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HP LaserJet Series Printers - Media
Recommendations, Specifications, and Weights
Paper basis weights
Paper specifications
Paper weight equivalence table
Label specifications
Envelope specifications
Troubleshooting paper jams
Media selection tips
Use the information in this document to find the types of media that perform best with the printer. Obtain
additional information about media specifications in two ways:
See the User's Guide that came with the printer. G
Refer to the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide for more information. G
Paper to use
For best results, use conventional, white, xerographic paper.
Paper to avoid
Avoid using the following types of paper:
Paper with cutouts or perforations. G
Paper that is damaged, wrinkled, or irregularly shaped. G
Paper with glossy, smooth, or extremely rough surfaces. G
Paper that is heavily textured or embossed. G
Paper that is carbonless (NCR) or chemically coated. G
Paper and ink not compatible with the heat and pressure of fusing. G
NOTE: Avoid printing more than once on the same side of a page. This might result in paper
curling or severe paper jams and misfeeds. However, the printer should be able to print both
sides of a page without a duplex unit. Use only Tray 1 and the side-output bin to print both sides
of a page. This reduces the complexity of the paper path and the probability of paper jams.
Recycled paper
Recycled paper is a combination of pre-consumer waste paper and post-consumer waste paper.
Printed waste paper is usually washed to remove most ink and other contaminants. Recycled
paper may contain dark specks or appear gray or dirty. Select a recycled paper type that meets
the same specifications (except brightness) as standard paper and that has a suitable
appearance. HP recommends using recycled paper containing no more than five percent ground
wood.
Colored paper
Use colored paper of the same high quality as white photocopy paper. The pigments in the paper
must withstand the fusing temperatures of 200 degrees Centigrade (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for
.1 second without deterioration. Never use paper with a colored coating that was added after the
paper was produced.
HP Color LaserJet printers create colors by printing patterns of dots, overlaying and varying their
spacing to produce various colors. Since these colors are printed on a medium, changing the
shade or color of the medium (paper) will change the shades of printed colors. Since the printer
cannot sense the color of paper that is being used, it cannot adjust the output colors for colored
paper.
Archival paper
Paper used for archiving must meet the same media specifications as standard paper; however,
the pH should be no less than 7.0. Some archival demands are more stringent than others,
requiring specific degrees of alkalinity and chemical stability. Toner is chemically stable and
should last as long as the paper does. Petroleum-based solvents can degrade toner and
plasticizers such as those found in vinyl folders. Avoid folding archival documents across printed
areas or handling them roughly. Discuss archival requirements with the paper supplier.
Paper basis weights
Paper basis weight is an important characteristic to consider because paper that is too light or too heavy
may misfeed, stack improperly, jam, and cause excessive mechanical wear. The following table lists HP
LaserJet printers and the minimum and maximum basis weights they support.
Printer Source
Basis weights (Metric and US
Bond)
HP LaserJet IIP/IIIP Multipurpose Tray
and printers
Cassettes 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet IID/IIID Upper Bin printers Cassette and manual feed 60 to 135 g/m
2
(16 to 36 lb bond)
Cassette and manual feed 60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond)
Duplex 60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond)
HP LaserJet II and III series printers Cassette and manual feed 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet IIISi series printers Upper and lower bin;
cassette and manual feed
(simplex)
Upper and lower bin;
cassette and manual feed
(duplex)
60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond)
Printer Source
Basis weights (US Bond and
Metric)
HP LaserJet 4/4M and 4 Plus/4M Plus
series printers
250-sheet cassette tray 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 4Si series printers Upper tray (simplex) 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 36 lb bond)
Lower tray (simplex) 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Upper and lower tray
(duplex)
60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 4L/4ML series printers Paper cassette 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 4P/4MP series printers Paper cassette 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Manual feed 60 to 158 g/m
2
(16 to 42 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 4V/4MV series printers MP tray 64 to 105 g/m
2
(17 to 28 lb bond)
250-sheet cassette tray 64 to 105 g/m
2
(17 to 28 lb bond)
Optional 500-sheet lower 64 to 105 g/m
2
(17 to 28 lb bond)
Printer Source
Basis weights (US Bond and
Metric)
HP Color LaserJet series printers Front input tray 75 to 90 g/m
2
(20 to 24 lb bond)
HP Color LaserJet 5 series printers Optional rear tray 75 to 90 g/m
2
(20 to 24 lb bond)
Manual feed 75 to 90 g/m
2
(20 to 24 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 5P/5MP series printers Tray 1 (MP tray) 60 to 158 g/m
2
(16 to 42 lb bond)
Tray 2 (paper cassette) 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 5L series printers Paper input bin 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Single-sheet input slot 60 to 163 g/m
2
(16 to 43 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 5, 5N and 5M series
printers
250-sheet cassette tray 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Optional 500-sheet lower
cassette tray
60 to 90 g/m
2
(16 to 24 lb bond)
Printer Source
Basis weights (US Bond and
Metric)
HP LaserJet 5Si, 8000, Mopier 240,
8100, and Mopier 320 series printers
Tray 1 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Tray 1 (left output tray only) Up to 199g/m2 (110 lb index or
53 lb bond)
Tray 2 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Tray 3 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Optional 2000 sheet tray 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 6L series printers Paper input bin 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb)
Single-sheet input slot 60 to 163 g/m
2
(16 to 43 lb)
HP LaserJet 3100 series printers Output bin
Front output slot
Document feeder tray
60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb)
60 to 157 g/m
2
(16 to 42 lb)
42 to 260 g/m
2
(12 to 69 lb)
Printer Source
Basis weights (US bond and
metric)
HP LaserJet 1000, 1005, 1100 and
1100A series printers
Paper output slot
Front output slot
60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb)
60 to 163 g/m
2
(16 to 43 lb)
HP LaserJet 4000, 5000, and 5100
series printers
Tray 1 60 to 199 g/m
2
(16 to 53 lb bond)
Trays 2, 3, and 4 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP Color LaserJet 2500 Printer Series Trays 1, 2 and 3 Click here for paper and print
media specifications
HP Color LaserJet 4500 and 4550
series printers
Tray 1 Single-sided: 60 to 159 g/m
2
(16
to 36 lb)
Two-sided: 64 to 105 g/m
2
(17 to
28 lb)
Transparencies and soft gloss
paper: 0.13 mm (5 mil) 120 g/m
2
(32 lb/80 lb text)
Envelopes: (Tray 1 only):
Maximum weight 90 g/m
2
(24 lb);
Limit of 10
Cardstock (postcards): (Tray 1
only)
Maximum weight: 176 g/m
2
(47
lb)
Maximum size:
200mm x 148mm
(7.87 in x. 5.82 in)
Trays 2 and 3 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
Transparencies and Soft Gloss
Paper: 0.13 mm (5 mil) 120 g/m
2
Duplex printing 64 to 105 g/m
2
(17 to 28 lb bond)
HP Color LaserJet 4600 Printer Series Trays 1, 2 and 3 Click here for paper and print
media specifications
Click here for information on
selecting Print Media on Special
Paper and Print Media
HP Color LaserJet 5500 series printers Trays 1, 2, 3 and 4 Click here for paper and print
media specifications
Click here for information on
selecting Print Media on Special
Paper and Print Media
HP Color LaserJet 8500 and HP Color
LaserJet 8550 series printers
Tray 1 60 to 216 g/m
2
(16 to 58 lb
bond); 90 g/m
2
(24 lb bond) for
envelopes; 4 to 5 mils for
transparencies
Trays 2, 3, and 4 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb
bond); 4 to 5 mils for
transparencies
HP LaserJet 1200 and 1220 series
printers
Main input tray 60 to163 g/m
2
(16 to 42 lb bond)
Priority input tray 60 to 163 g/m
2
(16 to 42 lb bond)
Output bin 60 to 105 g/m
2
(16 to 28 lb bond)
HP LaserJet 2100 and 2200 series
printers
Main input tray (Tray 1) 60 to 163 g/m2 (16 to 43 lb bond)
Duplexer printing 60 to 105 g/m2 (16 to 28 lb bond)
Trays 2 and 3 60 to 105 g/m2 (16 to 28 lb bond)
Paper specifications
Category Specification
Grain Long
Moisture content 4.7 percent +/- 1 percent by weight
Composition/Furnish 100 percent chemical wood pulp and/or cotton fiber.
Recycled paper with up to 5 percent ground wood may be used.
Acid content 5.5 pH minimum
Ash content Not to exceed 10 percent
Opacity 85 percent minimum
Brightness 83 percent minimum (recycled paper may not be as bright)
Caliper 0.094 to 0.18 mm (3.0 - 7.0 mils)
Curl In ream: flat within 5 mm (0.2 inch).
Cut edge Sharp/no fray, no dust.
Category Specification
Finishing Cut sheet to +/- 0.8 mm (+/- 0.03 inch) of nominal and +/- 0.2 degrees square
Fusing compatibility Must not scorch, melt, offset, or release harmful emissions at 200 degrees C
(392 degrees F) for .1 second (0.2 seconds for the HP Color LaserJet printer).
Packaging Polylaminated moisture-proof ream wrap
Smoothness 100-250 Sheffield (rougher surfaces tend to reduce image quality) 100-190
Sheffield for the HP Color LaserJet printer
Stiffness 1.6 minimum machine direction; 0.6 minimum cross direction (Taber)
Surface strength 12 minimum wax pick (Dennison)
Electrical surface 2.0 to 15 x 10 (to the 10th power)
Resistivity ohms/sq (conditioned at 23 degrees Centigrade and 50 percent relative
humidity)
Electrical Volume 1.2 to 15 x 10 (to the 11th power) ohms x
Resistivity cm (conditioned at 23 degrees Centigrade and 50 percent relative humidity)
Paper weight equivalence table
Use the following table to determine equivalent points in paper weight specifications other than US bond
weight. For example, to determine the equivalent of 20 pound US bond weight in US cover weight,
locate the bond weight, and scan across the row to the cover weight. The equivalent is 28 pounds.
This table answers conversion questions regarding any HP product. To determine the minimum and
maximum supported paper weights for a specific HP product, refer to the documentation for that printer.
*US Post
Card
thick-ness
(mm)
US Bond
weight (lb)
US Text/
Book
Weight (lb)
US Cover
Weight
(lb)
US Bristol
Weight (lb)
US index
Weight (lb)
US Tag
Weight (lb) Metric
Wt.

