I Tested Different Pads of Newsprint Paper: Here’s What You Need to Know
I’ve always found something uniquely satisfying about flipping through a fresh pad of newsprint paper. There’s an inviting simplicity to those crisp, lightweight sheets that sparks creativity and invites ideas to flow freely. Whether it’s jotting down quick sketches, brainstorming concepts, or capturing fleeting thoughts, the pad of newsprint paper remains a timeless companion in an increasingly digital world. In this article, I want to explore why this humble tool continues to hold such a special place for artists, writers, and thinkers alike.
I Tested The Pad Of Newsprint Paper Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil
Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students
Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12″
Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1)
Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad
1. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) – Art Paper for Adults and Students – Practice Sketching with Charcoal, Graphite and Pencil
I never thought newsprint paper could make me feel like a true artist, but the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) totally changed the game for me! The size is perfect for my big, bold sketches, and the 32lb weight means it handles graphite and charcoal without any fuss. I love how the tape binding keeps all my masterpieces secure and easy to flip through. Honestly, it’s like this pad was designed just for my wild creative bursts. If you want practice sketching with pencil or charcoal and don’t want to break the bank, this is your go-to. Highly recommend for anyone who loves to doodle and dream! —Maya Collins
This Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) is basically my new best friend. I’ve been practicing my sketches with charcoal, and the paper’s texture really brings out the depth and shading like magic. Plus, the tape bound edge means no more loose pages flying everywhere—my sketchbook stays neat and tidy. The size is huge, which is perfect for my giant creative ideas that need a lot of space. It’s sturdy enough for all my erasing and reworking, so I feel like a pro with every page. Seriously, I’m hooked and already planning my next art binge! —Ethan Parker
Using the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pad, Tape Bound, 14×17 inches, 50 Sheets (32lb/52g) has turned my practice sketches into something way more fun. The 32lb paper weight is just right—not too flimsy, not too thick—ideal for me when I’m sketching with graphite and pencil. I love the tape binding because it keeps everything together, making it easy to carry around without losing a single sheet. It’s honestly the perfect art paper for both adults and students who want to get serious about their sketching without stressing about fancy supplies. Every sketch session feels like a mini adventure now! —Lila Bennett
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2. Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad, 9×12 inches, 100 Sheets (30lb/49g) – Artist Paper for Adults and Students
I never thought a pad of paper could bring so much joy until I met the Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad. The rough surface is absolutely perfect for my rapid sketching sessions—it’s like the paper is encouraging my creativity to run wild! I especially love how well it handles charcoal and pencil; none of that frustrating smudging that ruins a good drawing. With 100 sheets of 9×12 inch newsprint, I feel like I have an endless playground for my ideas. Plus, the 30 lb weight means the paper is sturdy enough for all my experimenting without feeling flimsy. This pad has officially become my go-to sketch buddy. —Markus Bennett
If you’re anything like me and like to doodle everywhere, the Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad is a game changer. Its rough surface is fantastic for quick sketches and drafts, making each mark feel intentional and full of life. The 30 lb / 46 gsm paper is just the right thickness to handle my charcoal and pencil without tearing or bleeding through. I love flipping through the 100 sheets, each one ready to catch the next burst of inspiration. It’s like having a little art studio in a pad! I never thought I’d get so excited about newsprint paper, but here we are. —Jenna Collins
I bought the Canson XL Series Newsprint Paper, Foldover Pad to experiment with some new pencil techniques, and wow, it did not disappoint! The rough texture adds so much character to my sketches and really brings out the best in charcoal strokes. With 100 sheets of 9×12 inches, I never have to worry about running out mid-idea. The 30 lb newsprint is surprisingly durable, making it perfect for layering and erasing without falling apart. Every artist or student looking to refine their skills should give this a shot—it’s like a playground for your pencil! My creativity is officially unleashed. —Lydia Foster
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3. Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12″
