Choosing the right paper weight depends on your project’s needs, from everyday printing to professional invitations. Generally, heavier paper offers a more premium feel and durability, making it suitable for important documents, while lighter paper is cost-effective for high-volume printing. Understanding paper weights, often measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm), is key to making an informed decision.
Understanding Paper Weights: What Does It All Mean?
Paper comes in various weights, and this measurement is crucial for determining its thickness, opacity, and overall feel. The most common systems are Basis Weight (used in North America, measured in pounds) and Grammage (used internationally, measured in grams per square meter or gsm).
Basis Weight Explained (Pounds)
In the US and Canada, paper is typically sold by its basis weight. This refers to the weight of 500 sheets of a specific paper size in its unprocessed state. However, this can be confusing because the "base size" varies depending on the paper type (e.g., bond, cover, book).
- Bond Weight: This is the most common for office printing paper.
- 20 lb bond: Standard printer paper, good for everyday use.
- 24 lb bond: Slightly heavier, offers better opacity and a more substantial feel, ideal for resumes or important reports.
- 28 lb bond: Even more robust, suitable for premium documents.
- Cover Weight: This is much thicker and used for cardstock, business cards, and covers of magazines or brochures.
- 65 lb cover: A good starting point for cardstock.
- 80 lb cover: Thicker and more rigid, excellent for invitations or postcards.
- 100 lb cover: Very thick and durable, often used for high-end business cards or premium packaging.
Grammage Explained (GSM)
Grammage (gsm) is a more straightforward measurement. It directly indicates the weight of one square meter of paper. This makes it easier to compare paper weights internationally.
- 70-80 gsm: Equivalent to about 20 lb bond, suitable for everyday printing.
- 90-100 gsm: Comparable to 24-28 lb bond, offering a noticeable upgrade in quality.
- 160-200 gsm: Similar to 65-80 lb cover weight, ideal for cardstock applications.
- 250-350 gsm: Equivalent to 90-130 lb cover weight, used for very thick cardstock and premium applications.
What Paper Weight is Better for Different Applications?
The "better" paper weight is entirely dependent on what you intend to do with it. Here’s a breakdown of common uses and recommended paper weights.
Everyday Printing and Copying
For your daily printing needs, like reports, drafts, or handouts, standard office paper is usually sufficient.
- Recommendation: 20 lb bond (75-80 gsm).
- Why: It’s cost-effective, readily available, and works well in most printers and copiers. It offers decent print quality for general use.
Resumes, Reports, and Business Documents
When you want to make a stronger impression with important documents, stepping up the paper weight can significantly enhance perceived value.
- Recommendation: 24 lb bond (90 gsm).
- Why: This weight feels more substantial in hand, has better opacity (less ink shows through from the other side), and presents a more professional look. It’s a popular choice for resumes and critical business reports.
Invitations, Business Cards, and Postcards
For items that need to be durable and feel high-quality, cardstock is the way to go.
- Recommendation: 65 lb to 100 lb cover weight (176-270 gsm).
- Why: This range provides the necessary rigidity and thickness to withstand handling and create a lasting impression. For very premium business cards or invitations, 100 lb cover or even higher is often used.
Brochures and Flyers
The best paper weight for brochures and flyers balances durability with cost-effectiveness for distribution.
- Recommendation: 80 lb to 100 lb gloss or matte book weight (118-148 gsm).
- Why: This offers a good heft and a professional finish, especially when coated. It’s more durable than standard copy paper and holds ink well for vibrant images.
Comparing Paper Weights: A Quick Guide
Here’s a simplified comparison to help you visualize the differences.
| Application | Common Basis Weight (lb) | Common Grammage (gsm) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Copy Paper | 20 | 75-80 | Lightweight, cost-effective, good for volume. |
| Premium Reports/Resumes | 24 | 90 | Slightly heavier, better opacity, professional. |
| Business Cards/Invitations | 65 – 100 | 176 – 270 | Stiff, durable, premium feel, cardstock. |
| Brochures/Flyers (Coated) | 80 – 100 (Book) | 118 – 148 | Good balance of quality and distribution cost. |
Factors Beyond Weight to Consider
While weight is a primary factor, other paper characteristics also influence your choice.
Finish (Coating)
- Uncoated: Offers a natural, matte look and feel. Ink can absorb more, so colors may appear less vibrant. It’s good for writing on.
- Coated (Glossy, Matte, Satin): These papers have a coating that makes them less absorbent.
- Glossy: Enhances color vibrancy and detail, ideal for photos and marketing materials.
- Matte: Provides a non-reflective surface with a sophisticated look.
- Satin: A balance between gloss and matte, offering a smooth finish with minimal glare.
Brightness
Paper brightness is measured on a scale of 0-100. Higher brightness (e.g., 92-98) makes colors pop and text appear sharper, especially for black and white printing.
Opacity
Opacity refers to how much light passes through the paper. Higher opacity means less show-through from the reverse side, which is important for double-sided printing. Heavier papers generally have better opacity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Weight
### What is the best paper weight for printing photos?
For printing photos
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