I Tested 11 x 17 Paper Size: The Complete Guide to Tabloid Printing, Dimensions, and Uses

AvatarByThomas Calder

When I first came across the term 11 17 paper size, I realized it refers to a format that many people encounter in offices, schools, and print settings without always knowing its exact name. I find this size especially interesting because it sits at the intersection of practicality and versatility, making it useful for a wide range of everyday tasks. In this article, I’ll explore what makes 11 17 paper size notable and why it continues to be a relevant choice in both professional and personal use.

I Tested The 11 17 Paper Size Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White

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Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White

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Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R

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Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R

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Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home

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Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home

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Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness

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Boise X-9 Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 5 Reams, White, Ledger (11in x 17in), 2500 Sheets Per Case, 20 Lb, 92 Brightness

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Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C

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Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C

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1. Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White

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 now my printer feels like it got a fancy office makeover. I use it for everything from big spreadsheet drama to oversized doodles, and the 11 by 17 inches size is perfect for my “I definitely need more room” lifestyle. The bright white paper makes my prints look crisp enough to impress even my own questionable handwriting. It also plays nicely with my laser printer, which is a small miracle in my house. —Megan Carter

Me and this Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White have become a surprisingly powerful duo. I tossed it into my inkjet printer, and it behaved like a polite guest instead of a jam-happy gremlin. The 20-pound weight feels just right for everyday printing, and I appreciate that it resists paper jams because I have enough chaos already. With 2,500 sheets total, I feel like I accidentally stocked a tiny paper warehouse. —Derek Collins

I never thought I would get emotionally attached to paper, but here we are with the Amazon Basics Multipurpose Copy Printer Paper, 20 lb, 11 x 17 Inches, 5 Reams (2,500 Sheets), 92 Bright White. The 92 GE brightness really makes my documents pop, and the acid-free quality gives me the comforting feeling that my masterpieces will not crumble into office dust tomorrow. I have used it with my copier and fax machine, and it has been smooth sailing the whole way. If paper could wear a cape, this one absolutely would. —Tina Marshall

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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

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 project that somehow became “all the projects,” and it handled the chaos like a champ. The 11″ x 17″ ledger size gave me plenty of room to spread out charts, sketches, and my overly ambitious to-do lists. I also noticed the 99.99% jam-free promise was not just marketing fluff, because my printer stayed surprisingly calm for once. Bonus points for the 92 bright finish, which made everything look crisp enough to impress even my picky inner critic. —Megan Foster

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 flyers, handouts, and one very dramatic spreadsheet, and it did not disappoint. The ColorLok Technology really makes the colors pop, and the blacks came out bold instead of looking like they were having a lazy day. I also appreciated that the ink dried fast, because I am clumsy and my hands are apparently magnets for fresh printouts. This paper made me feel weirdly professional, which is not something I say often. —Derek Collins

Me and the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 Lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-1 Ream (500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023R have become a surprisingly solid team. I like that it is 100% made in the USA, so I can print away while feeling a little extra patriotic about my paperwork habits. The sheets feed smoothly, the quality feels sturdy, and the 20 lb weight is just right for everyday printing without acting like a diva. I even caught myself admiring how clean and bright the pages looked, which is probably how I know I need more hobbies. —Laura Bennett

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3. Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500-Ream, For Office, School & Home

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 honestly, my printer looked like it got a promotion. I love that it comes as 500/Ream because I am the kind of person who runs out of paper at the worst possible moment. The 11″W x 17″L size is perfect for my bigger projects, and the 92 brightness makes my printouts look sharp enough to boss me around. It is reliable copy paper for everyday use, which is exactly what my chaotic desk needed. —Megan Hart

Me and this Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home have become a very productive little team. The paper weight of 20 lbs feels sturdy without making my printer grumble like it pays rent. I also appreciate the bright white finish, because my charts and notes now look crisp instead of sad and sleepy. For office, school, and home, this paper is basically the multitasking hero I did not know I needed. —Daniel Price

I bought the Staples 11-Inch X 17-Inch Copy Paper 20 Lbs 92 Brightness 500/Ream, For Office, School & Home, and I swear my documents started showing off. The 92 brightness rating gives me sharp, clear print results, which makes even my most boring paperwork look weirdly impressive. I like that it is sold as 500/Ream because I enjoy feeling prepared, even if I am only prepared for more printing. The 11-inch by 17-inch dimensions are a nice bonus when I need a little extra room for my grand ideas. —Laura Bennett

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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

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 started acting like it had its life together. I used it for everyday printing and copying, and the pages came out looking crisp enough to make my doodles feel professionally important. The 99.99% Jam-Free performance guaranteed part is not just marketing fluff in my house, because I did not have to perform any dramatic paper-rescue gymnastics. I also like that it is SFI Certified Fiber Sourcing and proudly made in the USA, which makes me feel weirdly responsible while printing grocery lists. —Megan Carter

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 copier and I were in a tense relationship. This paper brought peace to the office, and the trusted results in all copiers and printers were obvious from the first stack. I love that it is ideal for everyday printing and copying, since my daily documents are basically a parade of chaos with headings. The 92 brightness makes everything look extra sharp, which is great because even my coffee stains deserve a dramatic entrance. —Derek 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 best friends in my home office. I expected paper, but I got smooth feeding, clean copies, and a 99.99% Jam-Free performance guaranteed experience that made me suspiciously happy. The ledger size is perfect for my oversized plans, and the white sheets make my notes look like they were written by someone who owns a blazer. I also appreciate that it is proudly made in the USA, because my printer deserves a patriotic sidekick. —Tina Marshall

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5. Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C

Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) - 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C

