Paper Weight and Conversion to Gsm
What does “Paper Weight” mean?
In the printing industry, the term “paper weight” is used to refer to the thickness of a paper stock. There are multiple ways to quantify paper thickness, including the following units of measurement: mm (caliper), pounds, point, and gsm. In the U.S., paper is most often measured using lbs (pounds, or #) and cover stock is most often measured using pt (point). Overseas, the most common unit of measurement is gsm, which refers to grams per square meter.
We offer a wide range of paper and cover material thicknesses, and our stocks primarily are evaluated using gsm.
For easy reference, below please find a guide for converting other material thickness units to gsm.
If you have any questions or could use help with this, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us for assistance.
Material Weight Charts
Text Papers
Coated Paper Stocks:
| 60 gsm | 40 lb |
| 70 gsm | 45 lb |
| 80 gsm | 55 lb |
| 90 gsm | 60 lb |
| 95 gsm | 65 lb |
| 105 gsm | 70 lb |
| 115 gsm | 75 lb |
| 128 gsm | 85 lb |
| 140 gsm | 95 lb |
| 157 gsm | 105 lb |
| 200 gsm |
135 lb |
Uncoated Paper Stocks:
| 60 gsm | 40 lb |
| 70 gsm | 45 lb |
| 80 gsm | 55 lb |
| 100 gsm | 65 lb |
| 120 gsm | 80 lb |
| 140 gsm | 95 lb |
| 160 gsm | 105 lb |
| 180 gsm |
120 lb |
| 200 gsm |
135 lb |
Cover Stock
C1S, C2S, and Uncoated Artcards:
| 210 gsm | 9 pt |
| 230 gsm / 250 gsm | 10 pt |
| 250 gsm / 260 gsm | 12 pt |
| 300 gsm / 310 gsm |
14 pt |
| 350 gsm / 360 gsm |
16 pt |
| 400 gsm |
18 pt |
Note: these conversions are approximate, and the comparable stocks listed above may not be an exact match.
Different stock types, brands, and millings also have variance.
Text Paper Quick Conversion Formula: GSM / 1.5 = LBS or LBS x 1.5 = GSM