Legal size copy paper is the go-to choice for documents that need extra vertical space – measuring 8.5 x 14 inches compared to standard letter paper’s 8.5 x 11 inches. Whether you’re printing contracts, detailed reports, or comprehensive forms, this paper size gives you 25% more room to work with.
Quick Legal Size Paper Facts:
- Dimensions: 8.5″ x 14″ (216 x 356 mm)
- Common Weight: 20 lb (75 g/m²)
- Standard Brightness: 92-97 rating
- Typical Uses: Legal documents, contracts, spreadsheets, detailed reports
- Price Range: $9-15 per ream, $45-130 per case
Legal professionals have relied on this paper size for decades because it reduces page count and keeps related information together. But it’s not just for law offices anymore. Office managers across industries use legal size paper for anything that benefits from extra length – from employee handbooks to project timelines.
The challenge? Finding quality legal size copy paper that works well with your printers without breaking your budget. With dozens of brands, weights, and features available, the options can feel overwhelming.
That’s where smart purchasing comes in. The right legal size paper should feed smoothly through your equipment, produce crisp text and images, and cost less per page than premium options. Some papers offer eco-friendly certifications, while others focus on archival quality for long-term document storage.
Understanding the Basics of Legal Size Paper
Legal size copy paper is a standard in many US offices, defined by its dimensions: 8.5 x 14 inches (or 216 x 356 mm). This format provides three extra inches of length compared to standard letter paper, making it ideal for documents that need more vertical space. The primary advantage is document consolidation; contracts, detailed reports, and complex spreadsheets can often fit on fewer pages, improving readability and organization.
This paper size is no longer confined to law offices. Businesses use it for everything from financial statements and project timelines to patient records and architectural notes. Essentially, whenever you need to fit more information on a single page without sacrificing font size, legal paper is the solution. For more details, explore our guides on Legal Size Paper, Legal Size Paper vs Letter Key Differences, and Legal Size Paper Uses and Benefits.
Comparing Legal Paper to Other Standards
To make the best choice, it helps to see how legal paper compares to other common sizes:
- Letter Size (8.5 x 11 inches): The most common paper in the US. Legal paper shares the same width but offers 25% more vertical space.
- A4 Size (8.27 x 11.69 inches): The international standard. Legal paper is both wider and significantly longer, offering more room for content than A4.
- Tabloid Size (11 x 17 inches): Larger in both width and length. Tabloid is better for posters or large diagrams, while legal paper maintains a standard document width for easier filing.
The key benefit of legal paper is its ability to keep related information together, reducing page flipping and improving workflow. Dive deeper into these comparisons with our guides on Paper Size Legal vs A4 and Standard Printer Paper Size Information.
Typical Weight and Brightness
Beyond size, two factors define paper quality: weight and brightness.
Paper weight is typically 20 lb (or 75 g/m²). This is the industry standard for multipurpose paper because it’s durable enough for professional use yet light enough to run smoothly through printers and copiers without jamming. For documents requiring a more substantial feel, such as important contracts, heavier options like 24 lb or 28 lb are available.
Brightness rating, usually between 92 and 97, measures the paper’s whiteness. A higher brightness level creates better print contrast, making black text appear sharper and easier to read. It also makes colors in charts and images look more vibrant and true-to-life. This small detail significantly improves the professionalism and readability of your documents. For more on paper specifications, see our A4 Paper GSM Guide.
Key Features to Look for in Quality Legal Size Copy Paper
Not all legal size copy paper is the same. Investing in quality paper prevents costly printer jams, reduces equipment maintenance, and ensures your documents look professional. A good paper feeds smoothly and produces crisp text, which is crucial for high-volume or time-sensitive printing jobs. For more guidance, see our Best Printer Paper Guide Types and Sizes.
Material and Archival Qualities
For documents that must last, such as contracts or permanent records, material composition is key. Look for these features:
- Acid-free paper: This paper is treated to neutralize the natural acids in wood pulp that cause yellowing and brittleness over time. It provides true archival quality, ensuring documents remain readable for decades.
- Chlorine-free processing: Traditional bleaching uses chlorine, which can leave residues that degrade paper. Chlorine-free methods use safer alternatives, enhancing document preservation without compromising brightness.
These features are essential for any business that requires long-term document storage. Learn more in our Archival Quality Printer Paper guide.
Environmental and Sourcing Certifications
Responsible paper choices can reduce your office’s environmental footprint. Look for these certifications:
- FSC Certified: The Forest Stewardship Council seal guarantees the paper comes from sustainably managed forests that protect wildlife and local communities.
- SFI Certification: The Sustainable Forestry Initiative offers similar assurances of responsible forest management.
- Recycled content: Paper with post-consumer material is made from recycled products, reducing waste and the need for virgin wood pulp.
These certifications reflect a commitment to sustainability and can improve your company’s reputation.
A Roundup of Legal Size Copy Paper Types for Every Need
Choosing the right legal size copy paper depends on the job. An internal memo doesn’t require the same premium paper as a client proposal. Understanding the different types helps you optimize costs and ensure every document makes the right impression. From standard options for daily tasks to specialty papers for creative projects, there’s a fit for every need. For budget-friendly choices, see our Affordable Legal Size Paper Options guide.
