Weight (in pounds) of a ream of paper (500 sheets) in the basic (uncut) size for that grade. Most office paper is commonly associated with “bond” or “writing” grade paper, which has a basic size of 17 inches by 22 inches.

A measure of the amount of light reflecting off of the paper, usually associated with white paper. Paper that is 92 bright is considered “standard.” Paper in the 94+ range is called “high bright.” Images printed on higher brightness sheets have better clarity and contrast. It’s important to remember that brightness is not a measure of color so brightness does not equal “whiteness.”

Thickness of paper, usually measured in thousandths of
an inch.

Thin paper with a waxy coating used to make carbon copies, usually on a typewriter.

Paper that makes multiple copies without using intervening layers of carbon paper.  Carbonless paper is coated with micro-capsules that break under pressure, which is how the images are created on multiple sheets or multi-part forms

A large package of paper typically containing 5, 8 or 10 reams
of paper

Thickness of paper, usually measured in thousandths of
an inch.

Pulp in which wood fibers have been separated by chemical rather than mechanical means

Refers to Elemental Chlorine Free (ECF), Processed Chlorine Free (PCF) or Totally Chlorine Free (TCF) paper bleaching methods

Paper that has a uniform coating of material that creates a more even and closed surface.  Coated papers are ideal for printing graphics or art

Substitutes chlorine dioxide as a bleaching agent instead of elemental chlorine, which greatly reduces many unwanted
by-products. In 1998 the Environmental Protection Agency designated this bleaching technology as the “best available.

Paper made with less than 10% mechanical wood pulp.  Most business papers are uncoated free sheet

Paper specifically designed for a “wet” ink printing process; ideally suited for inkjet printers

Paper with a very smooth finish designed for a “dry” toner printing process.  These papers are specially created for laser printers and copiers

The measure of a paper sheet’s ability to prevent show-through of text or images. Papers with more fibers or fillers have a greater opacity, as do heavier weight papers.

Bleaching method reserved for recycled content (minimum
30%) paper.

A package of paper, typically either 250 or 500 sheets.

Paper recovered for recycling into new paper products.

Paper containing recovered paper.  The U.S. Federal Government’s standard for “recycled” paper specifies at least 30 % post consumer waste content.

Bleaching method reserved for virgin wood fiber papers. These papers do not use pulp produced with chlorine or a chlorine compound as a bleaching agent.

Paper made with less than 10% mechanical wood pulp and
no surface coatings. Most business papers are uncoated
free sheet.