Paper Weight Guide
Lets Break It Down
Paper weights can be confusing to understand because there are several different “scales” called Basis Weights. Each Basis Weight has its own range of numbers listed in lbs.
- For thin paper, there are two Basis Weights: Bond and Text
- For thick paper (cardstock), there are three Basis Weights: Bristol, Cover, and Index
Bond and Text weights are often used interchangeably. Just like Celsius and Fahrenheit can be used to describe the same temperature, both Bond and Text Basis Weights can be used to describe the same paper.
The table below lists both basis weights and how they are equivalent with each other:
You may see two weights listed on ream or carton labels, for example 24/60 lb. When two numbers are listed, the first number is the bond weight and the second number is the text weight.
Thick papers (CARDSTOCK) can be classified using three Basis Weight names: Bristol, Cover, Index. Unlike thin paper, cardstock weights are not listed interchangeably.
The biggest confusion with cardstock weights is assuming a higher weight number is thicker or heavier, which can be a wrong assumption.
Why? Because, there are three different Basis Weights (scales), each independent of the other.
- Example: 80 lb. Cover is thicker and heavier than 110lb Index.
Another way of describing the weight of paper is GSM, the metric way. GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. GSM is the weight in grams of a square meter of the paper. A lower GSM number means a lighter weight and a higher GSM number means a heavier weight. When you print, printer settings often use the GSM number to categorize the media or paper type.
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