A small booklet or pamphlet can be created by binding together a stack of paper known as a quire. Typically consisting of 20 to 24 sheets, this unit of measure for paper quantity plays an important role.
The origin of the word quire can be traced back to “quarre,” a French term meaning a square or four-sheet stack. It is also linked to the term “quatern,” which denotes a group of four.
A quire of paper is frequently employed to create small booklets or pamphlets. The half-quire, the most prevalent type, typically comprises 10-12 sheets. These compact booklets are convenient for portability.
Additionally, quires serve as a measure of paper quantity. Purchasing paper by this measure is commonly more economical than buying it by the ream.
Paper quantity is measured in quires, which consist of 24, 25, or 30 sheets. The term “quire” originated from the Latin word “quaternus,” meaning “fourfold.”
In the past, quires were commonly used as a standard measure for paper in commercial contexts. Nowadays, they are primarily utilized by printers, bookbinders, and paper merchants. In the United States, a standard ream of paper contains 500 sheets.
A quire is a term used to describe a specific section of a book. Typically, these sections are bound together and consist of 24, 25, or 30 pages.
The significance of quire within the context of reams lies in its ability to ensure uniformity in page size throughout the entire stack. This uniformity is crucial for maintaining consistent printing quality and preventing pages from sticking together. Moreover, this measure is a helpful measurement tool for determining the amount of paper in a stack, facilitating accurate estimations for project requirements.