PURPOSE: To provide a reliable paper feeding device capable of regularly continuing paper feeding operation in the same optimum condition regardless of load quantity.

CONSTITUTION: A paper feeding device has a paper feed roller 1; a sheet push-up plate 3 for pushing sheets 2 toward the paper feed roller 1; a push-up spring 4 for energizing the sheet pressing plate 3 for push-up force; a loosening claw 9 for separating the sheets 2 placed on the sheet push-up plate 3 one by one in cooperation with the paper feed roller 1; and a paper feed case 20 housing the sheet push-up plate 3 and the push-up spring 4. The loosening claw 9 is vertically moved according to the quantity of the sheets 2 while keeping the engaged state of the loosening claw 9 to the sheets 2 by side guides installed to both side end parts of the sheets 2.