Convert paper weights between GSM, bond, text, cover, and index systems. Calculate sheet weight, ream weight, and shipping costs for paper orders.
The Paper Weight Calculator converts between all major paper weight systems used in North America and internationally. The US paper industry uses multiple confusing weight scales — bond, text, cover, index, tag, and Bristol — where the same pound number means vastly different thicknesses depending on the category. This calculator eliminates that confusion.
Enter a weight in any system and instantly see equivalents in all others, plus the universal GSM (grams per square meter) standard. The tool also calculates the physical weight of your paper order based on sheet size and quantity, helping you estimate shipping costs and handling requirements for print jobs.
Designers, print buyers, and paper specifiers rely on accurate weight conversions to ensure consistency when collaborating with international suppliers, comparing quotes from different vendors, or matching an existing printed piece. This calculator uses the official TAPPI conversion factors used by paper mills and merchants worldwide.
Use the preset examples to load common values instantly, or type in custom inputs to see results in real time. The output updates as you type, making it practical to compare different scenarios without resetting the page.
Paper weight conversion is one of the most confusing parts of print production because the US basis-weight labels are not directly comparable across paper categories. This calculator puts the major US systems and GSM in one place.
It is useful because it also connects weight labels to actual order weight and shipping impact. That makes it practical for printers, designers, and buyers, not just as a static conversion table.
GSM = Basis Weight × Conversion Factor; Bond Factor: 3.76, Text Factor: 1.48, Cover Factor: 2.70, Index Factor: 1.81; Sheet Weight (g) = GSM × (Width m × Height m)
Result: 216 GSM / 60 lb Text / 80 lb Cover
80 lb cover stock equals 216 GSM, which is the same density as 60 lb text weight — these are different names for the same paper.
The US paper weight system dates back centuries and is based on a now-archaic measurement method. Each paper category has a "basis size" — the standard sheet size for that category. The weight in pounds refers to the weight of 500 sheets (one ream) at that basis size. Because basis sizes differ between categories (17×22" for bond, 25×38" for text, 20×26" for cover), the same pound number represents different actual weights.
The metric GSM system simply measures grams per square meter, making it consistent across all paper types. A sheet of 120 GSM paper weighs 120 grams per square meter whether it's labeled as bond, text, cover, or anything else. This simplicity is why GSM is the international standard and why US printers increasingly specify paper in GSM.
For office printing, 75-90 GSM (20-24 lb bond) works for most needs. Marketing materials typically use 130-170 GSM (90-100 lb text) coated stock. Direct mail postcards require 250-300 GSM (92-110 lb cover) to meet USPS thickness requirements. Choosing the right weight balances print quality, mailing costs, and the perceived value of the finished piece.
Each weight system uses a different basis sheet size. Bond uses 17×22", text/offset uses 25×38", and cover uses 20×26". The pound weight is based on 500 sheets at that specific size, so numbers don't compare across categories.
GSM (grams per square meter) measures weight per unit area regardless of sheet size, making it universally comparable. A 100 GSM paper is 100 GSM whether it's bond, text, or cover — the weight doesn't change with the label.
Business cards are typically 80-100 lb cover (216-270 GSM) for standard cards, or 110-130 lb cover (300-350 GSM) for premium thick cards. The thicker stock feels more substantial in the hand and resists bending better.
A standard ream (500 sheets) of 20 lb bond letter-size paper weighs about 5 pounds. A case of 10 reams weighs approximately 50 pounds. That is useful when estimating shipping or storage needs.
Text weight papers are thinner, used for book pages, letterhead, and flyers. Cover weight papers are thicker, used for business cards, postcards, and book covers. 100 lb text ≈ 37 lb cover. The label changes with the basis size, so the same pound number does not mean the same thickness.
Measure the paper's thickness with a micrometer (in mils/points) and compare it to the thickness ranges in our reference table. Also note whether it's coated or uncoated. Matching both thickness and finish usually gets you much closer than guessing from weight alone.