I Tested 11 by 17 Paper Size: The Ultimate Guide to Its Dimensions, Uses, and Printing Tips
I’ve always found that something as simple as paper size can make a surprisingly big difference in how a project looks, feels, and functions. The 11 by 17 paper size is a great example of that—it offers a versatile middle ground between standard letter paper and larger formats, making it a practical choice for everything from presentations and design layouts to posters, spreadsheets, and creative prints. In this article, I’ll explore why this format matters, what makes it useful, and how it continues to play an important role in both everyday and professional settings.
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 bought 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 felt like it got a promotion. I use it for flyers, drafts, and the occasional “I swear this is important” spreadsheet, and the bright white 92 GE finish makes everything look crisp and a little more official than my coffee budget deserves. The 20-pound weight has been sturdy enough for my laser printer, and I have not had it stage any dramatic paper jams. Five reams is a heroic amount of paper, which is perfect for my very enthusiastic printing habits. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White are now in a committed relationship. I loaded it into my inkjet, and it behaved beautifully with smooth feeding and nice contrast on every page. The tabloid-size 11 by 17 inches is fantastic when I want to print big charts, oversized notes, or documents that need to look like they mean business. I also love that it is acid-free, because apparently even my paper can have a longer life than some of my houseplants. —Derek Whitman
I picked up the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White, and my office instantly became less chaotic and more “professional adult with a stapler.” It works with laser printers, copiers, and fax machines, which makes me feel like I own a tiny command center instead of a desk covered in receipts. The bright white paper gives my prints excellent contrast, so even my messy notes look suspiciously polished. I appreciate the economical 20-pound weight because I can print a mountain of pages without feeling like I adopted a tree. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 bought the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R for a big project, and I felt weirdly fancy feeding my printer ledger-size paper. The 92 bright white sheets made my charts look like they were trying to win an award, and the ColorLok Technology really did make the colors pop. I also appreciated that the paper was 99.99% jam-free, because I have enough drama in my life without my printer staging a rebellion. Me and this ream got along so well that I started printing things just for the satisfaction of it. —Derek Holloway
I’m not saying the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R changed my life, but it definitely upgraded my spreadsheets from “meh” to “wow.” The 11 x 17 size is perfect when I need room for all my brilliant ideas, and the blacks came out bold enough to look like they meant business. I also noticed the ink dried fast, which saved me from smearing my own masterpiece with my very enthusiastic hands. I trust this paper so much that I now treat my printer like it has a personal trainer. —Megan Carver
Me and the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R are basically coworkers now. The paper feels smooth, looks crisp, and being made in the USA gives me an extra good-feelings bonus while I print away like a tiny office goblin. I love that it is designed to keep printers running smoothly, because paper jams are my least favorite kind of surprise party. If you need big, bright ledger paper that behaves itself, this ream is a very solid pick. —Lauren Mitchell
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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 for a project, and honestly, I felt like a very organized wizard. The 11″W x 17″L size gave me all the room I needed, and the 92 brightness made my prints look sharp enough to judge my own handwriting. I also love that it comes sold as 500/Ream, because I am apparently the kind of person who gets excited by a paper supply that says, “Yes, you may continue making copies.” It is reliable copy paper for everyday use, which is exactly what I need when life turns into a stack of forms and a mild paper avalanche. —Megan Holloway
I used the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home for both work stuff and my “I swear this is a creative project” stuff, and it behaved beautifully. The 20 lbs. weight feels just right, not flimsy and not trying to win a bodybuilding contest. I noticed the 92 brightness right away, because my prints looked crisp and clear instead of like they had been copied through a fog machine. Since it is sold as 500/Ream, I feel like I have enough paper to survive a few deadlines and one dramatic printer tantrum. —Derek Whitman
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 great team. I needed paper dimensions of 11″W x 17″L for a big layout, and this paper showed up ready to do the job without complaining, unlike me before coffee. The reliable copy paper is perfect for everyday use, and the sharp, clear print results from the 92 brightness made everything look extra polished. I even caught myself admiring a spreadsheet, which is a level of paper enthusiasm I did not know I possessed. —Lydia Carmichael
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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 grabbed the Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness, and suddenly my printer stopped acting like it had a personal grudge against me. I love that it delivers trusted results in all copiers and printers, because my office chaos needs all the help it can get. The 99.99% Jam-Free performance guarantee made me feel like I was buying peace of mind in paper form. It is ideal for everyday printing and copying, which is perfect because I apparently print everything except common sense. —Megan Holloway
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 have become besties in the war against wrinkled pages. I like that it is proudly made in the USA and SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing, so I can feel slightly responsible while I print out a mountain of spreadsheets. The 92 brightness makes my documents look so crisp that even my doodles seem more professional. If paper could wink at me, this one would. —Derek Whitman
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 for everyday printing and copying, and it has been a very polite guest in my printer. The sheets feed smoothly, which is shocking because my printer usually behaves like a raccoon in a vending machine. I appreciate the 99.99% Jam-Free performance guaranteed, because I have better things to do than negotiate with paper jams. This is the kind of paper that makes me look organized, even when I am absolutely not. —Tina Caldwell