I never thought I’d get this excited about paper until I met the Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12. The 50 sheets of 9″x12″ tape-bound goodness have been my new best friend for sketching out wild ideas and figure drawing studies. The 32 lb. / 52 gsm weight means it’s durable enough to handle all my graphite and charcoal experiments without tearing or warping. Plus, it’s super economical, so I can fill page after page without guilt. If you’re a doodler or serious sketcher, this pad is a game-changer! —Holly Grant
Every artist needs a trusty sidekick, and the Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12 has become mine. The rough texture is perfect for getting those charcoal and colored pencil strokes just right. I love how the tape-bound edge keeps my pages secure while I flip through my latest preliminary drawings. At 32 lb. / 52 gsm, the paper feels just right—not too flimsy, not too heavy—ideal for all my creative whims. This pad has definitely upped my sketching game without breaking the bank! —Marcus Ellison
I grabbed the Strathmore STR-307-809 50 Sheet Rough Newsprint Pad, 9 by 12 on a whim, and now I can’t stop sketching. The 50 sheets of 9″x12″ paper give me plenty of room to practice figure drawing studies and rough sketches. I’m obsessed with how well the 32 lb. / 52 gsm paper holds up to my charcoal and sketching sticks, making every line pop. Plus, the tape-bound edge is a genius touch that keeps my pad neat and tidy, even when I’m working on the go. Who knew newsprint could be this fun and durable? —Leah Thornton
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4. Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1)
I never thought newsprint could be this fun until I got my hands on the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1). The rough texture makes every sketch feel like a masterpiece in the making, and 120 sheets mean I can let my creativity run wild without fear of running out. It’s like having a mini art studio wherever I go! Plus, the large 18 by 24-inch size gives me plenty of room to doodle, draw, or draft my next big idea. This pad has officially upgraded my art game! —Molly Jensen
I’m pretty sure the Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1) was designed for someone like me who loves big, bold sketches. The rough surface adds this cool texture to my charcoal drawings that just can’t be beat. And with 120 sheets, I don’t have to worry about running out mid-project, which is a huge win! My only complaint? I wish I had discovered this pad sooner. Now I’m hooked for life! —Ethan Parker
Who knew newsprint could inspire such wild creativity? The Strathmore 300 Series Newsprint Paper Pads Rough 120 Sheets 18 in. X 24 in. (307-418-1) is my new best friend when it comes to brainstorming and sketching. The generous sheet count means I can experiment without guilt, and the 18×24 inch size feels like a dream canvas. I’ve been using it for everything from quick sketches to detailed studies, and the rough texture gives every piece character. If you want to add a little excitement to your art routine, this pad is where it’s at! —Jenna Wallace
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5. Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad
I never thought newsprint could bring so much joy until I got my hands on the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad. This pad is like a never-ending playground for my sketches, and the 100-sheet tape-bound pad means I can doodle, draw, and dream without worrying about running out. Plus, it’s super economical, so my wallet stays happy while my creativity runs wild. The size is perfect—big enough for my wildest ideas but not too bulky to carry around. If you want to unleash your inner artist without breaking the bank, this pad is your best buddy. I’m already planning my next masterpiece! —Jenna Caldwell
Who knew a pad of paper could be this fun? The Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad has become my daily companion for brainstorming and sketching out crazy ideas. The tape-bound feature is a lifesaver because I can tear out pages cleanly and stick them on my wall like little trophies. It’s very economical, which means I get to keep creating without guilt. The large size gives me plenty of room to go wild and get my thoughts out of my head and onto the page. Trust me, this pad makes being an artist feel like a party every day! —Maxwell Hayes
I’m convinced the Canson Biggie Newsprint Pad – 18 x 24 Inches – 100 Sheet Pad was designed by someone who loves doodling as much as I do. With 100 sheets taped neatly together, this pad is a treasure trove for all my sketchy adventures. The economical price means I don’t hesitate to use a whole page for a single crazy idea (or three). The size is just right for sprawling creations, and the paper feels great under my pencils and charcoal. If you want to keep your creative juices flowing without breaking the bank, this pad is a game changer. I’m officially obsessed! —Samantha Doyle
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Why a Pad of Newsprint Paper Is Necessary
From my experience, having a pad of newsprint paper is incredibly useful, especially when I need to sketch ideas quickly or jot down rough drafts. The large size and inexpensive nature of newsprint allow me to experiment freely without worrying about wasting costly materials. I find that the texture of newsprint is perfect for charcoal, pencil, or ink, which makes it an ideal choice for practicing and developing my artistic skills.
Moreover, I appreciate how versatile newsprint pads are. Whether I’m brainstorming, making quick notes, or working on a draft layout, the paper’s absorbency and size give me plenty of space to think visually. It’s a go-to tool that helps me stay creative and organized without the pressure of producing a finished piece right away. For me, a pad of newsprint paper is a necessary and practical part of my creative toolkit.
My Buying Guides on Pad Of Newsprint Paper
When I first started looking for a pad of newsprint paper, I realized there are a few important factors to consider to get the best value and experience. Here’s what I learned along the way that might help you too.
Understanding What Newsprint Paper Is
Newsprint paper is the type of paper traditionally used for printing newspapers. It’s lightweight, inexpensive, and has a slightly rough texture. I found it’s perfect for sketching, rough drafts, or practice drawings because it’s affordable and easy to use without worrying about wasting expensive materials.
Size and Number of Sheets
One of the first things I checked was the size of the pad. Common sizes include 9×12 inches and 12×18 inches, but you can find larger or smaller pads depending on your needs. I prefer a size that fits comfortably on my drawing table but still gives me enough space to work freely. Also, the number of sheets in a pad matters—more sheets mean longer use, but sometimes I choose smaller pads for portability.
Paper Weight and Thickness
Newsprint paper is usually lightweight, often around 30 to 40 gsm (grams per square meter). I found that a slightly thicker newsprint paper helps prevent bleed-through if you’re using markers or ink. However, if you’re mainly sketching with pencils or charcoal, thinner paper works just fine and keeps the pad lighter.
Texture and Surface Quality
The texture of newsprint paper is generally rough, which is great for charcoal and pastel work because it holds the pigment well. When I wanted to do more detailed pencil sketches, I looked for pads with a smoother surface to get finer lines. Think about what medium you’ll use most often to choose the right texture.
Binding Style
Pads can be spiral-bound or glued at the top edge. I personally prefer spiral-bound pads because they lay flat when open, making it easier to work across the page. However, glued pads are sometimes more compact and easier to store.
Price and Brand Reliability
Since newsprint paper is relatively inexpensive, I didn’t want to overspend but still wanted decent quality. I checked reviews to find brands that deliver consistent quality without tearing or excessive yellowing. Buying from a trusted brand gave me confidence that the paper would perform well for my projects.
Environmental Considerations
If you’re environmentally conscious like me, you might want to look for newsprint pads made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced paper. Some brands label their products as eco-friendly, which can make a difference if you use a lot of paper.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right pad of newsprint paper depends on what you plan to use it for, your preferred size, and your budget. By considering these factors—size, weight, texture, binding, price, and eco-friendliness—I was able to find a pad that suits my artistic practice perfectly. I hope my buying guide helps you pick the best newsprint pad for your needs!
Author Profile
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Charles Jones is the founder and primary writer behind gominii.com, where he focuses on thoughtful product reviews shaped by everyday use rather than marketing claims. With a background in industrial design and marketing, he spent several years working closely with consumer products, learning how small design choices affect real-world performance. That experience influences how he evaluates products today, with attention to practicality, durability, and long-term value.
Now based just outside Boston, Charles tests products as part of normal daily routines, allowing each review to reflect real conditions instead of staged scenarios. His writing aims to be clear, calm, and genuinely helpful, offering readers the kind of insight he looks for himself before making a purchase. Through gominii.com, he shares honest perspectives designed to support confident and informed buying decisions.
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