How to Choose the Right Copier Paper for Your Office
GSM, brightness and opacity explained — and why the cheapest ream often costs you more.
Paper is the single most reordered item in most offices, and the one people think about least. Choosing correctly saves money on jams, reprints and service calls.
Understand GSM
GSM (grams per square metre) is the weight of the paper. 70–75gsm is economy stock suitable for internal drafts. 80gsm is the standard for general office use and duplex printing. 90–100gsm suits letterheads and client-facing documents.
Brightness and whiteness
Brightness is measured on the CIE scale. Anything from 160 CIE upward gives crisp black text and accurate colour. Below 150 CIE, colour graphics look muddy.
Why cheap paper costs more
Low-grade paper sheds dust inside the machine, which accelerates roller wear and causes jams. A jam that stops a department for twenty minutes costs far more than the few dirhams saved per ream.
Our recommendation
For most UAE offices, an 80gsm sheet at 165 CIE is the right balance. Buy by the box of five reams and store it sealed — humidity is the enemy of reliable feeding.
Frequently asked questions
What GSM should I use for double-sided printing?
80gsm or above. Below that you will see show-through from the reverse side.
Does paper expire?
Not exactly, but paper absorbs humidity. Keep reams sealed until use and store them off the floor.
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