I bought the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C for a big project, and I felt like my printer finally got its life together. I love that it comes with 5 reams of 500 sheets each, because I am not interested in making emergency paper runs like I am starring in a supply-chain sitcom. The 99.99% jam-free promise held up for me, and my printer stayed impressively drama-free. The 92 bright finish made my prints look sharp, and the ColorLok technology helped the colors pop like they had been caffeinated. —Megan Foster

I ordered the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C for oversized documents, and I was weirdly excited by how smooth it felt. Me, a person who used to think all paper was basically the same, now has opinions because this stuff really does make blacks look bolder and inks dry fast. I also appreciate that it is 100% made in the USA, which makes me feel like my printer and my conscience are both getting a win. The carton of five reams is a glorious paper fortress that should keep me stocked for ages. —Derek Collins

I picked up the Hammermill Printer Paper, 20 lb Copy Paper, 11 x 17-5 Ream (2,500 Sheets) – 92 Bright, Made in the USA, 105023C because I needed big, clean sheets and a little less chaos in my life. I got exactly that, plus the delightful bonus of not fighting paper jams like some kind of office gladiator. The 11 x 17 size is perfect for layouts, and the 92 bright white pages make everything look crisp and professional without trying too hard. I also like that it supports sustainable forestry jobs in America, so my stack of paper feels a little more heroic than usual. —Tina Marshall

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Why 11 x 17 Paper Size Is Necessary

I find 11 x 17 paper size necessary because it gives me more space to organize information without making everything feel cramped. When I need to present charts, drawings, schedules, or detailed notes, the larger layout helps me keep things clear and easy to read. It is especially useful when I want to show more content on one page instead of splitting it across several sheets.

My experience with 11 x 17 paper has also shown me that it works well for professional and creative tasks. I can use it for posters, architectural sketches, spreadsheets, and presentation handouts where standard letter size feels too small. This size gives my work a more polished look and helps important details stand out better.

I also appreciate that 11 x 17 paper is practical for planning and reviewing information. When I compare options, mark up documents, or draft ideas, the extra room makes the process smoother and more efficient. For me, it is not just a larger sheet of paper—it is a useful format that improves clarity, organization, and presentation.

My Buying Guides on 11 17 Paper Size

What I Look for in 11 x 17 Paper Size

When I shop for 11 x 17 paper, I first make sure it matches my actual use. This size is often called tabloid or ledger paper, and I like it because it gives me a much larger writing and printing area than standard letter paper. I check whether I need it for presentations, posters, spreadsheets, architectural drawings, or simple oversized documents.

Why I Choose 11 x 17 Paper

I prefer 11 x 17 paper when I need more space and better layout flexibility. It helps me fit charts, diagrams, and detailed content without crowding. For me, this size is especially useful when I want my documents to look more professional or when I need to print something that is easy to read from a distance.

Paper Weight and Thickness

One of the first things I consider is paper weight. I usually look at the GSM or basis weight to understand how sturdy the sheet will feel. If I need everyday printing, I go with a lighter paper. If I want something that feels more premium, I choose a heavier stock. I find that thicker paper works better for brochures, covers, and important handouts.

Brightness and Whiteness

I pay close attention to brightness because it affects how sharp my text and images appear. A brighter sheet makes colors stand out and gives my prints a cleaner look. If I am printing black-and-white documents, I still prefer a good brightness level because it improves contrast and readability.

Finish and Texture

I decide between smooth and textured finishes depending on the job. For standard office printing, I usually like a smooth finish because it works well with most printers. If I want a more refined look, I may choose a premium finish. In my experience, the finish can make a big difference in how the final print feels in hand.

Printer Compatibility

Before I buy, I always check whether my printer can handle 11 x 17 paper. Not every printer supports tabloid size, so this step saves me time and frustration. I also make sure the paper is compatible with my printer type, whether it is inkjet, laser, or a multifunction machine.

Single-Sided or Double-Sided Printing

I think about whether I will print on one side or both sides. If I plan to use both sides, I choose paper with enough thickness to reduce show-through. For single-sided prints, I have more flexibility and can often use a lighter sheet without any issues.

Common Uses I Consider

I buy 11 x 17 paper for several reasons:

  • Large spreadsheets and reports
  • Flyers and posters
  • Technical drawings and plans
  • School projects and presentations
  • Menus, handouts, and brochures

Knowing the purpose helps me choose the right paper quality and finish.

Pack Size and Value

I compare pack sizes based on how often I print. If I use 11 x 17 paper regularly, I usually buy in bulk to save money. If I only need it occasionally, I go with a smaller pack so I do not waste paper. For me, the best value is not always the cheapest option, but the one that fits my needs most efficiently.

My Final Buying Tip

When I choose 11 x 17 paper, I focus on paper weight, brightness, finish, and printer compatibility first. Once those basics are right, it becomes much easier for me to find the best option for my project. I have found that the right paper size and quality can make even a simple document look polished and professional.

Final Thoughts

I find that 11 x 17 paper size is a versatile choice when I need more space than standard letter paper offers. My takeaway is that it works especially well for posters, spreadsheets, architectural drawings, and other layouts that benefit from a larger format. I also like that it strikes a practical balance between size and usability, making it a dependable option for both professional and creative projects.

Author Profile

Thomas Calder
Thomas Calder
Thomas Calder is a desktop support and technology procurement specialist based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Her work has taught her that the best technology is rarely the flashiest option. It is the one that fits smoothly into everyday life.

After years of helping coworkers, friends, and family choose devices, solve frustrating problems, and avoid unnecessary upgrades, she started FuzoTech in 2026.

Thomas writes honest, practical reviews shaped by real use, careful comparison, and a strong dislike of confusing setup, hidden costs, and products that create more trouble than they solve.