Standard Multipurpose Legal Size Copy Paper
This is the workhorse of most offices, ideal for about 80% of printing tasks. Typically 20 lb weight with a 92 brightness rating, it strikes a balance between quality and affordability. It’s designed for high-volume copying and is compatible with both inkjet printers and laser printers, feeding smoothly to prevent jams. Use it for everyday contracts, internal reports, and general correspondence where clean, reliable results are needed. For laser printing tips, check out our Best Laser Printer Paper Types and Weights guide.
Heavier Weight and Premium Options
For documents that need to make a strong impression, upgrade to heavier weight legal size copy paper. Options like 24 lb paper or 28 lb paper offer a substantial, premium feel that signals importance. The key benefit is increased opacity, which reduced show-through on two-sided printing. This makes reports and presentations look more professional and polished. The added durability is also valuable for documents that are handled frequently or stored long-term.
Specialty Legal Size Copy Paper
Beyond standard white, specialty papers offer creative and organizational solutions.
- Colored paper: Use different colors like canary or blue to create color-coded systems for organizing documents or drawing attention to urgent notices.
- Glossy paper: With a shiny finish, this paper makes colors pop, making it perfect for marketing brochures and flyers.
- Matte finish: This paper has a non-reflective surface that reduces glare, offering excellent readability for text-heavy reports and a sophisticated look for presentations.
These options provide the flexibility to handle creative projects and functional tasks effectively. For photo printing, our High Glass Photo Paper Guide Types Uses Tips has more information.
Printing and Purchasing Your Paper
Once you’ve selected your legal size copy paper, the next step is ensuring you’re buying it smartly and using it correctly. Proper purchasing saves money, while correct printer setup prevents frustrating jams and ensures professional results. For time-saving tips, see our guide on how to Print Legal Size Documents Fast.
Where to Buy and What to Expect
- Office Supply Stores: Convenient for immediate needs. Expect to pay $9 to $15 for a single ream (500 sheets).
- Online Retailers: Offer competitive pricing and delivery. A ream might cost around $9.12, a 5-ream case about $44.25, and a 10-ream case (5,000 sheets) around $125.99.
- Wholesale Clubs and Business Suppliers: The best option for bulk purchasing. Buying by the case significantly reduces the cost per ream and many suppliers offer additional discounts.
When buying, always compare the price per ream or price per case to find the true value. We can help you Find Best Printer Paper Near Me through our local network.
Ensuring Printer Compatibility
Even the best paper is useless if your printer can’t handle it. Follow these steps for smooth operation:
- Check Specifications: Confirm your printer supports legal size paper (often marked as “LG”). Most modern multifunction printers do.
- Adjust Paper Trays: Extend the paper tray guides to fit the 14-inch length. Some printers have dedicated legal-sized trays.
- Know Your Capacity: Be aware of your printer’s feeder capacity for legal paper, as it may differ from letter size capacity.
- Select Paper Weight Settings: In your printer settings, choose the correct paper type (e.g., “Plain” for 20 lb, “Thick” for 24-28 lb) to ensure proper fusing.
- Prevent Jams: Before loading, fan and jog the paper stack to separate the sheets. Don’t overfill the tray and ensure the guides are snug.
At Automated Business Machines, our printing solutions are designed to handle various paper sizes, including legal. Explore our Legal Office Printers Top Picks for Law Firms and Managed Print Services Benefits Key Advantages to optimize your office workflow.
Frequently Asked Questions about Legal Size Copy Paper
Here are answers to the most common questions we receive about using legal size paper.
What is the main difference between legal and letter size paper?
The only difference is length. Both paper types share an 8.5-inch width, but legal size copy paper is 14 inches long while letter paper is 11 inches long. That extra 3 inches of vertical space is ideal for long documents like contracts, detailed reports, and comprehensive forms, as it helps reduce the total page count.
Can I print a legal size document on letter paper?
Yes, but your printer must shrink the document to fit. By selecting the “scale to fit” or “fit to page” option in your print settings, the content of the 14-inch page will be reduced to fit on an 11-inch sheet. This makes the text and images smaller, which can impact readability. It’s a useful trick in a pinch but not recommended for important professional documents. For detailed instructions, see our guide on how to Print Legal Size Document on Letter Paper.
How does paper brightness affect my printed documents?
Paper brightness, rated on a scale from 1 to 100, significantly impacts print quality. Legal size copy paper with a higher brightness rating (typically 92-98) provides a whiter background. This creates a higher contrast that makes black text appear sharper and more defined. For color printing, a bright background ensures colors are more vivid and true-to-life. The result is a more professional-looking document that is easier to read.
Conclusion
Choosing the right legal size copy paper is a straightforward way to improve office efficiency. By understanding the basics of size (8.5 x 14 inches), weight, and brightness, you can select a paper that improves your documents and works seamlessly with your equipment. Quality features like acid-free composition and FSC certification add value by ensuring document longevity and supporting sustainability.
Investing in the right paper reduces printer jams, saves on maintenance, and lifts your professional image. At Automated Business Machines, we specialize in creating solutions that streamline these everyday operational details. As a locally owned and operated business serving Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Auburn, Augusta, Columbus, Johns Creek, LaGrange, Macon, Marietta, Newnan, Roswell, Sandy Springs, and Savannah, GA, we partner with you to improve productivity.
From multifunction printing solutions that handle legal documents effortlessly to digital signage services, we provide customized technology to support your success. Ready to optimize your office workflow? Explore our Managed Print Services or Contact Us today.