When ordering paper, I often see the paper's brightness listed in the specifications. What is the difference between paper brightness and whiteness?

Whiteness refers to the extent that the paper reflects light of all wavelengths throughout the visible spectrum, which is between 400 nanometers to 700 nanometers. Brightness is reflectance in the blue light range around 457 nanometers. Paper grades are based on paper brightness. Commonly, titanium dioxide is added to the coating to make the paper brighter, resulting in higher cost. A number 1 coated sheet would have brightness between 88.5 and 88.9. Brightness above 89.0 is considered to be a premium sheet.

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