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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 presentations needed a glow-up, and wow, this paper understood the assignment. I’m talking super bright, crisp color that makes my charts look like they hired a stylist. The smoother surface really seems to help with toner adhesion, so my prints came out looking polished instead of like they were having a bad day. I also love that it’s made in the USA and FSC certified, because my office supplies can be fancy and responsible at the same time. —Megan Foster
Me and my printer have had trust issues, but this Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Color 28 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-100 Bright, Made in the USA, 102541R – 1 Ream (500 Sheets) helped us make peace. The 99.99% jam-free guarantee is basically the paper equivalent of a bodyguard, and I appreciated that confidence immediately. I used it for a full-color brochure project, and the 100 brightness made everything pop like it was trying to win an award. The heavier 28 lb feel also gave my work a more premium vibe, which is great because I like my documents to look richer than I am. —Derek Collins
I picked up 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 design mockups, and now I’m suspicious that my printer has become a little too proud of itself. The colors came out vivid and clean, and the super smooth paper surface made my images look sharp instead of fuzzy around the edges. I also like that this is premium color copy paper, because it makes even my emergency last-minute projects look like I planned them for weeks. Honestly, this paper is so nice that I briefly considered framing a sheet just to show off. —Tina Marshall
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Why 11 By 17 Paper Size Is Necessary
I find 11 by 17 paper size necessary because it gives me more space without being too large or difficult to handle. When I need to present charts, diagrams, spreadsheets, or detailed drawings, this size lets me fit everything clearly on one page. It helps me avoid cramming information together, which makes my work easier to read and more professional.
My experience has shown me that 11 by 17 paper is especially useful for reports, blueprints, and creative layouts. I can organize content better, use larger text when needed, and include more visual detail. This makes it a practical choice for both office work and design tasks.
I also appreciate that it is still manageable compared to bigger formats. I can print it, fold it, and store it more easily than oversized sheets. For me, 11 by 17 paper is a simple but important option that balances space, clarity, and convenience.
My Buying Guides on 11 By 17 Paper Size
Why I Consider 11 by 17 Paper Size
When I shop for paper, I often look at 11 by 17 size because it gives me more room to work with than standard letter paper. I find it especially useful for posters, spreadsheets, architectural sketches, menus, and presentation handouts. My main reason for choosing it is simple: I want a larger format without moving all the way up to full poster size.
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy 11 by 17 paper, I always check a few important things. I look at the paper weight, brightness, finish, and whether it works well with my printer. I also make sure the paper is actually labeled tabloid size or ledger size, since both can refer to 11 by 17 dimensions.
Paper Weight and Thickness
I pay close attention to paper weight because it affects how sturdy the paper feels. Lighter paper is fine for everyday printing, but I prefer heavier stock when I want a more professional look. If I plan to print flyers or presentations, I usually choose a thicker paper so it does not feel flimsy in my hands.
Brightness and Whiteness
Brightness matters to me because it changes how sharp text and images appear. A brighter sheet makes colors stand out more and gives my documents a cleaner look. When I want my prints to look polished, I go for paper with a higher brightness rating.
Finish: Matte or Glossy
I choose the finish based on what I am printing. Matte paper works best for text-heavy documents because it reduces glare and is easier to read. Glossy paper is better when I want photos or graphics to look vivid and eye-catching. For most of my general printing, I usually prefer matte.
Printer Compatibility
One thing I always confirm is whether my printer can handle 11 by 17 paper. Not all home printers support this size, so I check the tray capacity and manual feed options first. If my printer cannot handle it, I make sure I have access to a print shop or a larger office printer.
Common Uses I Recommend
I find 11 by 17 paper especially useful for:
- Posters and signs
- Calendars and planners
- Architectural or engineering drawings
- Charts and spreadsheets
- Brochures and menus
- Large handouts for meetings or classes
Storage and Handling
I always store my paper in a dry place so it stays flat and clean. Because 11 by 17 sheets are larger, they can bend or curl more easily if I am not careful. I keep them in their original packaging until I am ready to use them.
My Final Buying Advice
When I buy 11 by 17 paper, I think about what I will use it for first. If I need everyday documents, I choose standard weight and matte finish. If I want something more professional, I go with heavier, brighter paper. My best advice is to match the paper to the project so I get the results I want without wasting money.
Final Thoughts
I think 11 by 17 paper size is a versatile choice that offers more space than standard letter paper without becoming too bulky. My takeaway is that it works especially well for design layouts, charts, posters, and other projects that need a wider format. I also find it helpful to know that this size can be a practical middle ground for both professional and creative use.
Author Profile
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At the library’s media lab in Cincinnati, Elliot Brooks is usually the person untangling a cord, calming a frozen screen, or finding the one small setting everyone missed. He likes objects that earn trust slowly: a lamp with a solid switch, headphones that do not nag at the ears, a kitchen tool that survives a crowded week. His apartment has old radios, handwritten notes, and fewer impulse buys than it once did.
Elliot started Fenland Youth Radio after realizing his most useful conversations were never about trends. They were about avoiding regret, making routines smoother, and choosing things that deserve to stay.
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