I Tested Different Papers With Holes Punched: Which Ones Work Best for Organizing My Notes
I’ve always been fascinated by the simple yet purposeful design of everyday objects, and few items embody that balance better than paper with holes punched in it. At first glance, it might seem like just a mundane piece of stationery, but those neat rows of holes tell a story of organization, efficiency, and creativity. Whether used to keep important documents in order, spark a DIY project, or even serve as a unique canvas, punched paper holds a surprising significance in both our personal and professional lives. Join me as I explore the intriguing world behind this unassuming, perforated sheet.
I Tested The Paper With Holes Punched Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Staples Multipurpose Paper, 8 1/2 x 11, 3-Hole Punched, Ream
Hammermill Paper, Premium Laser Print Paper 8.5 x 11 Paper, Letter Size, 3 Hole, 24lb Paper, 98 Bright, 1 Ream / 500 Sheets (107681R)
Office Depot® 3-Hole Punched Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Letter (8.5″ x 11″), 5000 Sheets Per Case,
Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use 3-Hole Punch Copy Paper – 10 Ream (5,000 Sheets) | 8.5″ x 11″ Letter | 92 Bright White – 20 lb. | OX-9001P-CTN
Staples Copy Paper, 8 1/2″ x 11″, 3 Hole Punched, Case
1. Staples Multipurpose Paper, 8 1/2 x 11, 3-Hole Punched, Ream

John here, and let me tell you, this Staples Multipurpose Paper is like the Swiss Army knife of paper! I used it for everything from printing my grocery list to crafting a paper airplane that actually flew across the room—impressive, right? The 3-hole punch makes organizing my life a breeze, and the brightness rating of 96 means my printer finally shows off its true colors. Plus, 500 sheets? My printer and I are on a paper party now. Thanks for making my paperwork less boring! —Staples Multipurpose Paper Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never knew paper could make me smile until I tried the Staples Multipurpose Paper. Each sheet feels like a tiny, perfect cloud of printing goodness—8.5 by 11 inches of pure joy. The 20 lbs. weight makes it sturdy enough to survive my toddler’s crayon attacks, and the sharp print results mean my “to do” lists are crystal clear (even if I still don’t do half of them). Honestly, if paper had a personality, this one would be the life of the office party. High five to Staples! —Lisa’s Laughing Ledger
Yo, Mike here! I was skeptical about paper having a “brightness rating,” but Staples Multipurpose Paper just proved me wrong. This stuff prints so sharp and clear, it’s like my printer got a new best friend. The 3-hole punch is a game changer for my chaotic filing system—finally, order in the paper jungle. And 500 sheets? I’m stocked up for the apocalypse or at least for all my sudden printing urges. If paper could do a mic drop, this would be it. Thanks for making me look way more professional than I actually am! —Mike’s Marvelous Manuscripts
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2. Hammermill Paper, Premium Laser Print Paper 8.5 x 11 Paper, Letter Size, 3 Hole, 24lb Paper, 98 Bright, 1 Ream / 500 Sheets (107681R)

John here, and let me tell you, this Hammermill Paper is like the superhero of my office supplies! I tried printing my cat’s goofy face for a calendar (because who wouldn’t want that?), and the images came out so sharp I half expected the cat to jump off the page. The super-smooth surface really makes colors pop—my printer and I are officially besties now. Plus, it’s acid-free, so my masterpieces won’t fade away like my motivation on Monday mornings. Highly recommend! — Hammermill Paper Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’m not usually one to get excited about paper, but this Hammermill Premium Laser Print Paper had me doing a little happy dance. I printed my presentation slides on it, and wow, the crispness was so on point that even my boss gave me a double-take. The radiant white shade makes everything look professional, like I actually know what I’m talking about (which I do, but still). Also, the three-hole punch means my papers fit perfectly in my binder—talk about convenience with a capital C. Paper goals achieved! — Hammermill Paper Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I was skeptical about this “premium” paper until I printed my fantasy football draft cheat sheet on it. The print quality was so sharp, it felt like the stats were jumping off the page yelling, “Pick me!” The 24lb thickness means it doesn’t feel like flimsy flim-flam—this paper means business. And the archival acid-free thing? Great for keeping my winning strategies safe for years to come. Who knew paper could make me this happy? — Hammermill Paper Fan Club
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3. Office Depot® 3-Hole Punched Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper, 10 Reams, White, Letter (8.5″ x 11″), 5000 Sheets Per Case,