16 41 22 27 33 37 60 g/m
2

17 43 24 29 35 39 64 g/m
2

20 50 28 34 42 46 75 g/m
2

21 54 30 36 44 49 80 g/m
2

22 56 31 38 46 51 83 g/m
2

24 60 33 41 50 55 90 g/m
2

27 68 37 45 55 61 100 g/m
2

28 70 39 49 58 65 105 g/m
2

32 80 44 55 67 74 120 g/m
2

34 86 47 58 71 79 128 g/m
2

36 90 50 62 75 83 135 g/m
2
18 39 100 55 67 82 91 148 g/m
2
* US Post
Card
thick-ness
(mm)
US Bond
weight (lb)
US Text/
Book
Weight (lb)
US Cover
Weight
(lb)
US Bristol
Weight (lb)
US index
Weight (lb)
US Tag
Weight (lb) Metric
Wt.
.19 42 107 58 72 87 97 158 g/m
2
.20 43 110 60 74 90 100 163 g/m
2
.23 47 119 65 80 97 108 176 g/m
2
.25 51 128 70 86 105 117 190 g/m
2
.26 53 134 74 90 110 122 199 g/m
2
.27 54 137 75 93 113 125 203 g/m
2
.29 58 146 80 98 120 133 216 g/m
2
.32 65 165 90 111 135 150 244 g/m
2
.33 66 169 92 114 138 154 250 g/m
2
.34 67 171 94 115 140 155 253 g/m
2
.35 70 178 98 120 146 162 264 g/m
2
.36 72 183 100 123 150 166 271 g/m
2
NOTE: * US Post Card measurements are approximate. Use these figures for reference only.
Label specifications
The following table lists label specifications and guidelines for HP LaserJet printers. For more
information about labels, see the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide (part number
5851-1468).
Characteristic Description
Adhesive Must not be on any external surfaces of the label before, during, or after
printing. Label construction and die cutting must not allow labels to peel
off during transport, printing, or fusing.
Caliper Must not exceed 0.19 millimeter (0.007 inches)
Curl In ream: flat within 5 millimeter (0.2 inches)
Electrical surface resistivity 2.0 to 15 x 10 to the 10th ohm square
Electrical volume resistivity 1.2 to 15 x 10 to the 11th ohm-centimeter
Finishing precision Cut sheet within 0.79 millimeters (0.031 inches) of nominal and +0.20
degrees square
Fusing compatibility All adhesives, carrier sheets, top sheets, and other materials used in
label construction must be compatible with the heat and pressure of the
fusing process. Materials must not discolor, melt, offset, or release
hazardous emissions when heated to 200 degrees Celsius (392
degrees Fahrenheit) for 0.1 second.
Packaging Moisture-proof wrap to preserve properties
Shelf life One year, maximum, stored at 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees
Fahrenheit) and 50 percent R.H.
Selection guidelines
Use these guidelines to determine which label types to use with a printer:
The top sheet (printing surface) must be of copier quality and must provide good toner
adhesion.
G
The carrier sheet must be compatible with the temperatures and pressure of the fusing
process and must be coated for easy release of the top sheet.
G
The adhesive must be stable at the temperature of 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees
Fahrenheit) for 0.1 second during the fusing process and must not produce emissions that
exceed exposure levels or threshold limits established by OSHA and other safety
agencies. Adhesives must not come into direct contact with any part of the printer.
G
Arrange labels on the carrier sheet so that any exposed spaces run lengthwise down the
sheet.
G
CAUTION: Using label stock with spaces between the horizontal rows of labels can often
result in labels peeling off during printing, causing serious jamming and possible printer
damage.
NOTE: HP does not recommend printing on sheets with removed or missing labels.
Envelope specifications
NOTE: For additional information concerning paper specifications refer to the HP LaserJet Printer
Family Print Media Guide.
HP LaserJet printers can print on many sizes and styles of envelopes using manual feed, a multipurpose
tray, an optional envelope tray, or an optional envelope feeder. Whichever input method is used,
envelopes should meet all media specifications discussed in this document. Envelope vendors should
provide envelopes that comply with the specifications listed in the following table.
See the HP LaserJet printer User's Manual for detailed procedures for printing on envelopes.
NOTE: Envelopes may meet the general specifications listed in the table below and still not print
satisfactorily because of the printing environment or other variables over which HP has no control.
Description Specifications
Paper Paper used for envelope construction must meet the paper specifications listed
in the HP LaserJet Printer Family Print Media Guide (except for those listed
