The Optimum Guide To Paper Weight: What You Need to Know

When you take paper content in your hands, the first sense triggers in your mind after touching the paper are the paper weight and its thickness. This is the paper weight that can turn your simple piece of paper in the form of a business card or brochure into a compelling touchable experience.

Your paper’s weight is the first physical interaction of customers with your paper content elevating your brand and allowing customers to learn more about it.

Whether you need to print a booklet or pamphlet, using paper of the right weight can help you get a perceived value of your products.

It’s not about presenting your product with aesthetics through a piece of paper, it is about printed paper materials touching customers’ hands. It can make or break. Let’s jump right in.

Paper Weight Defined

What does paper weight mean? Let’s define it. Paper weight also known as the basis weight refers to the thickness and hardness of the paper and is measured in GSM (gram per square meter) or LBS (pounds)-  the unit of measurement. It helps you understand the thickness and density of the paper material you touch.

In simple words, the higher the GSM the higher the thickness. This measurement is crucial because it decides the durability, textures, and effectiveness of your paper content.

It is essential to have a clear understanding of paper weight. When you are proficient in knowing paper thickness, you will be confident to choose a paper containing enough thickness to fulfill your needs.

How Much Does A Sheet Of Paper Weight

The weight of a single paper sheet depends upon its thickness. However, a printing paper sheet like A4 or letter paper weighs 4.5 gsm.

Types Of Paper Weight

The paper weight is categorized into different types. From office paper and light cardstock to specialty papers, there are different paper weight types discovered. It depends upon you what paper weight you select for your project.

Office Papers and Writing Stock (20 - 50 lb | 75 - 160 gsm)

Office papers and writing stocks commonly used in offices or homes describe various types of paper products and come in different sizes and textures. What paper weight is cardstock? Check the weight chart below.

Office Papers

Copy Paper - 20 lb (75 gsm): Standard paper is often used for printing and copying.
Bond Paper - (20 lb to 24 lb): Durable and frequently used for letterhead, legal documents, and forms.
Multipurpose Paper - (24 lb or 90 gsm): Slightly heavier and suitable for printing high-quality documents.
Index Paper - 90 lb or 160 gsm): Heavier paper is used for index cards and dividers.

Writing Stocks

Writing Paper 24 lb (90 gsm): Higher quality paper used for personal letters and correspondence.
Journal or Notebook Paper (16-18 lb or 60-70 gsm): Typically lighter paper, designed for note-taking and journaling.
Stationery (80 lb or 216 gsm): Specialty paper, often thicker designed for formal letters, invitations, and cards.
Notecards (110 lb or 300 gsm): Sturdy cards used for notes, greetings, and invitations.

Text Papers (60 - 100 lb - 89 | 148 gsm)

Text papers coming in different sizes offering different aesthetics are designed for high-quality writing and printing.

Weight

• 60 lb (89 gsm): Used for standard text documents, brochures, and booklets.
• 70 lb (104 gsm): Keeping a balance between quality and cost, it is an exclusive choice for flyers and marketing materials.
• 80 lb (118 gsm): Commonly used for covers of magazines, reports, and premium stationery.
• 100 lb (148 gsm): Heavier and sturdier option. Perfect for high-end presentations, professional reports, and specialty applications.

Light Cardstocks (58-70 lb | 157 - 190 gsm)

Light cardstocks providing a balance between the durability and the flexibility are a versatile choice. For brochures, flyers, and personal or DIY projects, they are ideal. Their weight breakdown is here.

Weight Range

• 60 lb (162 gsm): Suitable for light-duty applications such as notecards, greeting cards, and simple crafts.
• 65 lb (176 gsm): Used for business cards, covers for booklets, and invitations.
• 70 lb (190 gsm): Ideal for thicker greeting cards, postcards, and durable flyers.
• 80 lb (216 gsm): Frequently used for high-quality invitations, premium business cards, and covers for presentations.

Midweight Cardstocks (80 - 100 lb | 216 - 280 gsm)

Having flexibility and sturdiness, midweight cardstocks provide a personal and business feel to your content printing from business cards, and flyers to invitation cards. Its weight ranges are here shown below.

Weight Measurement

• 80 lb (216 gsm): Most commonly used for premium invitations, high-quality greeting cards, and covers for brochures.
• 90 lb (250 gsm): Favorable for thicker flyers, postcards, and durable presentation covers.
• 100 lb (270 gsm): Often used for professional business cards, report covers, and heavier invitations.
• 110 lb (300 gsm): Exemplary for sturdy projects such as art prints, robust business cards, and cardstock used in crafting.

Heavy Cardstocks (110-130 lb | 298 - 352 gsm)

Providing quality and strength, heavy cardstocks are specially designed to give a professional and substantial feel. They are found in different weight ranges.

Weight

• 110 lb (300 gsm): Offering a luxury sense used for heavyweight and premium-quality business cards, invitations, and art prints.
• 120 lb (325 gsm): Having thickness and durability, an excellent choice for thicker presentations, premium postcards, and sturdy covers.
• 130 lb (350 gsm): Frequently used for deluxe business cards, heavy-duty invitations, retail hang bags, and special projects requiring maximum durability.

Specialty Papers (140 lb and up | 378 gsm and more)

Providing distinctive features, finishes, and colors, these specialty papers are designed for specific applications. Their weight breakdown is here.

Weight

Lightweight Specialty Papers: 20 lb to 60 lb (75 to 162 gsm): Used for items like fine art prints, lightweight invitations, and decorative papers.
Midweight Specialty Papers: 70 lb to 100 lb (104 to 270 gsm): Most common for premium invitations, high-quality stationery, and photo paper.
Heavyweight Specialty Papers: 110 lb to 130 lb (300 to 350 gsm): Perfect for business cards, hardcover bookbinding, thick invitations, and art prints requiring sturdiness.

Convert Paper Weight from GSM to Pounds

• 100 GSM paper = 68 lbs
• 110 GSM paper = 74 lbs
• 120 GSM paper = 81 lbs
• 150 GSM paper = 101 lbs
• 180 GSM paper = 122 lbs
• 200 GSM paper = 135 lbs.

How Do You Calculate Paper Weight?

How much does paper weight? Can I calculate the paper weight myself? What's good watercolor paper weight? Several questions come to mind while deciding on a printing paper. 

Fret not. The solution is here to help you calculate the paper weight. It involves understanding the weight of a ream (500 sheets) of paper in its basic size.

Simple Steps To Calculate Paper Weight

Determine the Paper Size: (An example of Letter size paper: 8.5" x 11").
Find the Weight of a Ream in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm)
Calculate the Basis Weight: For pounds (lb) reflecting the weight of 500 sheets and for gsm reflects the weight of one square meter of paper.
Use Formulas:

To Sum Up

Choosing the right paper weight can elevate your creative project from unusual to exceptional. The thickness and measurement of the printing paper you select allow you to use suitable finishes along with the right printing techniques and can leave a great impact.

For assistance related to the ideal paper packaging weight for your next project, feel free to contact Custom Product Packaging. We can help you choose the most suitable paper in perfect density and durability catering to your needs. Drop us a quick email at orders@customproductpackaging.com.