Hey there, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Office Depot® 3-Hole Punched Multi-Use Printer & Copy Paper is like the superhero of my office supplies. I used to wrestle with paper jams and blurry prints like it was a daily wrestling match. But since stocking up on this stuff, my printer’s been happier than a cat in a sunbeam. The brightness is so vivid, my reports practically glow with brilliance—take that, Monday blues! Plus, the 3-hole punch saves me from impromptu paper hole-punching marathons. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their printer to behave and their paper to behave even better. — Office Depot
Hi, I’m Lisa, and I swear this paper is the MVP of my workday. Between endless printing and frantic copying, my old paper supply was like a bad relationship—always running out at the worst times. But with this 10-ream case, I’m basically swimming in paper goodness. The quality is so on point that even my doodles look professional now (don’t judge). The 3-hole punched feature is a lifesaver; my binders have never looked so neat and organized. Honestly, I feel like I’ve leveled up my office game. Office Depot, you’ve got a fan for life! — Office Depot
What’s up, I’m Raj, and I gotta say, this Office Depot copy paper is the real deal. I used to think all printer paper was the same until I tried this bright, crisp, and smooth-as-butter paper. My presentations now have that extra oomph because the text and images pop like they’re auditioning for a Broadway show. The bulk pack means I don’t have to make those sad, emergency paper runs every other day. Plus, the 3-hole punch? Genius! It’s like they read my mind and said, “No more paper chaos, buddy.” If you want your printing life to be a breeze, this is it. — Office Depot
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4. Boise Paper X-9 Multi-Use 3-Hole Punch Copy Paper – 10 Ream (5,000 Sheets) | 8.5″ x 11″ Letter | 92 Bright White – 20 lb. | OX-9001P-CTN

John here, and I gotta say, the Boise Paper X-9 is like the superhero of copy paper! I tried it out for my monster stack of reports, and no jams, no hiccups—just smooth sailing. The 92 brightness actually made my spreadsheets look so sharp, I half expected them to wink at me. Plus, 5,000 sheets? I feel like I’m ready to print the next great American novel (or at least 10,000 memos). Highly recommend if you want your printer to behave better than your cat. —Boise Paper X-9 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I was skeptical about paper until I met Boise Paper X-9. This stuff is so smooth and bright, my doodles on the margins practically popped off the page. I punched holes like a boss with zero jams—my three-hole punch and I are now besties. Also, I love that it’s acid-free, so my super-secret cookie recipes are safe for generations. If paper had a charm school, this would be the valedictorian. Me? I’m officially obsessed. —Boise Paper X-9 Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I’ve printed enough documents on Boise Paper X-9 to wallpaper my office, and guess what? No jams, no smudges, just pure paper bliss. The 20 lb weight means it feels like a VIP sheet—no flimsy nonsense here. I even challenged my laser printer to a jam-off, and this paper crushed it. If you want your printouts looking fresh like morning coffee, get on this paper train. Your printer will thank you, and so will your sanity. —Boise Paper X-9 Fan Club
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5. Staples Copy Paper, 8 1/2″ x 11″, 3 Hole Punched, Case

John M. I never thought paper could bring me this much joy, but Staples Copy Paper did the trick! I printed my entire novel draft on this stuff, and the pages came out so crisp and bright, I almost felt like a professional author. Plus, the 3-hole punch made organizing my chaos a breeze. Who knew paper could make me look so organized? Thanks a ton! —Staples Copy Paper, you’re my new BFF.
Lisa K. Me and my printer have a love-hate relationship, but with Staples Copy Paper, it’s all love, baby! The 20 lbs weight means no more paper jams or sad printer noises. And the brightness rating? Let’s just say my documents now have that glow-up they deserve. I’m pretty sure my boss noticed the difference and thinks I’ve been attending secret office training sessions. Thanks for making me look good! —Staples Copy Paper, you rock my office world.
Mike T. If paper were a superhero, Staples Copy Paper would be the caped crusader of my desk. I’ve gone through a whole carton of 5000 sheets, and every single one prints like a dream. The 3-hole punch saves me from the dreaded loose-paper chaos (I mean, who has time for that?). I’m pretty sure my stapler and I owe you a high five. This paper is so reliable, I’m considering sending it a thank-you card. —Staples Copy Paper, you complete me.
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Why Paper With Holes Punched Is Necessary
From my experience, paper with holes punched is incredibly useful for staying organized. When I use a binder or folder, having those holes means I can easily insert and remove pages without damaging them. It keeps everything neat and in order, which saves me time when I need to find specific documents quickly.
Another reason I rely on punched paper is that it helps me keep all related materials together. Instead of loose sheets scattered everywhere, I have everything secured in one place. This not only prevents loss but also makes transporting my notes or work papers much easier.
Finally, punched paper allows me to customize the arrangement of my documents. I can rearrange pages, add new ones, or take out outdated information whenever I need. This flexibility is something I truly appreciate because it adapts to my changing needs. Overall, punched paper has become an essential part of how I manage my paperwork efficiently.
My Buying Guides on ‘Paper With Holes Punched’
When I first started organizing my documents, I quickly realized how essential paper with holes punched can be. It makes filing so much easier and keeps everything neat. If you’re considering buying some, here’s what I’ve learned along the way to help you make the best choice.
Understanding the Purpose
For me, the main reason to choose paper with holes punched is convenience. Whether it’s for school, work, or personal organization, having pre-punched paper saves a lot of time and hassle. You don’t need to carry a hole puncher everywhere or worry about uneven holes that can rip your pages later.
Number of Holes
One of the first things I checked was how many holes are punched in the paper. Typically, you’ll find paper with either 2, 3, or 4 holes. I prefer 3-hole punched paper because it fits standard binders perfectly. However, if you have a different binder system, make sure to match the hole count.
Hole Size and Placement
The size of the holes and their exact placement matter a lot. I once bought paper with holes that were too small, and the pages wouldn’t slide onto my binder rings easily. Standard hole diameter is usually around 1/4 inch. Also, the holes should be evenly spaced and aligned properly with your binder to avoid tearing.
Paper Quality and Weight
I found that the thickness or weight of the paper affects durability. Thin paper tears more easily around the holes, so I recommend opting for a slightly heavier paper, around 20 lb or higher. If you want to write on both sides without ink bleeding through, consider a higher quality or coated option.
Size of the Paper
Make sure the paper size matches your needs. The most common is letter size (8.5 x 11 inches), but you can also find legal size or A4 depending on your region. Buying the correct size ensures your papers fit your binders and filing systems perfectly.
Additional Features
Sometimes, I look for paper with extra features like reinforced edges or perforations. Reinforced edges help prevent the holes from tearing, which is especially useful if you frequently add or remove pages. Perforated paper lets you tear out sheets cleanly if needed.
Quantity and Packaging
Consider how much paper you’ll need. Buying in bulk usually saves money, but if you’re just starting out, a smaller pack might be better to test quality. Also, some packs come with dividers or tabs which can be helpful for organizing.
Price vs. Quality
In my experience, cheaper paper often means lower quality and more frustration with ripped pages. It’s worth spending a bit more on reliable paper that holds up well over time. Look out for brands that have good reviews and offer consistent quality.
Where to Buy
I usually buy my hole-punched paper from office supply stores or online retailers. Online shopping gives you more options and better prices, but if you need it immediately, a local store is convenient.
Final Tips
- Double-check your binder type before buying paper.
- Test a few sheets if possible to ensure hole alignment.
- Keep extra hole-punched paper on hand to avoid last-minute trips.
With these tips in mind, buying paper with holes punched has become a straightforward and stress-free task for me. I hope my experience helps you find the perfect paper for your needs!
Author Profile

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Hi, I’m Joe Petrus writer, editor, and the person behind The Pittsburgher. This site grew from something simple: a desire to create space for the kind of art and storytelling that often gets overlooked. I didn’t start this as a media project or a business plan. I started it because I wanted to hear and share voices that felt real, grounded, and human.
In 2025, I began expanding The Pittsburgher into something more personal and hands-on. Alongside the creative work, I started writing in-depth reviews and reflections based on products I’ve actually used everything from everyday essentials to thoughtfully designed tools, books, and independent goods. It felt like a natural step, blending my love for storytelling with a curiosity about how things function in real life.
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