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Convert grams per square meter (GSM) to pounds (LB) for different paper types
Common range: 60-300 GSM
Based on 17" × 22" base size
LB = GSM × 0.675
54.00 = 80 × 0.675
Note: The conversion factor varies by paper type because pound weight is based on the weight of a ream (500 sheets) at different basis sizes.
60-80 GSM
41-54 lb (Bond)
Newspapers, receipts
80-120 GSM
54-81 lb (Bond)
Copy paper, letterhead
120-300 GSM
81-203 lb (Bond)
Cardstock, business cards
GSM (grams per square meter) is the metric standard for paper weight. It represents the actual weight of one square meter of paper. This is an absolute measurement that doesn't change based on paper size, making it more straightforward than the pound system.
In the US system, paper weight in pounds refers to the weight of a ream (500 sheets) at the paper's "basis size." The basis size varies by paper type: Bond paper uses 17" × 22", Text uses 25" × 38", and Cover uses 20" × 26". This is why the same GSM converts to different pound weights depending on paper type.
The conversion factor changes because pound weight is calculated from different basis sizes. A 100 GSM paper might be labeled as 67 lb Bond, 68 lb Text, or 27 lb Cover - all representing the same physical paper, but measured against different standard ream sizes.
The pound (LB) measurement is based on the weight of 500 sheets at a "basis size" that varies by paper type. Bond uses 17" × 22", Text uses 25" × 38", and Cover uses 20" × 26". The same GSM paper will have different LB ratings depending on which basis size is used.
Standard copy paper is typically 75-80 GSM (20 lb Bond in the US, or 50-54 lb). Premium copy paper can be 90-100 GSM (24 lb Bond or 60-67 lb). The higher the number, the thicker and more substantial the paper feels.
GSM is more precise and universal because it's an absolute measurement. LB can be confusing since the same paper might be called different weights depending on its classification (Bond, Text, or Cover). When ordering internationally, GSM is the standard.
Business cards typically use 250-400 GSM (66-108 lb Cover). The most common is around 300 GSM (80 lb Cover), which provides a premium, sturdy feel without being overly thick. Anything below 250 GSM may feel flimsy.
Not exactly. While Bond and Text have the same conversion factor (0.675), they refer to different categories of paper used for different purposes. Bond is for writing/copy paper, while Text is for book pages and high-quality printing. Always check the GSM for true comparison.
Weight (GSM or LB) measures mass, while thickness (measured in points or microns) measures height. Two papers can have the same weight but different thickness if they use different materials or densities. For most purposes, weight is the standard specification.