Everything you need to know about paper reams, sizes, and weights for your printer test pages
A ream is a standard unit of measurement for paper. Traditionally, a ream contains 500 sheets of paper, but modern reams often contain 500 sheets for most paper types.
When printing test pages, using a standard ream ensures consistent results and helps you understand how much paper you'll need for your testing.
Standard copy paper, most common for everyday printing and test pages.
Premium copy paper, better for color printing and professional documents.
Cardstock weight, ideal for high-quality test pages and presentations.
Use standard 20 lb (75 gsm) white paper for most test pages. This weight is compatible with all printers and provides accurate results for color and alignment tests.
Consider using 24 lb (90 gsm) paper for color test pages as it provides better color reproduction and reduces show-through.
Use 32 lb (120 gsm) cardstock for professional test pages or when you need durable results for documentation.
Calculate how many sheets you need for your printing project. A standard ream contains 500 sheets of paper.
| Paper Size | Sheets per Ream | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Letter (8.5“ × 11”) | 500 sheets | Standard office printing |
| A4 (210 × 297 mm) | 500 sheets | International standard |
| Legal (8.5“ × 14”) | 500 sheets | Legal documents |
| Ledger/Tabloid (11“ × 17”) | 500 sheets | Large format printing |
| A3 (297 × 420 mm) | 500 sheets | Posters, presentations |