Short answer
For most beginners, standard origami paper, usually sold as kami, is a good choice. It is thin, square, inexpensive and usually colored on one side and white on the other. As you try more models, you can match the paper to the project.
Is origami paper different from regular paper?
Yes, in a few ways, although the difference is not always dramatic. Origami paper is typically:
- sold pre-cut into squares
- thinner and lighter than much copy paper or card stock
- colored or patterned on one side, with the other side often white
- made to hold a crease without being too stiff to fold repeatedly
Common types of origami paper
Kami
Kami is the standard, widely available origami paper. It is light, affordable and suited to practice and traditional models such as a crane. Packs often include many colors and sizes.
Tant
Tant is a firmer paper with a slightly textured surface and color throughout the sheet. It is often chosen for modular origami, boxes and models where a crisp structure matters.
Washi and chiyogami
Washi refers to traditional Japanese papers made from plant fibers, and chiyogami is a decorated type with printed patterns. These papers can be strong and attractive and are often used for display pieces or gifts. They can cost more, so many folders save them for a model they have already practiced.
Foil and tissue foil
Foil-backed paper, including tissue foil, is thin metal bonded to a paper layer. It tends to hold sharp creases and shape, which suits some detailed or sculptural models. It can be less forgiving, since mistakes leave visible marks.
Heavy or textured specialty papers
Some advanced folders use stronger, thicker papers for tessellations, wet-folding or geometric models. These are not necessary for beginners.
Standard sizes
The most common general-purpose size is about 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm). Smaller sheets, such as 3 x 3 inches (7.5 x 7.5 cm), suit tiny models or modular units. Larger sheets are easier to handle for complex designs with many layers. If a model feels fiddly, try a larger sheet before changing paper type.
Paper weight
Weights are often listed in grams per square meter (gsm). Kami is commonly described as being roughly in the 60 to 70 gsm range, while tant and other firmer papers are heavier. Exact figures vary by brand, so treat these as rough guides. Thinner paper is easier to fold many times; heavier paper keeps its form but is harder to fold in tight layers.
Can you use any paper?
Many papers work, with some trade-offs:
- Printer or notebook paper: Cheap and easy to find. It is rectangular, so you need to cut a square, and it can feel stiff or springy in layered models. See origami tips for beginners for the corner-fold method of squaring a sheet.
- Wrapping paper: Often works well for simple models, especially lighter wrapping paper. Thick or glossy types may crack at the creases.
- Magazine pages and scrap paper: Fine for practice.
- Card stock and construction paper: Usually too thick for models with many folds, and they may crack or tear.
Matching paper to the model
| Goal | Paper to consider |
|---|---|
| First practice folds | Kami or squared printer paper |
| Traditional crane or flower | Kami, about 6 inches |
| Boxes and modular models | Tant or similar firm paper |
| Gifts and display pieces | Washi or chiyogami |
| Detailed sculptural models | Foil-backed or tissue foil, after practice |
Buying tips for beginners
- Buy a mixed pack of standard squares first.
- Keep a few plain sheets for practice folds.
- Test a new paper with a simple model before using it on an intricate one.
- Use the colored side as the outside of the model unless diagrams say otherwise.
FAQ
What is the standard size of origami paper?
About 6 x 6 inches (15 x 15 cm) is the most common, with smaller and larger packs also sold.
What weight is origami paper?
Standard kami is a lightweight paper, often described as roughly 60 to 70 gsm, though brands differ.
Can I use regular paper?
Yes, if you cut it square. It is a reasonable low-cost option for practice.