Paper weight converter: bond, text, cover and gsm
Paper weights in the US are confusing because the same sheet gets a different number depending on its grade. A 28 lb bond and a 70 lb text are nearly the same paper. Enter any weight below to see it in every grade and in gsm.
| Grams per square metre | 105 gsm |
|---|---|
| Bond / writing | 28 lb |
| Text / book | 71.1 lb |
| Cover / cardstock | 38.9 lb |
| Index | 58.2 lb |
| Bristol | 48 lb |
Conversions use each grade's basis sheet size. Mills round their numbers, so expect a few percent difference between brands.
Why the numbers don't match
A paper's "lb" weight is what 500 sheets weigh at that grade's own basis size, before they're cut down. Each grade uses a different basis size, so the same paper gets a different number.
| Grade | Basis sheet size | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Bond (writing) | 17 x 22 in | Copier paper, letterhead, workbook pages |
| Text (book) | 25 x 38 in | Booklet pages, flyers, brochures |
| Cover (cardstock) | 20 x 26 in | Covers, postcards, calendars |
| Index | 25.5 x 30.5 in | Index cards, file folders |
Grams per square metre (gsm) avoids the problem: it's the weight of one square metre of the paper, the same whatever the grade.
Paper weight conversion chart
| Paper | gsm | Bond (lb) | Text (lb) | Cover (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 lb bond | 75 | 20 | 51 | 28 |
| 24 lb bond | 90 | 24 | 61 | 33 |
| 28 lb bond | 105 | 28 | 71 | 39 |
| 32 lb bond | 120 | 32 | 81 | 44 |
| 60 lb text | 89 | 24 | 60 | 33 |
| 70 lb text | 104 | 28 | 70 | 38 |
| 80 lb text | 118 | 31 | 80 | 44 |
| 100 lb text | 148 | 39 | 100 | 55 |
| 65 lb cover | 176 | 47 | 119 | 65 |
| 80 lb cover | 216 | 58 | 146 | 80 |
| 100 lb cover | 270 | 72 | 183 | 100 |
| 110 lb cover | 297 | 79 | 201 | 110 |
| 110 lb index | 199 | 53 | 134 | 74 |
Figures are rounded. Mills round too, so two brands of "28 lb" can differ by a few percent.
The papers we print on
- 28 lb bond (105 gsm) for the inside pages of workbooks, booklets, planners and notebooks. It's the same weight as 70 lb text: heavier than everyday 20 lb copier paper, opaque enough for printing on both sides, and good for pen and pencil.
- 100 lb cover (270 gsm) for covers and calendars. It's a stiff cardstock that stands up to a year on the wall.
See them in the sample pack, or browse the shop.
Questions
Is 28 lb bond the same as 70 lb text?
What is 100 lb cover in gsm?
Is 100 lb text heavier than 80 lb cover?
What weight is normal copy paper?
Printed and bound in Charlotte, North Carolina, and shipped across the US.