
Lighter stocks can be more cost effective.Higher basis weight paper isn’t always better: they can impact your production options resulting in higher costs than lower basis alternatives and have other possible limiting impacts as well.
Heavier stocks can also better stand up to complex finishing like embossing, debossing, die cutting or foil stamping. Thicker paper is more rugged and can handle more wear and tear than thinner paper, which is why many projects add a cover to their mailed piece. Heavier stocks can make your print product appear authoritative and prestigious. Keep these three tips in mind when considering your paper stock selection. But paper basis weight can and should influence your choice. Ultimately, basis weight isn’t the primary determinant for your paper stock. Paper Basis Weight: Three Keys to Consider Index stock is often between 110# and 140#. It’s stiff and used in applications such as tags where stronger, more rugged paper is required.
Index: Similar to Bond, Index is a cardstock that is uncoated. Bond stock is commonly in the 20# to 32# range. It is the common basis weight measure for office, copier and home use reams. It’s often used for stationery, forms and other specialized uses including writing. Bond: Less common in the print world, this stock is uncoated. Common cover basis weights are 65#, 80# and 100#. It is typically thicker than text stock and comes in numerous finishes. Cover: A heavier basis weight paper, cover stock is used in a variety of applications, such as book covers and business cards. Text stock can be anywhere from 20# to 100# or greater in some instances. It is designed for books, magazines, catalogs and workbooks, among many other uses. Text (or book): A general name for various types of paper, uncoated or coated. Since a paper’s basis weight is based on its type, it’s important to know the main types of paper: Postcards, for example, require a minimum point measure to be accepted by the US Postal Service. Typically, thickness or a point measure is most relevant when talking about mail. For example, a 7- or 8-point stock will measure. Thickness may also be expressed in “point” or “pt.” Not to be confused with font size, one point equates to 1/1000th of an inch. Paper thickness is commonly stated in terms of PPI, or Pages Per Inch. In addition, with the standard unit measure (remember that 500 sheet ream measuring 25” x 38” up above?), if both were stacked next to each other, the offset sheet stack would appear taller, but weigh the same – sixty pounds. So, a 60# uncoated offset will typically be thicker or feel more substantial than a 60# gloss coated sheet. Simply put, paper without a finish for a given basis weight will have a higher caliper or thickness, than those with a finish. Paper thickness, or caliper, is impacted by many factors, including finish and basis. To fully understand paper weight, it’s important to be aware of paper thickness as well. Check out the basis weight chart below to see a rough conversion between metric and American basis weights. The standard size of cover stock is 20” by 26”, while bond stock is 17” by 22”.Īdding to the confusion, foreign paper designations use the metric system, which sets its basis weights based upon the weight of one square meter, expressed in grams (GSM).
The caveat: each type of paper has its own standard size, so 60# text weight isn’t the same as 60# cover weight. text stock for your magazine, that means 500 sheets of the text in the standard size of 25” by 38” will weigh 60 lbs.
#Lb to gsm paper weight converter full
Basis weight is what the paper would weigh in a full uncut ream in an accepted standard size (basis size) for a given use. Paper basis weight is expressed in the U.S. As such, it’s important for publishers to understand paper basis. The experience of paper is influenced by its basis weight, or basis, among many other factors. At the same time, it can also do the opposite. The paper stock you choose can positively impact your audience’s perception of your brand. While colors are crucial in their own way, the look and feel of the paper can tell your audience a lot about your brand before they read a single word.
Print is an intimate, personal way for brands to engage audiences.įundamental to the experience are the specifics of the paper, its physical characteristics.