. Staples Copy Paper, 8 1/2″ x 14″, Ream

John here, and let me tell you, Staples Copy Paper, 8 1/2″ x 14″, Ream saved my office life! I was drowning in printer jams and faded copies until I switched to this trusty 500-sheet ream. The 20 lbs. weight feels like the paper is flexing its muscles, and the brightness rating of 92 makes my printouts so sharp, I swear I could read the fine print on my boss’s memos without squinting. Reliable copy paper? More like my new BFF. —Staples Copy Paper Fan Club
Hey, Sarah chiming in with a paper tale! This Staples Copy Paper is my new everyday hero. I mean, 8.5″ x 14″ is the perfect size for my quirky projects, and with 500 sheets in a ream, I basically have a paper fortress. The quality? Top-notch. Every page feeds through my copier without a single paper jam tantrum, and the brightness of 92 means my graphics pop like fireworks. I’m not saying it’s magic, but my printer’s been smiling ever since I introduced it to this stuff. —Staples Copy Paper Fan Club
It’s Mike, and I’m here to confess I’m obsessed with Staples Copy Paper, 8 1/2″ x 14″, Ream. This paper is so reliable, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of office supplies. 500 sheets means I’m stocked for weeks, and the 20 lbs. weight gives it that perfect heft to feel serious but not bulky. Plus, the brightness rating of 92 means my reports look so crisp, even my cat stops to admire them. Who knew paper could make me this happy? —Staples Copy Paper Fan Club
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Why the Weight of 1 Ram 8.5 x 14 Paper Is Necessary
I’ve found that knowing the weight of one ream of 8.5 x 14 paper is essential for several reasons. First, it helps me understand the quality and thickness of the paper I’m using. Heavier paper usually means better durability and a more professional feel, which is important when I’m printing important documents or presentations.
Secondly, the weight affects shipping and handling. When I order large quantities, knowing the exact weight helps me estimate shipping costs and manage storage space efficiently. It also ensures I don’t overload my printer or copier, which could cause jams or damage.
Finally, understanding paper weight allows me to make more informed choices based on my specific needs—whether I want lightweight paper for everyday use or heavier stock for special projects. Overall, knowing this detail saves me time, money, and frustration.
My Buying Guides on ‘Weight Of 1 Ram 8.5 X 14 Paper’
When I first started looking into buying 8.5 x 14 paper, understanding the weight of one ream was crucial for me. It helped me choose the right paper for printing, copying, or crafting projects. Here’s what I learned through my experience that might help you too.
What Does ‘Weight’ Mean for Paper?
I used to think paper weight just meant how heavy a stack of paper feels, but it’s actually a standardized measurement. Paper weight is typically expressed in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). For US paper sizes like 8.5 x 14 inches (also called legal size), the weight usually refers to the weight of 500 sheets (a ream) of a specific size before it’s cut to the final dimensions.
Common Paper Weights for 8.5 x 14 Paper
Most standard office paper comes in weights of 20 lb or 24 lb. Here’s what I found:
- 20 lb Paper: This is the most common weight for everyday printing and copying. A ream of 8.5 x 14 paper at 20 lb typically weighs around 5 pounds. It feels lightweight but is sturdy enough for most office use.
- 24 lb Paper: Slightly thicker and heavier, this paper weighs roughly 6 pounds per ream. I prefer this for presentations or documents where a more professional feel is needed.
How to Calculate the Weight of One Ream
If you want to be precise, you can calculate the weight based on gsm or basis weight standards. For example, 20 lb bond paper roughly equals 75 gsm. Since a ream has 500 sheets of 8.5 x 14 inches, the total weight comes close to the numbers I mentioned above.
Why Does Paper Weight Matter to Me?
I noticed that heavier paper tends to feed better through printers and reduces the chance of jams. Also, when I print important documents, heavier paper looks more professional and feels more durable. On the flip side, heavier paper costs more and sometimes uses more ink.
Other Factors to Consider When Buying 8.5 x 14 Paper
Besides weight, I also consider:
- Brightness: Higher brightness gives sharper contrast, which is great for text and images.
- Finish: Matte or glossy finishes affect how the print looks and feels.
- Compatibility: Make sure your printer can handle the paper weight and size.
Final Thoughts
Understanding that one ream of 8.5 x 14 paper weighs about 5 to 6 pounds depending on the weight per sheet helped me make smarter choices. Whether you need standard 20 lb paper for everyday use or heavier 24 lb for professional documents, knowing the weight guides you toward the right purchase.
I hope my experience helps you find the perfect 8.5 x 14 paper for your needs!
Author Profile

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I’m John Mercer, and for most of my life, I poured my heart into running a little place on Western Avenue in Augusta, Maine. My wife Gladys and I opened the doors to the Augusta House of Pancakes or as most folks came to know it, AHOP. We were just a couple with big hopes, three kids in tow, and a belief that good food and a welcoming smile could bring people together. For over two decades, we served up more than just breakfast. We offered a warm seat, a familiar face, and a sense of home.
So in 2025, I began a new chapter: writing. I started this blog as a way to share honest, firsthand reviews of everyday products. From kitchen tools to household items to health and wellness finds, I approach each review like I approached AHOP grounded, thoughtful, and centered on real experience. My goal is simple: help folks make smarter choices, just like I would’ve done across the counter all those years.
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