That’s a good idea! Comparing different paper types in stock will help you choose the best material for different purposes.
To compare paper effectively, you should have samples of sheets with different grammages (weight), whiteness, and surface finishes on hand.
Here are the most important “paper sheets” (paper types) you should have in stock for a good comparison, along with the key criteria:
- By grammage (weight per $\text{m}^2$)
Gramage is crucial for feel, stability, and opacity.
Gramage (g/m2) Typical designation Typical use and tactile impression
80 Standard Copy Paper The everyday standard. Good for internal correspondence, large print runs. Feels light and flexible.
100 – 120 Business/Premium Paper For business letters, official documents, or internal presentations. Feels noticeably higher quality and more opaque.
170 Flyer/Poster Paper Thicker paper that no longer wrinkles. Good for single-sided posters or the outside of brochures.
250 – 300 Cardstock/Card Stock Very sturdy, hardly bends. For postcards, business cards, or greeting cards.
Comparison Idea: Hold an 80 g/m² sheet and a 120 g/m² sheet up to the light to see the difference in opacity (how much the print shows through).
- By Whiteness and Surface
These factors influence color reproduction and the professional impression.
Criteria for Paper Type Comparison Key Difference
Surface (Coating) Uncoated paper (natural paper/offset paper) Natural, matte, slightly rough surface. Easily writable with a ballpoint pen.
Coated paper (matte art paper) Very smooth surface. Colors and images appear more vibrant, but difficult to write on.
Coated paper (glossy art paper) High-gloss surface, extremely brilliant color printing. Appears very elegant, but is highly reflective.
Whiteness Premium/Bright White paper (e.g., 165+ CIE) Appears brilliant white, ideal for color printing, as the colors appear true to color.
Universal/Standard paper (e.g., 140-150 CIE) The usual white, for normal use.
Recycled paper Significantly matte, often slightly grayish or beige. For environmentally conscious documents.
Summary Comparison Catalog (Checklist)
To cover all aspects, gather the following samples in your warehouse:
Standard: A4, 80 g/m², Universal/Uncoated
Premium: A4, 120 g/m², Bright White, Uncoated
Cardboard: A5 (or A4), 250-300 g/m², matte or glossy coated
Recycled: A4, 80 g/m², light gray/beige
Photo Paper: Specially coated, high-gloss (for color reproduction comparison)