Office Paper Consumption Statistics: The Key Numbers in 2025

Over the past 40 years, worldwide paper consumption has escalated dramatically, increasing by 400%. This surge is vividly reflected in the daily routines of office environments, where the average worker contributes to this trend by printing around 31 pages per day. 

Despite the digital revolution, a surprising 93% of business information continues to be produced on paper, underscoring the persistent reliance on this traditional medium. Annually, this culminates in the production of an astonishing 21 million tons of paper waste by American businesses, a figure that not only highlights the extensive use of paper in professional settings but also signals significant environmental and resource implications.

Let me share the most crucial office paper consumption statistics and general data you should be aware of right away.

Office Paper Consumption Statistics:  The Key Data

• Every year, US offices use 12.1 trillion sheets of paper.
• The average American office worker uses 10,000 sheets of office paper per year.
• The average office worker prints around 31 pages per day.
• 70% of the total waste in offices is made up of paper.
• American businesses use approximately 21 million tons of paper per year, with approximately 750,000 copies made every minute.
• On average, businesses lose 7.5% of all paper documentation.
• 45% of office paper is discarded by the end of the day.
• 76% of office workers admit to printing non-work documents at work, with 6% doing so on a daily basis.

Sources: (The World Counts, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Wikipedia, Upkeep, RoadRunner Recycling, St. Charles County, CamScanner,  Environmental Paper Network, Cartridgesave

Paper Waste Facts in General

• To produce one ton of paper, twenty-four trees are needed.
• Annually, 85 million tons of paper waste are produced.
• Every year, approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are discarded in the United States.
• Paper accounts for 25% of landfill waste and 33% of municipal waste.
• Over 40% of all wood pulp is used to make paper.

Sources: (WorldAtlas, St. Charles County, Florida Institute of Technology, Mr. Rooter, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

How much paper does an office use in a year?

According to research, the average office worker in the U.S. uses a staggering 12.1 trillion sheets of paper annually in U.S. offices. Shockingly, around 45% of the paper printed in offices ends up being thrown away by the end of each day. 

Paper usage, copying, storage, and waste cost companies billions per year. Reducing paper consumption through digitization and efficient practices could significantly cut costs and environmental impacts. Overall, offices continue to use vast amounts of paper despite technological advances, resulting in high financial and environmental costs.

Source: The World Counts

How much paper does the average office worker use a year?

The average office worker uses a staggering amount of paper each year – around 10,000 sheets, or two pounds per day. Despite advances in technology, paper consumption and waste remains high. Nearly half of all printed documents are discarded within 24 hours. This adds up to 70% of total office waste. 

There are many ways organizations can reduce paper usage, such as printing double-sided, sending electronic instead of paper bills and forms, and minimizing printing. Doing so would significantly cut costs and environmental impact. Transitioning to digital processes is key for a paperless, eco-friendly office.

Source: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign