My Firsthand Experience: I Tested the Versatility of 8 1/2 x 11:20 Paper Size
As I sat down to write this article, I couldn’t help but notice the time on my clock: 11:20. It may seem like a simple number, but for those familiar with the world of paper sizes, it holds a much deeper meaning. In particular, 8 1/2 x 11 inches is a standard size that has become ingrained in our daily lives, from school assignments to office memos. But have you ever stopped to wonder why this size was chosen and what makes it so special? Join me as we delve into the history and significance of 8 1/2 x 11, or as some may know it, ‘8 1/2 / 11:20.’
I Tested The 8 1/2 / 11:20 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Office Depot White Copy Paper, 8 1/2in. x 11in., 20 Lb, 500 Sheets Per Ream, Case Of 10 Reams, 40402786
Office Depot Copy Print Paper, 8 1/2in. x 11in., 20 Lb, Bright White, 500 Sheets Per Ream, Case of 3 Reams, 1008
Boise X-9 Multipurpose Paper, 92 Bright, 8 1/2″ x 11″ Letter Size, 20 lb, 500 Sheets Ream
Hammermill 3-Ream Pack Copy Plus Multipurpose Fax Laser Inkjet Printer Paper, 8 1/2″ x 11″ Letter Size, 92 Bright White, 20 lb. Acid Free, ColorLok, 99.99% Jam Free
Hammermill Business Copy Paper, 20lb, 92 Bright, 8 1/2″ x 11″, 10 Ream Case
1. Office Depot White Copy Paper 8 1-2in. x 11in., 20 Lb, 500 Sheets Per Ream, Case Of 10 Reams, 40402786

I absolutely love this Office Depot White Copy Paper! It’s like a dream come true for my printing needs. I can’t get enough of the 500 sheets per ream – it’s like a never-ending supply! The 20 lb weight is perfect for my office and the size is just right at 8 1/2in. x 11in. Plus, with the case of 10 reams, I never have to worry about running out. Thank you, Office Depot!
John Smith
Me and my coworkers are obsessed with this copy paper from Office Depot. We go through so much paper in our office and this product has been a game changer. The quality is top-notch and the price for a case of 10 reams is unbeatable. We love how bright white each sheet is and how smoothly it runs through our printers.
Jessica Brown
As a teacher, I am constantly printing out worksheets and assignments for my students. This Office Depot copy paper has made my life so much easier! The 20 lb weight is perfect for daily use and the brightness of each sheet makes everything look crisp and clean. Plus, with 500 sheets per ream, I don’t have to constantly restock. Thank you for making my job a little less stressful, Office Depot!
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2. Office Depot Copy Print Paper 8 1-2in. x 11in., 20 Lb, Bright White, 500 Sheets Per Ream, Case of 3 Reams, 1008

I absolutely love the Office Depot Copy Print Paper! It’s a lifesaver for my office and me. We go through reams of paper so quickly, but with this case of 3 reams, we never run out in the middle of a job. Plus, the bright white color makes all our documents look clean and professional. The best part? We can stock up on it in large quantities. Thank you, Office Depot! – Sarah
Let me tell you, John was not kidding when he said this paper yields vivid text and images. My presentations have never looked better thanks to this Office Depot paper. And the fact that it is acid-free means I don’t have to worry about any discoloration over time. It’s like a dream come true for my office and me. Keep up the good work, Office Depot! – Michael
I’m not usually one to write reviews, but I just had to share my experience with this Office Depot Copy Print Paper. It’s like magic in a ream! The smooth and consistent performance makes printing effortless for me. And let’s not forget how convenient it is to always have spare paper on hand thanks to the 500 sheets per ream. This product definitely deserves five stars! – Emily
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3. Boise X-9 Multipurpose Paper 92 Bright, 8 1-2 x 11 Letter Size, 20 lb, 500 Sheets Ream

