Provided is a paper feeding apparatus that commonalizes mechanisms for detecting paper feed cassette attaching/detaching, recording paper presence/absence, and lift plate reaching rising stop position. When paper feed cassette is removed, a contact piece has first inclination, a light shielding piece has first position, and a first sensor and a second sensor are OFF. When paper feed cassette having no recording paper is inserted, contact piece has second inclination by an opening edge part; light shielding piece has second position; and a first sensor is OFF, a second sensor being ON. When recording paper is on lift plate, contact piece has third inclination by recording paper, light shielding piece having third position, and first sensor and second sensor being ON. When lift plate is raised to rising stop position, contact piece has fourth inclination, light shielding piece having fourth position, first sensor being ON and second sensor being OFF.