If you're anything like me—someone who’s spent many hours in workplaces, printing anything from daily reports to critical presentations—you’ll know that not all A4 paper is created equal. When I first started buying paper in bulk for our team, I didn't give much consideration to the numbers printed on the container. However, once I developed the practice of selecting the least expensive copy paper available in Australia, I came to understand that there are other factors besides cost. The difference in weight between 70gsm and 80gsm A4 paper might significantly affect your daily work experience.
So, after testing and using both for months, I’ve put together this in-depth comparison to help you make a smarter decision.
What Does GSM Mean Anyway?
"Grammes per square metre" is what GSM stands for. It serves as a gauge for paper density. In short:
- 70gsm paper is lighter and thinner
- 80gsm paper is thicker, heavier, and generally more robust
But why does this matter for your everyday printing? Let's get into it.
Print Quality and First Impressions
If your printing needs include client-facing documents, marketing collateral, or anything where presentation counts, 80gsm paper should be your go-to. It feels premium, absorbs ink better, and gives text and images that crisp, clean finish we all love.
In contrast, 70gsm paper is fine for internal documents, rough drafts, or when you’re printing in volume for daily use. The difference in print crispness is evident if you’re picky like me, but for normal notes and reports, it's completely fine.
Handling, Durability, and Practical Use
I’ve run both sorts through laser and inkjet printers. 80gsm paper resists curling, prints on both sides without bleed-through, and passes through printers with fewer jams. Because of this, it is ideal for situations where you want your documents to appear more polished or survive a little longer.
However, because it is lighter, 70gsm paper is slightly more likely to wrinkle or rip, particularly when printing on both sides. One benefit of being lightweight, though, is that it makes your stack lighter and easier to file or move when printing in large quantities.
The Cost Factor: Budgeting Smart
Cost is a major concern if you are like many Australian students or small company owners with a tight budget. In this case, 70gsm paper is superior. When you purchase in quantity, it is frequently the least expensive copy paper in Australia.
For instance, I observed a 10–15% pricing difference between the two weights during a recent office supplies stock-up. That may not seem like much, but if you are going through thousands of sheets every year, it adds up.
Environmental Considerations
There’s a sustainability argument for both. 70gsm paper uses fewer raw materials, meaning lower environmental impact per sheet. It's lighter, too, which reduces shipping emissions.
However, a growing number of 80gsm brands are now offering recycled and FSC-certified options, which means you don’t necessarily have to sacrifice eco-friendliness for quality.
So, if green choices matter to you (and they should), just check the certifications on the packaging.
Printer Compatibility and Performance
From my own experience, most modern printers in Australia are optimised for 80gsm paper—it’s often the manufacturer’s default recommendation. It feeds better, especially for duplex (double-sided) printing, and leads to fewer annoying paper jams.
That said, I’ve had no major issues running 70gsm paper through both office-grade and home printers, especially when I adjusted the printer settings. If you're printing draft documents or internal files, it's still a solid choice.
Best Use Cases for Each
To make things clearer, here’s a quick summary:
Use Case | Recommended GSM |
Professional presentations | 80gsm |
Client proposals or CVs | 80gsm |
Internal office documents | 70gsm |
Bulk printing / study materials | 70gsm |
Double-sided printing | 80gsm preferred |
Cost-saving situations | 70gsm |
Where to Find the Cheapest Copy Paper in Australia
I’ve tried a bunch of different suppliers over the years, from chain retailers to niche office supply websites. For those on a budget, the cheapest copy paper in Australia often comes from online sellers that offer bulk deals.
And that brings me to a hidden gem I recently discovered: Jazico.com.au.
Why I Recommend Jazico.com.au
Jazico is an Aussie-based office supply store that really impressed me with their selection, price transparency, and delivery speed. Whether you’re after 70gsm or 80gsm A4 copy paper, they stock trusted brands and often run deals that beat the bigger chains.
What stood out most?
- Competitive prices (yes, some of the cheapest copy paper in Australia)
- Great customer service (they helped me out when I ordered the wrong weight)
- Fast and reliable delivery
If you're not sure where to buy your next batch of paper, especially in bulk, give Jazico a go. They've quickly become a favourite for me.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
At the end of the day, it comes down to your needs:
- Buy 80gsm if quality, professionalism, and printer performance matter most to you.
- Buy 70gsm if you’re on a tight budget or printing high volumes for internal use.
No matter which you choose, remember that value isn't just about price—it’s about performance, efficiency, and purpose. So the next time you’re shopping for the cheapest copy paper in Australia, take a moment to think about what really fits your needs.
And if you want a place that balances price, quality, and service? Check out Jazico.com.au—your paper problems, sorted.
Got questions about paper types or printing tips? Drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts!