Environmental Paper Network

paper calculator logoWelcome to the Paper Calculator

This tool will help you quantify the benefits of better paper choices. The Paper Calculator shows the environmental impacts of different papers across their full lifecycle.

Why do paper choices matter?

By using less paper, increasing recycled content, and making other improvements, you can save wood, water and energy, and cut pollution and solid waste.

See the environmental benefits

Create an easy-to-read report, to help your company, community, non-profit or other organization make better paper choices and measure the environmental results.

I agree to cite Environmental Paper Network (sample citation) when using information provided by the Paper Calculator, and accept the Terms & Conditions associated with the use of this site.

Compare individual papers
For example, compare the impacts of a specific paper to alternatives with higher recycled content.
Compare paper groups
For example, compare the combined impacts of several different papers you use today to one or more sets of recycled alternatives.
Citation Example

Environmental impact estimates were made using the Environmental Paper Network Paper Calculator. For more information visit www.papercalculator.org.

Paper Grade

Type of paper based on degree of porosity, reflectivity, stiffness, opacity, smoothness, and gloss. Some of the most common grades of paper are free sheet (copy paper), groundwood (newspaper), supercalendered (newspaper inserts), corrugated, and paperboard.

Percent Recycled Content

The percentage of POST- consumer recycled fiber used in your paper. See entries in our glossary section on postconsumer fiber and preconsumer fiber.

Terms & Conditions

The information provided by this website is based on publicly available national averages. Data may vary for specific mills. Environmental Paper Network makes no representation, warranty or guaranty as to the reliability, timeliness, quality, suitability, availability, accuracy or completeness of the information or any content. Environmental Paper Network does not represent or warrant that (1) the use of the information will be secure, timely, uninterrupted or error-free or (2) that the information will meet your requirements. The information and content of the Paper Calculator tool is provided to you strictly on an "AS IS" basis. All conditions, representations, and warranties, whether express, implied, statutory or otherwise, including without limitation, any implied warranty of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, or non-infringement of third party rights, are hereby disclaimed by Environmental Paper Network to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law. In no event shall Environmental Paper Network be liable to anyone for any indirect, punitive, special, exemplary, incidental, consequential or other damages of any type or kind arising out of, or in any way connected with the use of the Paper Calculator, including but not limited to the use or inability to use the Paper Calculator, or any content or information obtained from or through the Paper Calculator, any interruption, inaccuracy or error or omission in the content or information, regardless of the cause.

What Users Are Saying

"The Paper Calculator has been a great tool for Nick Magazine... The savings numbers really resonate with people and drive home the advantages of recycled paper."

Jennifer Alt
Production Manager
Nickelodeon Magazine Group

Read more testimonials »

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For information about the life cycle analysis used in the Paper Calculator, click here.



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Web Design by Jenny Greer at Sound Mind Media.   Paper Calculator Development by NacreData L.L.C.   Web Development by Scott Cielo at Code Connects Web Development.