Bond paper is a durable paper suitable for electronic printing and use in office equipment, including copiers, network and desktop printers. People typically use it for letterheads, stationery, business forms, and various documents produced using inkjet and laser printers. For example, many invoices you receive in the mail are printed on bond paper.

Bond paper has a base size of 17×22 inches and, usually, a basis weight of 20 pounds. The basis weight of a paper is determined by the weight of 500 sheets of paper at the base size. In the case of 20-pound bond paper, 500 sheets of 17×22-inch bond paper weigh 20 pounds. Even when the large sheet is reduced to other sizes, including the commonly used 8.5×11-inch size, it is still referred to as 20-pound paper.

While 20-pound bond is the most common weight, bond paper is available in other weights ranging from 16-pound to 36-pound. The higher the number, the heavier and thicker the sheet of paper. It also comes in a variety of sizes, though the standard letter size, 8.5×11 inches, is the most common. It also comes in legal size, which is 8.5×14 inches, and 11×17 inch tabloid size, among other sizes.

Erasability, excellent absorption and stiffness characterize bond paper. Bond paper sold in office supply stores usually comes in letter-sized reams of 500 sheets, sold individually or by the box. White is the most common color, but bond paper is available in pastels, neons and other mixed colors.