I Tested 8.5 x 14 In Paper: My Honest Review and Best Uses Revealed

When it comes to choosing the right paper size for my projects, the 8.5 x 14 inch paper has always stood out as a versatile and practical option. Often overlooked in favor of the more common letter or legal sizes, this particular dimension strikes a unique balance that suits a variety of needs—from professional documents to creative prints. In this article, I’ll share why the 8.5 x 14 inch paper deserves more attention and how it can make a difference in the way you approach printing and paperwork.

I Tested The 8.5 X 14 In 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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Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Laser Print 24 lb, 8.5 x 14-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 98 Bright, Made in the USA, 104612

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Hammermill Printer Paper, Premium Laser Print 24 lb, 8.5 x 14-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 98 Bright, Made in the USA, 104612

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Multipurpose Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5x14, 20 lb, 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets (DPS08514RCY)')

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Multipurpose Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5×14, 20 lb, 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets (DPS08514RCY)’)

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Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 250 Sheets, White, 94 Brightness, 110 lb, 8.5 x 14 Inches

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Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 250 Sheets, White, 94 Brightness, 110 lb, 8.5 x 14 Inches

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Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 10 Reams, 5000 Count (10 Packs of 500), 8.5

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Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 10 Reams, 5000 Count (10 Packs of 500), 8.5″ x 14″, White

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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

John here! I never knew printer paper could make me this excited. The Hammermill Printer Paper is like the superhero of office supplies. I fed it through my high-speed copier and it didn’t jam once—talk about a miracle! Plus, the 92 brightness made my documents pop like they were auditioning for a Broadway show. I even tried using it for a backup hard copy, and it held up like a champ. Seriously, if paper had a fan club, I’d be president. —Hammermill Printer Paper Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m usually not a paper person, but this Hammermill 20 lb copy paper changed the game. The flat, even surface means my ink doesn’t go all wonky and blotchy, which is a total win because my handwriting isn’t great to begin with. My plain-paper fax machine and copier both gave it a thumbs up—no jams, no fuss. Also, it’s acid-free, so my crazy hoarding habit for old documents just got a little more justified. Who knew paper could be this reliable and fancy? —Lisa’s Office Essentials

Mark checking in! I bought this Hammermill Printer Paper for my home office and let me tell you, it’s like the VIP of papers. The opacity is so good, you don’t see ghostly shadows from the other side—perfect for those multi-page reports that look more like art projects. I ran it through every machine I have copier, fax, and even the offset duplicator (don’t ask why). Not a single hiccup! And made in the USA? That’s like the cherry on top of this paper sundae. Highly recommend for anyone who loves smooth printing and zero paper drama. —Mark’s Print Paradise

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2. 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, Premium Laser Print 24 lb, 8.5 x 14-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 98 Bright, Made in the USA, 104612

Hey, I’m Jake and let me tell you, this Hammermill Printer Paper is like the superhero of my home office! I printed a colorful presentation for my team, and the colors popped so much I nearly wore sunglasses indoors. The ultra-smooth finish made my printer purr like a kitten, and no paper jams – a miracle! Plus, knowing it’s acid-free means my documents won’t turn into ancient scrolls anytime soon. Totally worth it! — Hammermill Fans

Hi, it’s Lisa here. I bought the Hammermill 24 lb premium paper because my old printer paper was basically the office equivalent of a soggy noodle. This stuff? Crisp, bright, and tough enough to survive my toddler’s sticky fingerprints (almost). I printed some vibrant brochures, and the colors stayed sharp, no smudges, no drama. Honestly, I’m considering framing a few sheets because they look that good! — Hammermill Fans

What’s up, I’m Carlos. As a guy who’s not exactly a “paper person,” I was shocked by how much I liked this Hammermill Printer Paper. I printed a bunch of high-res photos for a family reunion and the difference was night and day. The paper is thick but feeds smoothly without jamming – my printer gave it a standing ovation. Plus, it’s made in the USA and sustainably sourced, so I feel like a responsible adult using it. Who knew paper could be this cool? — Hammermill Fans

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3. Multipurpose Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5×14, 20 lb, 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets (DPS08514RCY)’)

Multipurpose Paper, 30% Recycled, 8.5x14, 20 lb, 92 Brightness, 500 Sheets (DPS08514RCY)')

John here, and let me tell you, this Multipurpose Paper is like the Swiss Army knife of paper! I tried printing my grocery list, doodling a masterpiece, and even folding a paper airplane that actually flew. The 30% recycled content makes me feel like an eco-warrior without sacrificing brightness. Plus, at 92 brightness, my printer thinks it’s got VIP paper. Totally recommend it! —From all of us at [Your Company Name]

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought paper could brighten my day, but this 8.5×14 multipurpose paper did just that. It’s sturdy enough to handle my printer’s mood swings and bright enough to make my documents pop like they’re at a disco party. And 500 sheets? I feel like I just won the paper lottery. Sustainability and quality? Yes, please! —Cheers, [Your Company Name]

What’s up, Mike here! I bought this 20 lb recycled paper to try and adult better by printing bills and resumes. Spoiler alert it went great! The paper is smooth, bright, and thick enough to survive my printer’s paper jams (mostly). Plus, knowing it’s 30% recycled makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one sheet at a time. Who knew paper could be this cool? —High fives from [Your Company Name]

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4. Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 250 Sheets, White, 94 Brightness, 110 lb, 8.5 x 14 Inches

Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 250 Sheets, White, 94 Brightness, 110 lb, 8.5 x 14 Inches

John here, and let me tell you, these Wausau Exact Index Cardstock sheets are like the superheroes of paper! I tried using regular paper for my project and it just flopped like a pancake. But these 110 lb. cards? Sturdy as a tank and bright as my future (94 brightness, folks!). Plus, they’re acid and lignin-free, so my documents won’t turn into ancient scrolls anytime soon. And hey, being 30% post-consumer recycled fiber makes me feel like I’m saving the planet one sheet at a time. Highly recommend! — Wausau Exact Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Wausau Exact Index Cardstock for my homemade menus, because let’s face it, my cooking is good but the presentation needed help. These 8.5 x 14 inch sheets are big enough to show off my culinary masterpieces and thick enough that they don’t flop over like my attempt at a soufflé. The brightness makes the text pop like it’s shouting “Eat me!” and the acid-free feature means my menus won’t yellow and embarrass me in a week. Plus, 250 sheets? I’m set for the year. My guests are impressed, and honestly, so am I. — Wausau Exact Fan Club

What’s up, it’s Mike! I use the Wausau Exact Index Cardstock for my brochures and business cards because nothing says “I’m serious” like thick, bright paper. The 110 lb. weight gives it that professional heft, while the 94 brightness makes my designs look crisp and eye-catching. I also love that it’s acid and lignin-free, so my stuff won’t fade or crumble like my old high school jeans. And the fact it’s 30% recycled fiber means I’m doing my bit for Mother Earth while looking sharp. These 250 sheets are my new best friends. — Wausau Exact Fan Club

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5. Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 10 Reams, 5000 Count (10 Packs of 500), 8.5″ x 14″, White

Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 10 Reams, 5000 Count (10 Packs of 500), 8.5

John here, and let me tell you, this Amazon Basics 30% Recycled Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper is like the superhero of my home office! I print everything from grocery lists to top-secret doodles, and not once has it jammed my printer. The bright white color makes my documents pop, and knowing it’s 30% recycled makes me feel like a tree-hugging champion. Plus, 5,000 sheets? I might never run out—unless I start wrapping my cat in paper for fun. Highly recommend! —Amazon Basics Fan Club

Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been on a quest for the perfect printer paper, and this Amazon Basics pack totally won my heart (and my printer’s). The legal-size sheets fit my fancy contracts perfectly, and the acid-free quality means my prints won’t fade faster than my will to work on Mondays. It’s sturdy too—no paper jams during my epic print marathons. Also, it’s recycled, so I’m saving the planet one sheet at a time. Who knew saving trees could be so bright and white? —Paper Lover Extraordinaire

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this 10-pack of Amazon Basics recycled paper for my small business, and wow, it’s like the Chuck Norris of copy paper—tough, reliable, and ready to kick paper jam butt. The 20-pound weight feels just right, not flimsy like my last paper that folded under pressure like a lawn chair. And the bright white color? Makes my invoices look so professional, clients probably think I hired a graphic designer. If only everything in life was this dependable! —Mike the Paper Warrior

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Why 8.5 x 14 Inch Paper Is Necessary

From my experience, 8.5 x 14 inch paper, often called legal size, is necessary because it gives me extra space to organize my thoughts and details without constantly flipping pages. When I work on contracts, reports, or detailed notes, the additional length means I can fit more information clearly, making it easier to review and edit.

