Please Check Out Our New Paper Weight Meters On Every Paper Page!
Understanding paperweights can be difficult. Trust us, we know. So we here at Paperworks.com have designed this sheet to try and simplify the different terms you may hear in association with paperweight. The term paperweight, and number corresponding with each weight, refers to the thickness and sturdiness of the paper, not the actual weight of the sheet. We have recently provided paper weight meters on every page to help you pick the perfect paper weight.
Learn more about Paper Weights.
This is why, sometimes, the same "weight" paper may be referred to as two different things. For instance, regular everyday copy paper is most commonly referred to as a "20 lb. bond" but is other times referred to as a "50 lb. text weight." To eliminate as much confusion as possible, we have chosen GSM as our conversion reference point because it is a definite and universal measure of the paper. GSM stands for grams per square meter, which is the actual weight of the sheet.
In order from lightest weight to heaviest!
| GSM | Weight | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 20lb bond/50lb text | Most often found in your everyday copy machine. Paper Meter 1 |
| 90 | 24lb bond/60lb text | Generally multipurpose paper used in the office printer. Also the most popular business letterhead or stationary weight. Paper Meter 2 |
| 105 | 28lb bond/70lb text | Perfect weight for brochures and presentations. Excellent for 2-sided printing with minimal show through. Paper Meter 3 |
| 120 | 32lb bond/80lb text |
Perfect weight for brochures and presentations. Excellent for 2-sided printing with minimal show through, while being slightly heavier than the 28lb.
Paper Meter 4
|
| 147 | 67lb Bristol | Often considered the lightest of the cardstocks, great for self mailers with a flexible "soft feel" quick drying surface. Paper Meter 5 |
| 163 | 90lb index | A durable cardstock with a smooth, hard surface for medium applications. Paper Meter 6 |
| 176 | 65lb cover | A sturdy stock with a superb "soft feel" fast drying surface. Great for postcards, menus and posters. Paper Meter 6 |
| 199 | 110lb index |
Both 90 and 110lb index are the common weights for tabs, dividers and manila folders. The average weight of an index card for heavier applications
Paper Meter 6
|
| 216 | 80lb cover |
A heavy cardstock, your most conventional business card weight. Available in a wide variety of textures and finishes. This sheet is printed on 80lb cover. Paper Meter 8
|
| 255 | 140lb index | For super heavy weight applications. Paper Meter 10 |
| 271 | 100lb cover | A noticeably heavier cardstock often used for flat cards or invitations. Paper Meter Weight 10 |