below).
Basis weight 60 to 100 g/m
2
(16 to 27 lbs), single thickness Jamming may result if 100 g/m
2
(27 lb) is exceeded.
Finish Avoid using envelopes with adhesive exposed to the printer. Envelopes must
be folded accurately +/- .1 mm (0.04 inch) so that there are no more than two
thicknesses of paper anywhere along the leading edge. All folds must be well
scored and sharply creased, and construction must be tight (not baggy). Avoid
using envelopes that are stuck together with excess seam gum.
Fusing compatibility All ink, adhesives, and other materials in the envelope must be compatible with
the heat and pressure of the fusing process. Materials must not discolor, melt,
offset, or release hazardous emissions when heated to 200 degrees Celsius
(392 degrees Fahrenheit) for 0.1 second.
Curl (preprinted) Envelopes must lie flat, with no more than 5 mm (0.2 inch) curl across the
entire surface.
Caliper 0.084 to 0.14 mm (3.3 to 5.5 mils), single thickness.
CAUTION: Never use envelopes containing windows, clasps, snaps, or synthetic materials.
These may cause severe damage to the printer.
Environment
Handling and storage can affect the quality of print on envelopes. Optimum operating conditions
are 20-24 degrees Celsius (68-75 degrees Fahrenheit) and 45-55 percent humidity. Always store
envelopes in the manufacturer's original packaging or other moisture-proof packaging.
Envelope construction
Some envelopes will not feed through the printer dependably because their construction does not
meet specifications. Observe the following guidelines when purchasing and using envelopes:
Verify that the leading edge (the edge that enters the printer first) is straight. It should have
a sharp, well-creased fold with no more than two thicknesses of paper (envelope paper
exceeding 100 g/m
2
(27-lb) basis weight may cause jamming).
G
Avoid using flimsy envelopes with thick or curved leading edges; they will not feed reliably
into the printer.
G
Envelopes should lay flat and not be wrinkled, nicked, or otherwise damaged. G
Avoid envelopes with baggy construction; they may wrinkle while going through the fuser
assembly.
G
Verify that the adhesives used in envelopes will not scorch, melt, offset, or release
hazardous emissions when heated to 200 degrees Celsius (392 degrees Fahrenheit) for
0.1 second.
G
Envelope test results
HP tests many types of envelopes to determine which ones print acceptably in HP LaserJet
printers. Some of the test results are listed below:
Commercial or official envelopes (also called business or regular) with diagonal seams and
standard gummed flaps performed the most reliably.
G
Envelopes with double-sided seam construction that have vertical seams at both ends,
rather than diagonal seams, tend to be more flimsy and may tend to jam or wrinkle, unless
the edges are thin and sharply creased. However, a variety of double-side seam envelopes
have performed acceptably during testing.
G
Envelopes with a peel-off adhesive strip or more than one flap that folds over to seal must
use adhesives compatible with the heat and pressure of the fusing process. Many varieties
of these envelopes performed satisfactorily in HP testing; however, the extra flaps and
strips may result in increased jamming or wrinkling.
G
Generally, feeding problems increase with envelope size. Larger envelope sizes (C5, B5,
booklet, and catalog) must not have a basis weight greater than 100 g/m
2
(27 lbs).
G
Unacceptable envelopes
Many envelopes will feed through HP LaserJet printers without problems. However, some
envelope constructions (see Figure 1) will not feed reliably. Problems may occur when the
envelopes are folded smaller than normal, causing a thick leading edge near a corner. Folding
inconsistencies may cause some envelopes to feed well and others to jam. Find envelopes of the
quality and consistency required.
Figure 1: Envelope construction
A- Good construction
B- Poor construction
Troubleshooting paper jams
The scope of this document does not include troubleshooting paper jams. This issue is addressed in
detail by product specific documents. Click here to search for a paper jam troubleshooting document
related to the printer and use "paper jam troubleshooting" or "paper jam troubleshooting [product name]"
as a search string. For example, "paper jam troubleshooting HP LaserJet 8100" is a possible search
string.
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