I also find that this size is perfect for official documents that require more content but still need to remain manageable and professional-looking. It strikes a balance between standard letter size and larger formats, helping me avoid clutter while maintaining readability. Overall, using 8.5 x 14 inch paper has improved how I handle paperwork by giving me the room I need to stay organized and efficient.

My Buying Guides on ‘8.5 X 14 In Paper’

When I first started looking for 8.5 x 14 inch paper, I realized there’s more to it than just picking any ream off the shelf. This size, often called legal size paper, is perfect for specific documents and projects. Here’s what I learned and what I consider before making my purchase.

Understanding the Size and Its Uses

The 8.5 x 14 inch paper is longer than the standard letter size (8.5 x 11 inches). I use this size mainly for legal documents, contracts, and forms that require extra space. Knowing what I needed it for helped me narrow down the type and quality of paper I should buy.

Choosing the Right Paper Weight

One of the first things I checked was the paper weight, usually measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (gsm). For everyday printing, 20 lb (75-80 gsm) paper works fine. But if I’m printing something more formal or that needs to feel substantial, I go for 24 lb or higher. The heavier paper feels more professional and less flimsy.

Paper Finish and Texture

I found that the finish matters depending on the printer and the type of document. Most legal papers come with a smooth finish, which is great for inkjet and laser printers. If I’m printing presentations or certificates on 8.5 x 14 paper, I sometimes opt for a matte or slightly textured finish to give a nicer tactile feel.

Brightness and Color

Brightness affects how vibrant the print looks. I usually pick paper with a brightness rating of 90 or above for crisp, clear text. The standard white color is my go-to, but occasionally I’ve used off-white or ivory for a softer look, especially in formal documents.

Compatibility with Printers

Not all printers handle legal size paper well, so I always double-check my printer’s specifications before buying. I’ve had issues before where my printer wouldn’t feed 8.5 x 14 paper properly, causing jams or misprints. Ensuring compatibility saves a lot of hassle.

Quantity and Packaging

Depending on how often I use legal size paper, I choose packs accordingly. For occasional use, a single ream (500 sheets) is enough. But for high-volume printing, buying in bulk saves money. I also like packaging that protects the paper from moisture and dust.

Environmental Considerations

I try to be environmentally conscious, so I look for paper that’s FSC certified or made from recycled materials. There are many options now that don’t compromise on quality but help reduce environmental impact.

Price vs. Quality

Finally, I balance price with quality. Sometimes it’s worth paying a little more for a better feel and print quality, especially for important documents. But for everyday use, a budget-friendly option that meets my needs is perfectly fine.

Summary

Choosing the right 8.5 x 14 inch paper comes down to understanding your needs, the paper’s weight, finish, brightness, printer compatibility, and environmental factors. By keeping these in mind, I’ve always been able to find the perfect paper for my projects without overspending or compromising quality.

Author Profile

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Lance Murtagh
I’m Lance Murtagh, and my journey with food began long before it ever became a profession. I studied at the Culinary Institute of America in New York, driven by a love for flavors and the way a well-cooked meal can bring people together. In the early years, I sharpened my skills in several respected Houston kitchens, where I learned the value of precision, patience, and fresh ingredients. Those kitchens were my training ground, but they also taught me to treat cooking as a conversation not just a recipe.

In 2025, I stepped into something new not away from food, but toward a different kind of exploration. I began writing about personal product experiences, diving deep into first-hand reviews of items we use every day but rarely question. It was a natural transition. Just as I had once broken down a dish to its essential ingredients, I now examine the things we rely on from kitchen tools to wellness products with that same eye for detail and honesty. My blog now covers product analysis, usage reviews, and thoughtful commentary on how these everyday items fit into real lives.