Loading Calculator...
Please wait a moment
Please wait a moment
Convert pounds (LB) to grams per square meter (GSM) for different paper types
Common range: 20-80 lb (Bond)
Based on 17" × 22" base size
GSM = LB ÷ 0.675
29.6 = 20 ÷ 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.
20-24 lb Bond
75-90 GSM
Copy paper, forms, letters
28-32 lb Bond
105-120 GSM
Letterhead, resumes, certificates
65-100 lb Cover
176-271 GSM
Business cards, invitations
In the US paper system, "pound weight" refers to how much 500 sheets (one ream) weigh at the paper's basis size. For example, "20 lb Bond" means 500 sheets of 17" × 22" paper weigh 20 pounds. This is why you must know the paper type to convert accurately.
GSM (grams per square meter) is an absolute measurement - it tells you exactly how much one square meter of the paper weighs, regardless of the sheet size. This makes it the international standard and much easier for comparing papers across different manufacturers and countries.
Bond/Writing paper is used for everyday printing and copying. Text paper is used for book pages and high-quality printing. Cover paper is heavier stock used for covers, business cards, and postcards. Each category has its own basis size, which affects the pound weight calculation.
Pound weight is calculated from different basis sizes depending on paper type. The same physical paper (same GSM) will be labeled with different pound weights depending on whether it's classified as Bond (17" × 22"), Text (25" × 38"), or Cover (20" × 26").
"20 lb paper" (when referring to Bond paper) means that 500 sheets at the basis size of 17" × 22" weigh 20 pounds. If you cut those same sheets to a different size, they would still be "20 lb" paper because it refers to the original basis size weight.
These are actually very similar papers! 20 lb Bond is approximately 75 GSM, and 50 lb Text is approximately 74 GSM. Despite the pound numbers being very different (20 vs 50), they're nearly the same weight - the difference is just the basis size used for calculation.
Not necessarily. Weight indicates thickness and sturdiness, but quality depends on factors like fiber content, coating, brightness, and opacity. A 20 lb premium cotton bond paper may be higher quality than a 24 lb basic wood pulp paper, despite being lighter.
For resumes, 24-32 lb Bond (90-120 GSM) is recommended. This weight range feels substantial and professional without being overly thick. 28 lb Bond (105 GSM) is a popular choice that balances quality with printer compatibility.
Check the paper packaging or specifications. It should indicate whether it's Bond/Writing, Text, or Cover stock. For standard copy/printer paper, it's almost always Bond. Cardstock for business cards is typically Cover. Book paper is usually Text weight.