Reskid premium smooth text paper, pack of 100

Paper Weight Explained: Text vs. Cover Weight (lb to GSM Chart)

If you have ever wondered why 80lb paper can feel thin in one listing and thick in another, the answer is that paper weight is measured on different scales. Here is how to read paper weights and choose the right one.

Reskid 70lb smooth text paper, 100 packReskid premium smooth cardstock cover, 100 pack
Text weight paper (left) and heavier cover weight cardstock (right)

Why 80lb text and 80lb cover are not the same

Paper weight in pounds is based on the weight of a ream (500 sheets) at the paper's basic size. Text paper and cover paper have different basic sizes, so the same number means different things. An 80lb cover sheet is much heavier and thicker than an 80lb text sheet.

Paper weight in GSM (approximate)Copy paper (20lb bond) is about 75 gsmText weight50lb text7460lb text8970lb text10480lb text118100lb text148Cover weight80lb cover216100lb cover270110lb cover298125lb cover338130lb cover351
Approximate conversions. Exact numbers vary by paper type and manufacturer.

Text weight chart (approximate GSM)

  • 50lb text: about 74 gsm
  • 60lb text: about 89 gsm
  • 70lb text: about 104 gsm
  • 80lb text: about 118 gsm
  • 100lb text: about 148 gsm

For comparison, standard office copy paper is 20lb bond, which is about 75 gsm.

Cover weight chart (approximate GSM)

  • 80lb cover: about 216 gsm
  • 100lb cover: about 270 gsm
  • 110lb cover: about 298 gsm
  • 125lb cover: about 338 gsm
  • 130lb cover: about 351 gsm

These conversions are approximate, and exact numbers vary a little by paper type and manufacturer. GSM, or grams per square meter, is the one measure that lets you compare any two papers directly.

What about points (pt)?

Some cardstock, such as 14pt postcard stock, is listed in points. A point measures thickness (caliper), not weight. 14pt is about 0.014 inches thick.

Which weight should you choose?

  • 50lb to 70lb text: everyday printing, drafts, inserts and newsletters.
  • 80lb to 100lb text: flyers, brochures and booklet pages that should feel more substantial.
  • 80lb cover: light cardstock for covers, programs and crafts.
  • 100lb to 110lb cover: business cards, postcards, invitations and greeting cards.
  • 125lb to 130lb cover: premium, rigid pieces and heavy-duty projects.

Check your printer first

Many desktop printers have a maximum paper weight listed in the manual. Heavier cover stocks may need a manual feed tray or a straight paper path.

Shop by weight

Browse text paper and cardstock in a range of weights and sizes. For a deeper look at cardstock, read our complete guide to cardstock weights.

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