08 Nov 2024, By Adam
The selection of right paper weight for a printed product is crucial. The production of high-quality document relies on the printing paper that you use. Choosing the right paper seems like a minor task, but it’s not. The wrong decision in paper selection can impact the overall quality of your output and have a bad impact on the clients. Here are the reasons to choose the right printing paper:
Paper weight refers to the weight of a sheet of paper. It shows how heavy or dense the paper is. Usually, it is measured in pounds (lbs) or grams per square meter (GSM). The paperweight determines the thickness and durability of the paper.
| Types of Papers | Available Weights |
| Index | 90 to 140 pounds |
| Bond paper | 16 to 36 pounds |
| Cover | 60 to 120 pounds |
| Book or text | 60 to 120 pounds |
| Tag paper | 50 to 100 pounds |
Are you finding paper weight measurement confusing? There are three standard methods to measure the weight of paper officially. In the United States, paper weight is measured in lbs. GSM is the standard method to measure paper weight outside the US.
GSM means grams per square meter. Mostly, it’s used to measure paper weight. It tells how much a square meter of paper weighs. For instance, an A0 sheet of 80 GSM paper weighs 80 grams.
In the USA and Canada, pounds (lbs) are used to measure paper weight. This system is called the basis weight. However, the basis size can change with the type of paper, which can be confusing.
Read More: GSM and PT Unit System
Different paper weights serve different purposes.
Lightweight Papers (Under 80 GSM):
You can choose light-weight paper to create thin sheets. It is usually used for dictionaries.
Medium weight Papers (80–120 GSM):
80 GSM is a standard paperweight. It is perfect to cater to everyday printing needs. On the other hand, 90 GSM is best for businesses letters and reports. The heavier papers between 105-120 GSM are more durable and used for resumes.
Medium to Heavyweight Papers (120–170 GSM):
They are thicker and denser. Brands can use 120-170 GSM papers to craft high-grade color printing. They are commonly used for magazines, booklets, and photo books.
Heavyweight Papers (170–250 GSM):
These heavy-weight papers are used for book covers, business brochures, invitations and postcards.
There is no as such impact of paper weight on quality of prints. However, right paper weights can affect durability and visual aesthetics of packaging. That’s why, printing manufacturers need to be careful about the selection of paper weight. Some paper weights are well-suited for commercial purposes like broachers, business cards, flyers or posters. Others are appropriate for office printing.
GSM (Grams per square meter) and PT (points) are different systems for measuring paperweights. Let’s see how they differ from each others:
GSM (Grams per Square Meter): GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is the global standard unit for measuring paper weight. The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper is. Here are some common GSM weights and their uses:
80-110GSM: It is common weight for general printing purpose such as letterheads and reports.
120- 210 GSM: It is highly suitable weight for brochures, flyers or invitation cards.
250-300 GSM: This weight is famous to produce high-end business cards and folders.
PT (Points): PT is the standard measurement of paper thickness in North America. In this measuring unit, PT (points) is calculated by measuring paper thickness with calipers. The paper is clamped within the caliper which reads the depth of the papers in inches. After that, this measurements is converted into points (PT), each point indicates 1/1000thout of an inch. Usually, in packaging options, you must have noticed the use of a point system describing the thickness as 8pt to 18pt. The higher the PT, the thicker the paper is.
Undoubtedly, measuring paper weight is pretty tough. However, selecting the right paper is vital whether you have to create prints for everyday use or advertisement. Hopefully, this blog post has helped get an understanding of the basis of paper weight and its impact on print quality. If you are looking for a top-notch packaging supplier for printing, choose Urgent Boxes. Our packaging experts can help you make informed paper decisions to meet your printing demands.
FAQs:
Q: Why is paper weight important in packaging and printing industries?
The use of right paper for product packaging and printing is of great significance. Paper has effect on product’s feel, shelf-life, its visual appeal and functionality.
Q: What is the difference between paper weight and paper thickness?
Paper thickness defines how thick a paper is. It is measured in inches or millimeters. Paper weight refers to the mass of the paper which is measured in grams per square meter (GSM) and pounds (lbs).
Q: What are the common paper weight standards and conversions?
20 to 24 lb is the common paper weight standards.
Q: How does paper weight affect print quality?
Paper weight does not have that much effect on print quality. However, you have to choose the thickness of paper with great care. As some paper weights are suitable for office printing, whereas other are appropriate for marketing materials such as brochures, booklets and posters.
Q: What is paper weight and how is it measured?
Paper weight refers to the weight of a sheet paper. There are two common units to measure the weight of paper. These include: grams per square meter (GSM) and pounds (lbs).
