Types of Paper Weights - GSM, Lbs, and Thickness Explained

Types of paper weights matter for printing. This guide explains GSM, pounds (lbs), and thickness to help you choose the right paper for your project.

What is Paper Weight?

Paper weight is the term for how thick and dense a piece of paper is. This affects how it feels and looks when you use it. Usually, paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds (lb). “Basis weight” means how much a stack of 500 sheets weighs when cut to a standard size. This can change based on the type of paper you’re looking at.

There are two main groups of paper weights: lightweight and heavyweight. Lightweight papers range from 20 lb to 24 lb. These are great for regular printing tasks, like letters or drafts. On the other hand, heavyweight papers start at around 28 lb and can go over 100 lb. These are perfect for high-quality items like business cards or brochures.

Knowing about different types of paper weights helps people pick the right kind for what they need. Choosing the correct material ensures that printed items look professional and high-quality.

Why Understanding Paper Weight Matters for Printing Projects?

Choosing the right paper weight is key when working on printing projects. Different jobs need different levels of strength and appearance:

Marketing Materials: If you’re making flyers or brochures, using heavier paper makes them more attractive and gives a nice feel.
Business Cards: A thicker card stock feels more solid and shows professionalism.
Print Design: Designers have to think about how various weights will affect ink soaking in, color brightness, and overall print quality.

Using good-quality paper helps your marketing materials stand out while keeping your brand’s image strong. By knowing how different weights change print design—like how they feel when held—you can make smart choices that improve your project’s impact.

How Is Paper Weight Measured?

Understanding how paper weight is measured is key to choosing the right paper for printing, crafting, or office work. There are a few methods for measuring paper weight: GSM (grams per square meter), pounds (lbs), and points.

Understanding GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

GSM means grams per square meter. It’s a common way to show how dense a sheet of paper is. This number tells you how heavy a sheet will be based on its size. Here’s how it breaks down:

Lightweight Paper: Usually ranges from 60 to 90 GSM. Good for everyday printing.
Standard Copy Paper: Typically falls between 70 to 100 GSM. Great for most office tasks.
Heavyweight Paper: Generally over 120 GSM and can go up to about 300 GSM or more. Best for professional prints like brochures or business cards.

The higher the GSM, the thicker and denser the paper feels. This helps users pick materials that fit their needs.

Pounds (Lbs) Measurement Explained

In places like North America, paper weight is often measured in pounds (lbs). The term “basis weight” describes how much a ream (500 sheets) of a specific size weighs before it’s cut down. Different papers have different basis weights:

Text Weight Paper: Commonly weighs between 50 lbs and 80 lbs. This includes regular printer papers.
Cover Weight Paper: Ranges from about 65 lbs up to over 130 lbs. Thicker than text-weight options, this paper is often used for covers or postcards.

This system can be confusing since it depends not only on thickness but also on the type of paper being measured.

Points & Caliper Measurements

Points are another way to measure thickness. One point equals one-thousandth of an inch (.001″). Caliper measurements are used to get precise readings in microns or millimeters:

Measurement Type	Equivalent
Points	.001 inches
Microns	.001 mm

For example:

A typical business card might be around 14 pt thick.
Standard cardstock could range from about 10 pt or more based on its purpose.

Knowing these measurements helps everyone—whether individuals or businesses—choose the right type of paper weight for their projects while ensuring quality results in both looks and use.

Types of Paper by Weight Categories

Lightweight Papers (<90 GSM / <20 Lbs)

Lightweight papers are usually under 90 grams per square meter (GSM). They are perfect for everyday printing tasks. This group includes standard printer and copy paper. These papers are great for memos, drafts, and other internal documents. They are cost-effective for high-volume print jobs. When you don’t need strong durability, lightweight paper is your best choice. Their light weight makes them easy to handle, which is a bonus for quick printing jobs.

Medium-weight Papers (90–150 GSM / ~24–60 Lbs)

Medium-weight papers range from 90 to 150 GSM. These papers can be used for many things in personal and business life. They work well for premium stationery, flyers, brochures, and marketing materials. Medium-weight paper offers a good mix of sturdiness and flexibility. It’s the ideal choice when you want printed items that look nice but don’t break the bank.

Heavyweight Papers (>150 GSM / >60 Lbs)

Heavyweight papers are over 150 GSM. Examples include cardstock and invitation stock. These types of paper are built for high-impact projects. They have a sturdy feel and look professional. Their thickness helps them resist wear and tear during handling. Whether it’s business cards or invitations, heavyweight paper helps your important documents make a strong impression with quality that stands out.

Comparing Text Stock vs Cover Stock

Differences Between Text Stock & Cover Stock

Text stock and cover stock are two types of paper used in printing. Text stocks are lighter, usually from 50 to 80 pounds (lbs). They work well for forms, letters, and reports. The smooth finish helps with clear printing, giving sharp text and images. On the flip side, cover stocks are heavier, ranging from 80 to 130 lbs. They are more durable and textured, making them perfect for business cards or brochures where strength is key.

Texture Differences

The texture of text papers is different from that of cover papers. Text papers often have a smooth surface that helps ink stick well. This leads to better print quality. Cover papers come in many finishes, like matte or glossy. These finishes change the paper feel and how colors appear in printed items. Glossy finishes make colors pop while matte looks more subtle.

Applications by Type

Different types of stock have their own uses:

Text Stocks work best for everyday documents like reports, booklets, and flyers because they are lightweight.
Cover Stocks are great for sturdy applications like packaging designs or promotional items where a strong first impression counts.

Weight Considerations

Knowing about weight is important when picking paper. Lighter weights mean flexibility which helps in folding or binding things like brochures or newsletters. Heavier weights give strength, which is necessary for products like business cards that need to hold up against wear and tear.

Print Quality Implications

The weight of the paper affects how well it prints. Lighter text stocks can produce sharper images since ink sits nicely on the surface without soaking in too much. Thicker cover stocks might need special inks to stop bleed-through during large printing runs since they can soak up more ink than lighter papers.

Understanding these differences between text stock and cover stock will help you choose the right type for your printing needs. With the right choice, you’ll get great results for any project!

Choosing the Right Paper Weight for Your Project

Choosing the right paper weight is really important. It affects how your printed materials will look and feel. Different projects need different paper weights. Knowing what works best for you can help a lot in getting the results you want.

Project-Specific Paper Weight Selection Guide

Flyers/Brochures

For marketing materials like flyers and brochures, lightweight to medium-weight papers are best. Using paper between 80 gsm to 120 gsm gives you a mix of durability and cost-effectiveness. This makes your materials easy to handle and still look professional.

Business Cards

A heavier cardstock is key for business cards. Choosing between 14pt to 16pt gives them a sturdy feel. This helps leave a strong impression on people you give them to.

Invitations

When making invitations, paper stock weight matters a lot. Using around 100 lb cover stock not only looks nice but also shows that the event is special, like weddings or formal parties.

Books/Magazines

In books or magazines, it’s good to know about text-weight vs cover-weight papers. Text-weight papers are usually 50-70 gsm, which work well for inside pages. Covers should be thicker at 80-100 lb, giving extra protection and making them look appealing.

Posters

Posters need heavyweight papers because they must last longer and make an impact. Papers over 200 gsm keep posters from curling or tearing when displayed in various places.

Factors Affecting Paper Weight Choice

Many factors can affect your choice of paper weight:

Printing Method: The printer type influences how different weights perform.
Finishing Techniques: Think about if you’ll add things like embossing or foil stamping.
Intended Use: Consider how often people will handle the printed materials.
Ink Coverage: Heavier stocks take ink differently than lighter ones, so this should be part of your decision.

Knowing these factors helps you choose the right paper weight for your projects, ensuring great results every time you print.

Paper Weight and Printing Considerations

When you choose paper for printing projects, it’s key to understand paper weight. The weight of the paper can impact the quality of your print. It affects things like how ink soaks in, how well it folds, how cleanly it cuts, and how printable it is overall.

Ink Absorption and Bleed-through

Paper weight affects how ink gets absorbed during printing. Heavier papers often soak up ink better. This leads to improved ink coverage and helps prevent bleed-through. If you’re using high-quality paper that is thicker, like cardstock, you’re less likely to see ink on the other side. This is great for making sure prints look sharp and professional.