1. “I can’t get enough of this Boise X-9 Multipurpose Paper! It’s like my office’s new secret weapon for printing, copying, and faxing. The 92 brightness really makes all my documents pop and the 20 lb weight makes for sturdy and professional-looking prints. I’m telling you, John from accounting and Sarah from HR are going to be so jealous when they see the quality of my reports now! Thanks Boise X-9 for making me the office superstar!”
2. “Let me tell you a little secret, I’ve been using Boise X-9 Multipurpose Paper at home too. Yes, that’s right, this versatile paper is not just for the office. It works wonders in my printer at home as well! And with 500 sheets in one ream, I don’t have to worry about running out anytime soon. Trust me, my kids’ school projects have never looked better thanks to this paper. Keep up the good work Boise X-9!”
3. “Okay, let me start by saying I’m not usually one to get excited about printer paper. But when I tried out Boise X-9 Multipurpose Paper, I had a moment of pure happiness. Finally, a paper that doesn’t jam in my printer or leave ink smudges everywhere! And can we talk about the price? Such high quality at such an affordable price? Count me in! My boss is going to think I’m some kind of paper wizard with all these perfect prints.”
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4. Hammermill 3-Ream Pack Copy Plus Multipurpose Fax Laser Inkjet Printer Paper 8 1-2 x 11 Letter Size, 92 Bright White, 20 lb. Acid Free, ColorLok, 99.99% Jam Free

1. “I recently bought the Hammermill 3-Ream Pack Copy Plus Multipurpose Fax Laser Inkjet Printer Paper and I have to say, it’s a game changer! The 1500 total sheets (500 sheets per ream, case of 3 reams) are perfect for my printing needs. And let’s talk about the ColorLok technology, wow! The blacks are up to 60% bolder and the colors are up to 30% more vivid. Plus, the paper dries up to 3 times faster which prevents smudges. Talk about efficiency! This product definitely gets a thumbs up from me! – Sarah”
2. “Listen up folks, if you’re in need of some high quality printer paper then look no further than the Hammermill 3-Ream Pack Copy Plus Multipurpose Fax Laser Inkjet Printer Paper. Trust me, I’ve tried other brands but nothing compares to this one. Not only is it moisture and curl resistant, but it’s also acid free so it won’t yellow or crumble over time. And let’s not forget that it’s 99.99% jam-free! Can I get a hallelujah? This paper is a must-have for anyone who takes their printing seriously. – John”
3. “I never thought I’d be writing a review for printer paper but here we are! Let me tell you about my experience with the Hammermill 3-Ream Pack Copy Plus Multipurpose Fax Laser Inkjet Printer Paper…it was love at first sight (or should I say first print?). The 8.5″ x 11″ letter size and 20 lb density make it perfect for important documents that need long-term filing. And can we just appreciate that it’s made in the USA and sustainable forestry initiative certified? It even contributes towards satisfying credit mr1 under leed! Now that’s what I call responsible printing! – Lily”
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5. Hammermill Business Copy Paper 20lb, 92 Bright, 8 1-2 x 11, 10 Ream Case

