Degree of Whiteness

The whiteness of a paper is usually specified by the paper manufacturer. It is calculated from the proportion of white light reflected from the surface of the paper. This makes it possible to determine whether the paper has a neutral white or is tinted.

This is of course closely related to the brightness of the paper. In papermaking the brightness is affected by optical brighteners.

The whiteness or brightness of a paper is important for print production because the degree of contrast that texts and images have on the paper depends on it.