This work aimed to study the effects of ink-jet transfer paper performance on ink transfer rate. Four kinds of ink-jet thermal transfer paper with different paper characteristics were chosen, and their main properties including formation, whiteness, ash content, air permeability, absorbability, and roughness were tested. The same printing patterns were printed on these samples through ink-jet printer, and then these patterns were transferred onto T-shirts of the same material using the magnetic heat press machine. The changes in the mass of thermal transfer paper before and after the thermal transfer process were contrasted, and the influence of paper performance on ink transfer rate was discussed. Ink transfer rate could be improved using the paper with high formation as the fibers were regularly distributed, which could help to obtain better printability. Ink would also be transferred well in paper with low ash content as the fibers were closely intertwined. Lower roughness and absorbency as well as moderate permeability played a significant role in improving the ink transfer rate. In conclusion, the ink transfer rate would be directly affected by the performance of ink-jet thermal transfer paper, which must be controlled in the production and development of thermal transfer paper.