If you are struggling to understand which paper weight you should choose for your next printing project, you have come to the right place!
We have compiled the following table for you, detailing how much the most common paper types and weights used in the printing industry work.
Paper Weights by Pound
paper Name | Grams per Square Meter | Offered by Smart Resolution On |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lb. Bond | 75 | Notepads |
| 24 lb. Bond | 90 | Envelopes |
| 28 lb. Bond | 105 | / |
| 32 lb. Bond | 120 | / |
| 50 lb. Text / Offset | 75 | / |
| 60 lb. Text / Offset | 90 | / |
| 70 lb. Text / Offset | 105 | Brochures Letterheads |
| 80 lb. Text / Offset | 120 | Posters Sell Sheets |
| 100 lb. Text | 150 | Brochures Posters |
| 67 lb. Bristol | 145 | / |
| 90 lb. Index | 165 | / |
| 110 lb. Index | 200 | / |
| 140 lb. Index | 255 | / |
| 65 lb. Cover | 175 | / |
| 80 lb. Cover | 215 | Brochures Posters |
| 100 lb. Cover | 270 | Brochures |
| 130 lb. Cover | 350 | Tags |
The table above details how paper is measured by its weight and the number is equivalent to how much one ream of that paper stock actually weighs, meaning that a ream (500 sheets) of 20 lb. paper will in fact weigh 20 pounds.
The term "text" as opposed to "cover" typically refers to the use that the product is meant for. Text stock is usually used for letterheads or flyers, whereas cover paper is more commonly used for business cards, greeting cards, presentation folders, etc. Cover stock is not only thicker, but it is also more stiff than text paper, making both 80 lb. stocks feel different, because of the sturdy nature of card stock.
If you are looking for products that are measured in points, we have a separate table for you.
Paper Weights by Points
When paper products are measured in point sizes, this actually measures the thickness of the paper.
paper Point Size | Offered by Smart Resolution On |
|---|---|
| 10 pt. | Rack Cards |
12 pt. | |
13 pt. | Business Cards Greeting Cards Postcards |
14 pt. | |
16 pt. |
Comparing Points and Pounds
Although they cannot be perfectly matched up, the easiest point of reference will be the thinnest versus thicker option. Generally speaking, thicker stocks will be higher-priced but thicker is not always preferred. It really depends on personal preferences but the two tables above will at least give you some comparison points and understanding of how each paper measure ranks up.