.jpg)
Paper looks simple until the printer starts jamming or the ink shows through the page. A few numbers on the wrapper tell you everything you need. Here is how to read them.
What does gsm mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It is the weight of the paper, and in practice it tells you how thick and stiff a sheet feels. A higher number means a heavier sheet.
Which paper weight for which job
| Weight | Best for |
|---|---|
| 70 gsm | Drafts, internal copies and high-volume printing where cost matters most |
| 80 gsm | Everyday office printing and copying. The standard choice |
| 100 to 120 gsm | Letterheads, proposals, CVs and double-sided colour prints |
| 160 gsm | Report covers, menus, flyers and dividers |
| 200 gsm and above | Certificates, invitation cards and craft work |
If you only want to keep one paper in the office, keep 80 gsm. It runs smoothly in every printer and copier, and text does not show through when you print on both sides.
Sizes: A4, A3 and A5
- A4 is 210 × 297 mm, the normal size for letters, invoices and school work.
- A3 is 297 × 420 mm, the same as two A4 sheets side by side. Use it for drawings, posters and large spreadsheets. Check that your printer has an A3 tray first.
- A5 is half of an A4, used for receipts, notepads and flyers.
How many sheets are in a ream and a box?
One ream is 500 sheets. A box normally holds 5 reams, so one box is 2,500 sheets. An office with five people usually uses one to two boxes a month. Buying by the box costs less per ream than buying single reams.
Which brand should you choose?
In our shop you will find A4 paper from Double A, Navigator, Atlas and Captain Copy. Premium brands are smoother and brighter and tend to jam less in fast copiers, so they are worth it for client documents. For everyday internal printing, a standard 80 gsm copy paper does the job well.
Special papers
- Colour paper for notices, school projects and forms that need to stand out.
- Photo paper in glossy or matte for inkjet printers. Do not put inkjet photo paper in a laser printer; the coating can melt.
- Certificate paper and card for awards and covers.
How to store paper so it does not jam
Most paper jams come from damp or curled paper, not from the printer. Paper absorbs moisture from the air, and humidity in Qatar can be high.
- Keep reams in their wrapper until you need them.
- Store boxes flat, off the floor and away from windows and the air conditioner.
- Do not overfill the tray. Fan the stack before you load it.
- If a ream has been open for weeks and prints look patchy, try a fresh one.
Order paper for your office
Browse the full paper section or send us your monthly quantity on WhatsApp for a box price. We deliver across Qatar, and you can pay cash on delivery.
.png)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.png)
_11zon.png)
