What Does Paper Weight Mean?
The weight of paper is a measurement or description of the density of the product. It is not the same things as paper thickness although a paper's weight can be correlated with how thick a paper will be.
LBS to GSM Paper Weight Conversion Chart
Use the chart below to compare inkjet paper weight in pounds to the metric GSM (grams per square meter) measurement.
While weight and thickness are related, you should not use the weight to assume thickness. Check both data points when deciding on an inkjet paper to purchase.
There are a number of standards used when measuring paper weight. The most prevalent in the United States are the Cover basis and Bond basis weight. Grams per square meter (GSM), is the "worldwide" standard for paper weight. GSM is an easy way to quickly compare the weight (density) of papers.
BOND WEIGHT - The pound basis used by Red River Paper. It is defined as the weight of 500 sheets of 17x22.
COVER WEIGHT - A basis used often in graphic arts. It is defined as the weight of 500 sheets of 20x26.
METRIC WEIGHT - A basis used around the world. It is a superior scale because it uses a single standard. The weight of a square meter of paper.
| COVER Weight (pounds) | BOND Weight (pounds) | Metric Weight (GSM) | Thickness example | Notes / Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 | 16 | 60 | ||
| 24 | 18 | 68 | ||
| 28 | 20 | 75 | 4.5 mil | Copy paper weight |
| 33 | 24 | 90 | ||
| 39 | 28 | 105 | 5 mil | 26lb. ColorJet |
| 40 | 29 | 109 | ||
| 45 | 31 | 116 | ||
| 46 | 32 | 120 | ||
| 48 | 35 | 132 | 5.5 mil | Flyer / book weight - 32lb. Premium Matte |
| 50 | 36 | 135 | ||
| 54 | 39 | 146 | ||
| 56 | 40 | 150 | ||
| 60 | 43 | 162 | ||
| 61 | 44 | 166 | ||
| 65 | 47 | 176 | 8.5 mil | Sturdy brochure - 47lb. Premium Matte |
| 74 | 53 | 199 | ||
| 75 | 54 | 203 | ||
| 80 | 58 | 218 | ||
| 90 | 65 | 245 | ||
| 93 | 67 | 252 | 10.4 mil | Photo weight - Polar Gloss Metallic 255 |
| 100 | 72 | 270 | 10.4 mil | Photo weight - UltraPro Satin |
| 105 | 76 | 286 | ||
| 114 | 82 | 308 | ||
| 120 | 87 | 312 | 21 mil | Palo Duro Etching 315 |
| 146 | 105 | 385 |
What is GSM in Paper?
GSM in paper refers to the measurement of paper thickness and density, specifically its weight in grams per square meter. It's a standardized way of indicating the paper's quality and thickness, which can influence its texture, durability, and suitability for different purposes. For instance, a higher GSM indicates a thicker and more substantial paper, often used for items like business cards or postcards, while a lower GSM is common for lightweight paper like that used in novels or magazines. For example, a 300 GSM paper would be much thicker and sturdier than a 80 GSM paper. This measurement helps individuals and industries choose the right paper type for their printing needs, ensuring that the paper's weight aligns with the intended use.
Paper Thickness
- As a rule of thumb, the heavier a paper is, the thicker it is
- Heavier paper grades are also referred to as "cardstock"
- The measurement of a paper's thickness is also known as it's "Caliper"
- Caliper is expressed as a point size in thousandths of an inch
- One point equals 1/1000 of an inch
Papers of Different Weight Have Different Uses and Characteristics
Light weight Paper:
- Like pages of a book or regular copy paper
- Can be folded without scoring
- Very flexible and easy to manipulate
- Examples - 26lb. ColorJet & 32lb. Premium Matte
Medium weight Paper:
- Like a sturdy brochure
- Should be scored before folding
- More opacity - less show through if printing on both sides
- Example - 47lb. Premium Matte & 50lb. Premium Matte Double-sided
Photo weight Paper:
- Like a photo paper or standard greeting card
- Must be scored before folding
- Examples - 68lb. UltraPro Satin & 60lb. Pecos River Gloss
Cardstock (Heavy weight) Paper:
- Like watercolor paper, fine photo paper, or super-weight greeting cards
- Should be scored before folding
- Examples - Palo Duro Etching & Palo Duro Softgloss Rag
Related Paper Weight Resources
Last updated: October 30, 2023
