Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for improving the ash characteristics of a paper wrapper for a smoking article and for improving the ash characteristics of the smoking article itself. Specifically, it has been unexpectedly discovered that the ash characteristics of a paper wrapper are noticeably improved when a calcium carbonate filler having a median particle size of from about 0.15 microns to about 0.5 microns is incorporated into the paper. Paper wrappers made with the calcium carbonate particles of the present invention have superior ash characteristics in comparison to paper wrappers incorporating calcium carbonate particles of larger or smaller sizes. Further, the ash characteristics of the paper are improved without having to alter total filler levels in the paper.