Paper Weight & Thickness Guide for Printing Projects
Choosing the right paper weight is essential for professional-looking print materials. Our Paper Weight & Thickness Guide breaks down the most common paper types — including text weight, cover stock, and point thickness — to help you compare thickness, sturdiness, and print suitability. Whether you're selecting paper for flyers, postcards, booklets, or business cards, this guide makes it easy to understand how different weights and finishes affect the final result. Find the perfect stock for your next print project at IMAGE ZONE in Murrieta & Temecula.
Note: The values below are intended as a guide only and should not be used as specifications. Weight and caliper may vary slightly by manufacturer. The yellow boxes are our most common papers that you will see on our estimates and online products.
Paper Weight Conversion Table
Bond
Ledger
Offset
Text
# lbs
Points
Caliper (in.)
mm
gsm
16
40
22
37
33
3.2
0.0032
0.081
60.2
18
45
24
41
37
3.6
0.0036
0.092
67.72
20
50
28
46
42
3.8
0.0038
0.097
75.2
24
60
33
56
50
4.8
0.0048
0.122
90.3
28
70
39
64
58
5.8
0.0058
0.147
105.35
29
73
40
62
60
6.0
0.0060
0.152
109.11
31
81
45
73
66
6.1
0.0061
0.155
116.63
32
–
–
74
67
–
–
–
120
35
90
48
80
74
6.2
0.0062
0.157
131.68
36
90
50
82
75
6.8
0.0068
0.173
135.45
39
100
54
90
81
7.2
0.0072
0.183
146.73
40
100
56
93
83
7.3
0.0073
0.185
150.5
43
110
60
100
90
7.4
0.0074
0.188
161.78
44
110
61
102
92
7.6
0.0076
0.193
165.55
47
120
65
108
97
7.8
0.0078
0.198
176.83
53
135
74
122
110
8.5
0.0085
0.216
199.41
54
137
75
125
113
9.0
0.0090
0.229
203.17
58
146
80
134
120
9.2
0.0092
0.234
218.22
65
165
90
150
135
9.5
0.0095
0.241
244.56
67
170
93
156
140
10.0
0.0100
0.254
252.08
72
183
100
166
150
12.0
0.0110
0.279
270.90
76
192
105
175
158
13.0
0.0130
0.330
285.95
82
208
114
189
170
14.0
0.0140
0.356
308.52
87
220
120
200
180
15.0
0.0150
0.381
312.00
95
240
130
215
195
16.0
0.0165
0.419
340.00
105
267
146
244
220
17.5
0.0175
0.445
385.06
110
280
152
255
230
18.0
0.0185
0.470
400.00
Helpful Guidelines for Paper Usage
Allow paper to acclimate at least 48 hours before use.
Store between 70–80°F and 50% relative humidity.
Fan sheets on all four sides before loading.
Use manual feed tray for special materials.
Store unused paper sealed and flat.
Glossary of Paper Terms
Acid Free: Paper with neutral pH, ideal for archival use.
Brightness: Reflectivity under blue light.
Basis Weight: Weight of 500 sheets at the standard size for that grade.
Bristols: Heavyweight, durable paper stock (.006'' + thick).
Calendering: Process to smooth and flatten paper.
Recycled: Made from at least 100% recycled material, including 40% post-consumer.
Carbonless: Coated paper for duplicate copies without carbon paper.
PAPER WEIGHTS DETAILS
Need Printing Fast! You found the right place with instant online ordering. If you do not see what you are looking for, let us know. We are happy to send you a custom estimate. We Are Near You and Ready To Help: Murrieta, Temecula, Wildomar, Menifee, Elsinore, Fallbrook
Image Zone Printing & Graphics
Printing, Graphics, Signs, Labels & Stickers Since 1997
