HELP UNDERSTANDING PAPER WEIGHTS
We are listing this convenient 'Quick List' of weights which include grammage (GSM).
As you will notice the GSM is a consistent number running smaller to larger regardless of the paper basis.
Jump here to shop our paper, thinner => to => thicker
Common Paper Mistake...
I have a great piece of 80lb cover, yet I'd like to get a paper that is a little bit sturdier (or thicker). I see the 90lb index and I assume that this new paper I'm ordering is going to be thicker and sturdier. As you can see by the chart below, the 90lb index will be slightly thinner and less sturdy compared to my 80lb cover. I am so glad I made this realization before I ordered my new paper.
| STANDARD BASIS WEIGHT | GRAMMAGE | NOTICE COMPARED GRAMMAGE | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1) | 20lb Bond/Writing/Ledger | 75 gsm | 1,5 same weight |
| 2) | 24lb Bond/Writing/Ledger | 90 gsm | 2,6 same weight |
| 3) | 28lb Bond/Writing/Ledger | 105 gsm | 3,7 same weight |
| 4) | 32lb Bond/Writing/Ledger | 120 gsm | 4,8 same weight |
| 5) | 50lb Book/Text/Offset | 75 gsm | 5,1 same weight |
| 6) | 60lb Book/Text/Offset | 90 gsm | 6,2 same weight |
| 7) | 70lb Book/Text/Offset jump to 28/70lb Text |
105 gsm | 7,3 same weight |
| 8) | 80lb Book/Text/Offset | 120 gsm | 8,4 same weight |
| 9) | 100lb Text | 150 gsm | 9,10 similar weight |
| 10) | 67lb Bristol | 145 gsm | 10,9 similar weight |
| 11) | 90lb Index | 165 gsm | 11, 14 similar weight |
| 12) | 110lb Index | 200 gsm | 12, 15 similar weight |
| 13) | 140lb Index | 255 gsm | 13, 16 somewhat similar weight |
| 14) | 65lb Cover jump to 65lb Cover |
175 gsm | 14, 11 similar weight |
| 15) | 80lb Cover jump to 80lb Cover |
215 gsm | 15, 12 similar weight |
| 16) | 100lb Cover jump to 100lb Cover |
270 gsm | 16, 13 somewhat similar weight |
| 17) | 130lb Cover | 350 gsm | no other comparison on this list |
Paper weights can be very confusing. We would like to offer another very general understanding of paper weights below. This is not technical, but we will associate common weights with everyday items you may come in contact with. Here at paperpapers.com we deal with two common weights, "TEXT WEIGHT" and "COVER/CARD WEIGHT". These two identifiers are probably the most important factors when you are purchasing a sheet of paper for your project. TEXT WEIGHT comes in varying weights, but will have a touch like a 'letterhead' paper you may have in your office. COVER WEIGHT (CARD WEIGHT / CARDSTOCK) comes in varying weights, but will have a touch like your 'business card' or 'post card' you may have in your office. Keeping these things in mind, we will list some common weights below.
TEXT WEIGHT PAPER
20LB Text
Typically used as all-purpose paper, for copying machines, etc.
24/60LB Text
Typically used for laser/ink printing and letterheads
28/70LB Text
Typically used for letterhead and other important documents
80LB Text
A bit heavier than letterhead paper
(and the weights continue to go up....but this is still 'text weight' paper....don't let the similar weights confuse
you with cardstock. Please see table above with additional comparison by using grammage.
COVER WEIGHT PAPER
57LB Vellum Bristol
Typically used as mass mailing postcard (light weight postcard)
67LBVellum Bristol
Typically used as postcards
65LB Cover
Typically used as light weight business cards, greeting cards, post cards, etc.
Jump to view 65lb Lightweight Cardstock
90 LBIndex
Typically used as light weight business cards, door hangers, post cards, etc.
80LB Cover
Typically used for business cards, etc.
Jump to view 80lb Standard Cardstock
92LB Cover - etc.
105LB Cover - etc.
110LB Cover - etc.
(and the weights continue to go up, please see table above with additional comparison by using grammage)
Hopefully by now this is starting to make sense. **Very important example, 80LB is listed in our text category and our cover category, but they are completely different paper. **
Envelopes are most commonly converted from the 'text' weight papers. Weight is important for many reasons. Thickness represents a nice quality and durability, but can also add to the weight of your mailing in which you may incur additional postage. It is important to determine the purpose of your project and potential weight of the complete mailing.
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