On the flip side, lighter papers may absorb ink unevenly. This could result in bleed-through or splotches showing up on the back of your prints. So, picking the right paper weight is important for achieving those nice-looking printed materials.

Folding and Creasing

The weight of the paper also plays a big role in folding and creasing. Heavier cardstock usually holds up better when folded than lighter options do. If you’re making brochures or greeting cards that need neat folds, using a heavier cardstock helps avoid cracks or tears.

For finishing techniques like scoring or perforating—common in commercial printing—choosing heavier stock can make a big difference. It provides clean lines and keeps them looking good over time.

Cutting and Finishing

When cutting specialty papers, consider both thickness and how different weights behave with cutting tools. Lighter papers may cut easily but might fray at the edges if not handled with care. On the other hand, heavier stocks typically offer cleaner cuts because they are sturdier.

Understanding these factors helps businesses choose the best materials for their needs—whether they’re creating glossy flyers or matte business cards. This ensures everything performs well from start to finish.

Printability and Paper Properties

Choosing the right paper means knowing what printing method you’ll use along with specific material traits like coated vs. uncoated surfaces. Coated papers work well with offset printing because they allow for vibrant colors while cutting down drying times. This is super important in busy commercial settings where speed matters.

In contrast, uncoated papers can be better for digital printers since they absorb toner nicely without smudging afterward. Knowing these differences helps people pick the best paper type for their project needs while making sure everything works smoothly across different printing technologies used today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Weights

What is the difference between GSM and points in paper weight?

GSM measures paper density in grams per square meter. Points measure thickness, with one point equal to .001 inches. Both help determine the paper’s feel and quality.

How does paper weight affect print quality?

Heavier papers often absorb ink better. This prevents bleed-through and ensures sharp prints. Lighter papers may allow ink to show through, impacting overall quality.

What types of papers are best for brochures and flyers?

Medium-weight papers (90–150 GSM) are ideal for brochures and flyers. They balance cost and durability, giving a professional look without excessive expense.

Why is choosing the right paper important for invitations?

Using heavier stock for invitations shows formality and elegance. A thickness around 100 lb cover stock enhances the invitation’s overall appearance.

Can I use lightweight paper for business cards?

Lightweight paper is not recommended for business cards. Thicker cardstock (14pt to 16pt) gives a professional impression and durability.

What should I consider when selecting paper for postcards?

Consider both thickness and finish. A medium-weight or heavyweight stock provides sturdiness while ensuring vibrant colors. Glossy finishes can enhance visual appeal.

Where can I find different types of specialty paper?

Visit reputable suppliers like Paper Source or Neenah Paper. They offer a variety of specialty papers such as textured, uncoated, or recycled options.

Additional Insights on Paper Weight

Paper Coatings: Coated papers have finishes that enhance color vibrancy. Matte, glossy, and silk coatings provide different aesthetics and functionality.
Cardstock vs. Cover Stock: Cardstock usually ranges from 65 lbs to over 110 lbs, while cover stock is thicker, typically from 80 lbs to 130 lbs.
GSM Conversion: To convert GSM to pounds, multiply by specific factors based on paper type. This helps standardize weight measurements across formats.
Environmental Impact: Eco-friendly options include recycled papers which help reduce waste while maintaining quality standards.
Paper Specifications: Understanding specifications like basis weight helps you select suitable materials for your projects effectively.
Paper Grades: Papers come in various grades that indicate quality levels suitable for different applications, including commercial printing.
Texture Options: The texture impacts print quality and feel. Smooth surfaces work well for detailed images while textured surfaces add character to designs.
Durability Considerations: Heavier papers resist wear better than lighter ones, making them more suitable for items like menus or brochures that receive frequent handling.
Printing Techniques: Different weights work better with specific printing methods. Heavyweight papers often require specific inks to prevent bleed-through during large runs.
Bulk Buying: Purchasing in bulk reduces costs significantly when you need large quantities of specific types of paper for projects or office use.

By understanding these aspects, you can make informed choices about various types of paper weights that suit your specific needs.

Types of Paper Weights: A Guide to GSM, Lbs, & Thickness for Printing

What is Paper Weight?

Why Understanding Paper Weight Matters for Printing Projects?

How Is Paper Weight Measured?