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Printing & Graphic Media Standards

Paper Weight Converter

The Stock Metric. Convert between metric GSM (Grams per Square Meter) and North American Basis weights for professional print procurement.

Metric GSM
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Bond Weight
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Cover Weight
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Standard Stock

Copy Paper75 - 80 GSM
Magazines100 - 130 GSM
Business Cards300 - 350 GSM

The Basis Rule

In the US system, **Basis Weight** is relative to the "Basis Size." This is why a "60 lb Text" paper is actually much thinner and lighter than "60 lb Cover" paper—their parent sheets were different sizes.

The Physical Foundation of Print Quality

In the printing and graphic design industry, selecting the right "paper stock" is a tactile decision that impacts the brand's perceived quality. A heavy, textured cardstock conveys luxury, while a thin, lightweight paper is ideal for flyers or mass mailers. However, because the US and International markets use completely different measuring systems, converting between the two is a daily necessity for global production teams.

GSM: The Global Simplified Metric

**GSM (Grams per Square Meter)** is the international standard (ISO 536) for defining paper weight. Its beauty lies in its simplicity: a square meter of paper is weighed, and that is the GSM. It does not matter if the paper is destined for a book, a poster, or a business card—the GSM remains a consistent metric of density and thickness across all categories.

Basis Weight: The American Complexity

The **North American Basis Weight** system is more complex because it defines weight based on a full-size "basis sheet" before it is cut to final size. Because a basis sheet of Bond paper (17x22") is smaller than a basis sheet of Cover paper (20x26"), the pound ratings are not directly comparable. This is why a 28 lb Bond paper is actually heavier than a 50 lb Text paper. This converter handles these complex multipliers automatically, ensuring you order the correct stock every time.

Professional Paper Weight Comparison

Paper Type Common GSM Common Basis Typical Use
Bond / Writer 75 - 90 20 - 24 lb Office Documents
Text / Book 100 - 150 70 - 100 lb Brochures / Flyers
Cover / Cardstock 210 - 300 80 - 110 lb Folders / Invitations
Heavy Index 200 - 350 110 - 140 lb Postcards / Tabs

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is GSM in paper?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It is the metric measurement of paper thickness and density. A higher GSM indicates a thicker and heavier sheet of paper.

What is Basis Weight?

Basis Weight is the imperial measurement used in North America. It is the weight in pounds of a ream (500 sheets) of paper in its uncut "basis size."

How many GSM is 20 lb Bond paper?

20 lb Bond paper is equivalent to 75.2 GSM. This is the standard weight for everyday office copier paper.