Printer Paper Input Trays: Types and Capacities Compared

Standard Paper Tray (Cassette)

Most printers include a standard paper tray, often called a cassette. It is the primary input for plain paper, such as letter or A4 copy paper. This tray typically sits at the bottom or front of the printer and holds the largest amount of paper the printer can accept without additional options.

The capacity of a standard cassette varies by printer type and size. Entry-level models may hold a modest stack, while office machines can hold several reams. The exact number is listed in the manufacturer's specification sheet. When you compare printers, the standard tray capacity is a key factor if you print regularly and want to minimize refills.

Inside the cassette, adjustable guides let you set the width and length for different paper sizes. Most cassettes accept multiple sizes, including letter, legal, and A4. Some also support envelopes and other media, but dedicated trays are often better for heavy or non-standard media. If you want to understand how tray capacity influences your printing needs, see our paper tray capacity guide.

Multipurpose Tray for Specialty Media

In addition to the standard cassette, most printers include a multipurpose tray, sometimes called an auxiliary tray or bypass tray. This tray is designed for media that does not work well in the standard cassette, such as envelopes, card stock, labels, and thick paper. It is also handy for loading a single sheet of paper without opening the main tray.

Multipurpose trays are typically located on the front or rear of the printer and hold fewer sheets than a standard cassette. Their exact capacity varies, but they generally handle a small stack of paper. The tray often uses a straight paper path, which reduces curling and jamming for heavier media.

If you frequently print on photo paper, specialty paper, or envelopes, a printer with a well-designed multipurpose tray is important. Look for one that supports the media sizes and weights you plan to use. The printer media type guide explains which media are best handled by bypass trays.

Optional Trays and Capacity Expansion

For high-volume printing or when you need to switch between multiple paper types without constantly reloading, optional input trays are a valuable feature. Many laser printers and some inkjet models offer optional cassettes or high-capacity trays that can be installed to increase the total input capacity.

These optional trays typically sit below the printer and add another cassette with similar or larger capacity than the standard one. They are common in office-oriented monochrome and color laser printers. When you select a printer, check whether optional trays are available and confirm that they are compatible with your model.

If you run a busy office that prints multiple paper types, consider a printer with support for two or more input trays. This allows you to keep letterhead, plain paper, and envelopes loaded simultaneously, saving time and reducing the chance of loading the wrong media. Our best laser printers guide highlights models with expansion options.

Cassette vs. Feed Methods: How Media Handling Differs

The way a printer pulls paper from the tray influences which media types it can handle and how reliably it feeds them. Cassette feed, where paper is drawn from the bottom or side of a tray, works well for standard paper but can be problematic for thick or textured media. A tray with a straight paper path, such as a rear or bypass feed, allows media to pass through without sharp bends, which is important for cardstock, envelopes, and photo paper.

Some printers use a universal or multipurpose feed that combines a tray with a straight-through path. This type of input is ideal for media that is heavier or thicker than plain paper. It also makes it easier to load a single sheet or to feed wide-format media if the printer supports it.

When evaluating printers, look at the feed method for each input. A rear feed or a straight-through slot is preferable for specialty media, while a front-loading cassette is convenient for everyday paper. For a deeper comparison, see our guide on rear paper feed vs. front paper feed.

Media Weight and Tray Design

The paper weight a printer can handle is often tied to the tray design and feed mechanism. Heavier media, typically above the printer's standard media weight, may require a straight paper path to avoid jams. Many multipurpose trays support a higher maximum weight than the standard cassette, so check the specification for each input.

The maximum media weight is listed in the printer's technical and safety information. If you plan to print on card stock, business cards, or other rigid materials, ensure at least one tray supports the weight you need and that the printer has a straight-path feed for that tray. The paper weight guide covers these limits in more detail.

How to Choose the Right Tray Configuration for Your Needs

Start with your typical print job. If you print mostly plain documents at home or in a small office, a printer with a standard cassette of a reasonable capacity and a multipurpose tray is usually enough. If you print in high volume, consider a model with a larger standard capacity or an optional high-capacity tray.

If you regularly print on a variety of media, such as envelopes, labels, or cardstock, pay attention to the multipurpose tray design and the maximum media weight it supports. A straight-through feed is a plus. For a small-business workgroup that prints many different document types throughout the day, a printer with two or more input trays is a practical choice.

Efficiency also matters. When you compare models, look for ENERGY STAR certified printers, which are designed to save energy and operate with automatic duplexing and power management. Most current printers support IPP Everywhere and Mopria for easy mobile printing, so you can print from your phone or tablet without hassle. The best all-in-one printers guide includes models that balance tray flexibility with energy efficiency.

What to pick for your use

Questions

What is a paper cassette?

A paper cassette is a removable tray that holds paper for your printer. It is the standard input tray found on most printers and typically holds a modest to large stack of plain paper, depending on the model.

What is a multipurpose tray used for?

A multipurpose tray is a secondary input that accepts a wide range of media including envelopes, cardstock, labels, and thick paper. It often uses a straight paper path to reduce jams and is ideal for media that does not feed well from a standard cassette.

Can I add more trays to my printer?

Many laser printers and some inkjet models support optional input trays. You can purchase and install an additional cassette or high-capacity tray to increase the total paper capacity. Check the printer's specifications to see if expansion options are available.

What is a rear paper feed?

A rear paper feed is a straight-path input located at the back of the printer. It is ideal for heavy or non-standard media because the paper moves through the printer in a straight line, reducing curling and jamming compared to a curved path.