7 Types of Paper & What They’re Used For

Businesses run on paper

Even in an increasingly digital business landscape, paper is a necessity. That said, there’s no single type of paper that can fulfill every business need. Different jobs require different supplies, making it more difficult for office managers to keep the right materials in stock.

We’ve assembled a list of the types of paper you should keep in stock based on what you use them for.

7 paper types to keep in the office

1. Standard copy paper

When you think of office paper, multipurpose copy paper is probably the first thing that comes to mind. It’s suitable for a variety of jobs and works well with both inkjet and laser printers. It’s thin and lightweight, making it a budget-friendly option.

Regular copy paper, also called multipurpose paper, is ideal for internal use: memos between departments, reference materials for meetings and so on. If you’re creating customer or public-facing materials, however, turn to sturdier options.

2. Inkjet paper

As its name suggests, inkjet paper is designed for use with inkjet printers, which draw from liquid ink cartridges and create images by depositing tiny ink droplets onto the paper. Inkjet paper is particularly useful for documents with heavy visual elements, like high-resolution photos or artwork.

While standard copy paper is compatible with inkjet printers, it’s not as effective in absorbing that liquid ink as it’s deposited on the paper. Keeping inkjet paper in stock means you’ll always be prepared if you need a higher-quality option for a client meeting or presentation—assuming your office uses inkjet printers.

3. Laser paper

Laser printers are the workhorses of the office. They’re useful for printing text-heavy pages quickly and clearly, using laser technology to create electrostatic charges that transfer toner to the page. This process can create a lot of heat, and laser paper is better suited to withstand it. Laser paper is slightly heavier and smoother than standard copy paper, so if your business uses laser printers, you’ll want to keep this type of printer paper in stock.

4. Photo paper

Inkjet paper is great for printing documents with visual elements, but if you’re printing actual photographs, you’ll want to invest in some photo paper. This type of paper comes in several finishes, from glossy to matte. Glossy photo paper gives printouts a classic photograph look, making it an especially popular choice. On the other hand, it’s prone to smudges if handled too quickly after printing.

The default size for photographs, and therefore photo paper, is 4" x 6". Don’t let that limit you; photo paper comes in a variety of sizes, so choose what works best for your current project. Having a few packs of 4" x 6" glossy printer paper on hand is a smart idea, but if you’re printing photo-quality works on a regular basis, you may want to add different sizes and finishes to your list.

5. Cardstock

Some jobs require thicker, heavier paper, which is when cardstock comes in handy. Cardstock is often used for business cards, but it has numerous other uses, among them report covers, postcards, invitations and greeting cards. With cardstock in the office, you’ll always be able to print new business cards if a last-minute event pops up. There are also several different business card paper types, so whether you prefer glossy or matte, you’ll have options.

6. Legal paper

If you work in a lawyer’s office, you’re probably familiar with legal paper. This is the generally preferred option for legal documents, and it’s longer than standard copy paper at 8.5" x 14" (compared to 8.5" x 11"). This both reduces the page count on lengthy legal documents like employee contracts and license agreements and leaves room for notes.

7. Ledger paper

At 11" x 17", ledger paper is considered oversized, so it’s useful for diagrams, charts and graphs that need a little bit of extra real estate to make an impact. Its longer, wider size also makes it particularly popular for financial statements, but can also make it harder to store neatly.

Stock up on paper at Walmart Business

When you’re ready to make your paper purchase, Walmart Business can help. Whether you need standard copy paper, a variety of specialized paper types or a combination of the two, our wide selection of paper options can help keep your office productive.

If you already have a Walmart Business account, it might be time to upgrade to a Walmart Business+ membership. Take advantage of benefits that could add up to over $500 in savings a year:¹ free shipping,² free delivery from stores on orders over $35³ and 2% back in Walmart Business Rewards.⁴ Learn more here.

¹ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

² Rewards can only be used toward future purchases on Walmart Business. Additional terms apply. 

³ Excludes most Marketplace items, freight and certain location surcharges.

⁴ Savings based on 1 free $35+ delivery order vs. $9.95 fee and 1 free shipping order under $35 vs. $6.99 fee biweekly, plus 2% Walmart Business Rewards on monthly order >$250 (average value of $400).