Abstract In the paper industry, surface topography is the essence of both paper and paperboard, and accurate topographical measurements are equally essential in order to achieve a uniform smooth surface. The traditional laboratory methods measure only a few samples from the entire tambour and there are other obvious limitations to this approach. Online measurements may be of significant value to improve the surface quality throughout the production. Roughness is one of the topography components and the majority of techniques measure paper by means of a single predictor of average roughness, R a which is inadequate in providing a comprehensive characterization of the surface. Measurements, in a wide range of wavelengths, can characterize topography components such as roughness, waviness, cockling, etc. Online measurements were taken for various grades of 8 paper reels, containing the wireside and topsides for newspaper, and uncoated and coated sides of paperboards. Their surface characterization, in the spatial wavelength spectrum, from 0.1 to 10 mm was obtained. This article presents the online characterization results which have efficiently distinguished the surfaces of same family materials including the edge and the middle position reels of fine coated paperboard. Online measurements were taken, at Iggesund Paperboard Pilot Coater in Sweden, by using a recently developed Online Topography (OnTop) device which is based on the principle of light triangulation.