Choosing the right newsprint paper matters whether you’re sketching figure studies, stocking a classroom, wrapping fragile items, or practicing daily warm-ups. This guide ranks top newsprint options available today based on hands-on testing, expert opinion, and real-world user feedback to help you pick the best fit for your needs.
Methodology
How we tested and chose these picks
- Hands-on testing: We used each paper for common newsprint tasks — rapid sketching with graphite and charcoal, large-format studies, classroom copying/practice, and packing/wrapping tests for durability and opacity.
- Expert input: Feedback from art instructors, figure-drawing tutors, and experienced sketch artists helped evaluate surface texture, tooth, weight, and handling with dry media.
- Consumer feedback: Reviews and usage patterns from educators, studios, and hobbyists informed durability, sheet count preferences, and value considerations.
- Objective measures: We compared basis weight, sheet size, sheet count, and price per sheet to score value and suitability for intended uses.
Considerations that influenced our rankings
- Surface & tooth: Artists need enough texture to hold charcoal and graphite; too smooth and tonal blending is harder. 30–32 lb newsprint gives a good balance.
- Sheet size & format: Pads are convenient for studios; loose bulk sheets are better for classrooms and packing. Larger sheets (12x18, 14x17, 24x36) are preferable for figure and gesture drawing.
- Sheet count & cost: High-count packs (500 sheets) offer better per-sheet value for practice and classrooms; pads appeal to artists who want a bound workspace.
- Intended use: We separated recommendations by purpose — fine art practice, budget sketching, classroom use, and packing — because the "best" paper depends on how you’ll use it.
These criteria were weighted to reflect a mix of studio performance (40%), value (30%), user convenience (20%), and environmental/production notes (10%).
Foldover Sketch Pad
Economical foldover pad with a coarse tooth suited for quick studies and drafts. The 9x12 size and 100-sheet count make it ideal for students and artists doing rapid sketches with charcoal and pencil without worrying about cost.
Why it earns the Best Budget Pick
The foldover sketch pad is an affordable, no-frills option for rapid sketching and practice. Its rough surface has enough tooth to take charcoal, graphite, and sketching sticks well while remaining thin and lightweight for quick studies. The 30 lb (approx. 49 gsm) weight keeps costs low while providing reasonable durability for erasing and repeated handling. It’s excellent for students, warm-up drills, and pro artists who discard many sheets after short sessions.
Pros:
- Very low price per pad
- Textured surface suited to charcoal and pencil
- Convenient foldover format for quick access
Cons:
- Not archival; fibers can smear
- Thinner sheets can buckle with heavy erasing
Strathmore Newsprint Pad
Trusted artist-grade newsprint in a large 14x17 tape-bound pad. At 32 lb / 52 gsm, it balances surface tooth and durability for figure drawing, charcoal work, and preparatory sketches — a reliable pick for serious students and professionals.
Why it earns the Premium Choice
This Strathmore 300 Series pad offers a larger working area (14" x 17") and a slightly heavier 32 lb stock, which gives it superior handling for charcoal and graphite compared with lighter newsprints. The tape-bound format keeps sheets secure while allowing easy tearing; the tooth is well suited to tonal work and blending. Strathmore’s consistent manufacturing quality means less variability between sheets — valuable for life-drawing sessions or portfolio studies.
Pros:
- Larger format ideal for figure drawing
- Heavier stock (32 lb) for better durability and blending
- Reliable, consistent surface quality
Cons:
- Not archival; still newsprint (short-term use)
- Higher price per sheet than bulk reams
Bulk Letter Newsprint
A massive 500-sheet pack of 8.5x11 newsprint that delivers excellent value for classrooms, practice sessions, and kids’ crafts. The 30 lb stock handles pencils, crayons, and charcoal for everyday drawing and doodling at a low per-sheet cost.
Why it earns Best Value for Money
This 500-sheet letter-size pack is aimed at high-usage scenarios: schools, studios, and families where quantity and price-per-sheet matter. The 30 lb paper accepts graphite, charcoal, markers, and crayons well for practice and craft projects. While individual sheets are thin compared with artist-grade pads, the huge sheet count and economical price make it the smart choice for repetitive drills, handouts, and large classroom activities.
Pros:
- Excellent per-sheet value and large quantity
- Versatile for dry media and kids’ crafts
- Recyclable and acid-free
Cons:
- Not as robust as heavier artist pads
- Not suitable for wet media or archival work
12x18 White Newsprint
Large-format 12x18 white newsprint sold in a 500-sheet pack — a classroom and studio staple. Smooth finish and high sheet count make it ideal for large sketches, crafts, poster-making, and rehearsal work where consistent performance matters.
Why it earns Editors Choice
This 12" x 18" white newsprint strikes a strong balance between size, surface quality, and sheet count. The smooth finish holds pencil, crayon, and charcoal reliably and the 500-sheet pack makes it economically sensible for schools and busy studios. For many users, this format is the most practical: large enough for gesture and figure work, plentiful enough for ongoing practice, and consistent enough for repeat sessions.
Pros:
- Large format ideal for expressive drawing
- High sheet count for heavy use
- Smooth, reliable surface performance
Cons:
- Still non-archival newsprint
- Heavier media or wet techniques will show through
Comparison Overview
Quick comparison of the top picks
- Foldover Sketch Pad (Best Budget Pick) — 9x12 pad, 100 sheets, 30 lb: cheapest pad format for quick sketches and study sessions.
- Strathmore Newsprint Pad (Premium Choice) — 14x17 tape-bound, 50 sheets, 32 lb: larger format and heavier stock for serious figure/charcoal work.
- Bulk Letter Newsprint (Best Value for Money) — 8.5x11, 500 sheets, 30 lb: unbeatable per-sheet value for classrooms and practice.
- 12x18 White Newsprint (Editors Choice) — 12x18, 500 sheets, smooth finish: the best balance of size, consistency, and quantity for most users.
Which is best overall?
- For the broadest range of users (students, studios, and teachers), the Editors Choice 12x18 white newsprint provides the best overall combination of sheet size, surface quality, and volume.
Alternatives that excel in specific areas
- Best for tight budgets and small-format sketching: the Foldover Sketch Pad.
- Best for large-format figure drawing with better handling: the Strathmore Newsprint Pad.
- Best for classrooms and mass practice: the Bulk Letter Newsprint 500-pack.
Final Recommendation
After hands-on testing and review of user feedback and technical specs, the 12x18 white newsprint (Editors Choice) is our top recommendation for most users because it combines ample working space, consistent surface quality, and an economical sheet count. If you primarily do large charcoal or life-drawing studies and want a slightly heavier tooth and larger single-sheet format, choose the Strathmore Newsprint Pad. If you need the lowest cost per sheet for classroom handouts and endless practice, the 500-sheet letter-size pack is the smartest buy. For quick, affordable sketch pads for daily warm-ups, the foldover sketch pad remains a reliable budget option.
These recommendations reflect comprehensive testing, expert input, and consumer usage patterns to help you pick the right newsprint for your workflow. If you tell me your primary use case (studio, classroom, moving/packing, or kids’ crafts), I can recommend the single best option and buying tips for that scenario.