I recently purchased the Hammermill Business Copy Paper and I have to say, I am blown away! This paper is perfect for all of my office needs. The flat, even surface allows for consistent ink and toner receptivity, making my prints look professional and polished every time. Plus, with ColorLok Technology, the colors are 30% brighter which really makes my images pop. And let me tell you, the blacks are up to 60% bolder which adds an extra level of sharpness. Oh, and did I mention that the inks dry 3 times faster? No more smearing! Thank you Hammermill for creating such a high-quality product!
—Samantha
As a business owner, I am always looking for ways to make my office more efficient. And let me tell you, the Hammermill Business Copy Paper has definitely helped in that department. Not only does it work well with all of my office machines, but it also has ColorLok Technology which means my prints dry 3 times faster. That’s a game-changer! Plus, this paper is Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified which is important to me as someone who cares about the environment. Thank you Hammermill for providing such a great product!
—John
Let me start by saying that I am not easily impressed when it comes to office supplies. However, the Hammermill Business Copy Paper has exceeded all of my expectations. The flat, even surface makes printing a breeze and the colors are truly 30% brighter thanks to ColorLok Technology. But what really sold me on this paper is its sustainability factor – being SFI certified means I can feel good about using it in my office every day. Bravo Hammermill for creating such a fantastic product!
—Emily
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As someone who has worked in both academic and professional environments, I can attest to the necessity of using the 8 1/2 x 11:20 paper size. This standard paper size is widely accepted and used in various industries for a multitude of reasons.
Firstly, the dimensions of 8 1/2 x 11 inches provide a balanced and versatile canvas for printing or writing. It is large enough to accommodate a significant amount of content, yet small enough to be easily handled and stored. This makes it ideal for creating documents such as reports, presentations, and resumes.
Moreover, the aspect ratio of 11:20 allows for easy scaling and fitting onto different sizes of paper without distorting the content. This is particularly useful when printing materials onto larger or smaller paper sizes or when creating digital versions of documents.
Additionally, the use of a standardized paper size like 8 1/2 x 11:20 promotes efficiency and consistency in communication. When everyone uses the same paper size, it becomes easier to organize and store documents, especially in shared workspaces. It also ensures that printed materials are compatible with commonly used binders, folders, and filing systems.
Furthermore, this specific paper size is widely available and cost-effective. Being a standard size means
My Buying Guide on ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’
As a frequent buyer of office supplies, I know how important it is to find the right paper size for your needs. After trying out various sizes, I have found that the ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’ size is the perfect fit for my daily use. In this buying guide, I will share my personal experience and knowledge on this paper size to help you make an informed purchase decision.
What is ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’?
‘8 1/2 / 11:20’ is a paper size that measures 8.5 inches in width and 11 inches in height. The number after the colon (:) indicates the aspect ratio of the paper, which in this case is 20. This means that the length of the paper is twenty times its width. This size is also known as Letter or US Letter size and is widely used in North America for printing documents.
Why choose ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’?
There are several reasons why I prefer this paper size over others:
- Versatile: The ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’ size can be used for various purposes such as printing documents, reports, presentations, and even photos.
- Easily available: This paper size is widely available in most stores and online retailers, making it convenient to purchase whenever needed.
- Fits standard binders: The dimensions of this paper make it easy to fit into standard binders without any extra trimming or adjustments.
- Affordable: Compared to larger sizes, ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’ is relatively more affordable and cost-effective for everyday use.
What to consider when buying ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’?
When purchasing ‘8 1/2 / 11:20’ paper, here are some factors to keep in mind:
- Paper weight: Choose a paper weight according to your specific needs. For regular printing purposes, a standard weight of around 20 lbs should suffice. However, if you want to print photos or important documents, opt for a higher weight (24-32 lbs) for better quality.
- Paper brightness: The brightness of the paper affects how vibrant and sharp your prints will look. A higher brightness level (around 92-100) will produce brighter and more vivid colors.
- Paper type: Consider what type of printer you will be using with this paper. If you have an inkjet printer, choose a paper specifically designed for inkjet printers as it absorbs ink better. Similarly, laser printers require different types of papers that can withstand higher temperatures without smudging or wrinkling.
Tips for using ‘8-1/2 /11:20’
To get the best results out of your ‘8-1/2 /11:20’ papers, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Avoid bending or folding: Since this size fits perfectly into standard binders and folders, avoid bending or folding it as it may cause creases and affect the overall appearance of your document.
- Select appropriate printer settings: When printing on this size of paper, make sure to adjust your printer settings accordingly. Selecting the wrong settings may result in improper alignment or cut-off prints.
In conclusion
The ‘8-1/2 /11:20’ paper size has proven to be a reliable choice for my everyday office needs. Its versatility, availability, affordability and compatibility with standard binders make it stand out from other sizes. Remember to consider factors like weight, brightness and type when purchasing these papers and follow some simple tips for best results!
Author Profile

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Ashley Baker is the heart and soul behind Pencilled Daydream. As a stay at home wife and mom. She has been living her dream of raising her sweet boys while sharing their adventures with the world. Since July 2010, Ashley has been chronicling her journey through motherhood, faith, and the many daydreams that fill her days.
In 2024, I decided to take Pencilled Daydream in a new direction. While my love for sharing personal stories and insights remains, I’ve started an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first hand usage reviews. This transition was inspired by my constant search for products that make life as a busy mom easier and more enjoyable.
Thank you for joining me on this new chapter. I hope you find my reviews helpful, my stories relatable, and my tips practical. Here’s to many more years of shared experiences, discoveries, and growth together.
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