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
(Thinnest)
(Thickest)
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.
The most important thing to remember is that different paper types with the same pound rating are NOT the same thickness. For example:
80lb Text is much thinner than 80lb Cover
This is why GSM (grams per square meter) is a more consistent way to compare paper weights across different types.
| 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
COVER WEIGHT PAPER
92LB Cover - etc.
105LB Cover - etc.
110LB Cover - etc.
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.