Paper Weight Converter
Convert between different paper weight systems (GSM, Basis Weight, etc.) with precision.
Conversion Details
Conversion Formula:
Calculation:
About Our Paper Weight Converter
Our Paper Weight Converter is an essential tool for designers, printers, publishers, and anyone working with paper products. It simplifies the often confusing task of converting between different paper weight measurement systems used around the world.
Understanding Paper Weight Systems
Paper weight is measured using several different systems globally:
- GSM (Grams per Square Meter): The metric standard used internationally that measures the weight of paper per square meter.
- Basis Weight: The US system that measures the weight of 500 sheets of paper in its basic size, which varies by paper type.
- Points and Caliper: Measures of paper thickness rather than weight.
Conversion Formulas
Converting between paper weight systems involves specific formulas based on standard sheet sizes for each paper grade:
Text/Book Paper: 1 lb (Basis Weight) ≈ 1.48 GSM
Cover Paper: 1 lb (Basis Weight) ≈ 2.71 GSM
Bond/Writing Paper: 1 lb (Basis Weight) ≈ 3.76 GSM
Index Paper: 1 lb (Basis Weight) ≈ 1.81 GSM
Key Features:
- Convert between all major paper weight systems (GSM, Text, Cover, Bond, Index)
- Convert between weight and thickness measurements (Points, Caliper)
- View detailed conversion formulas and calculations
- Accurate conversions based on industry-standard factors
- User-friendly interface for quick reference
How to Use:
- Enter the paper weight value you want to convert
- Select the current unit (what you're converting from)
- Select the target unit (what you're converting to)
- Click "Convert" to see the results
Common Paper Weight Equivalents:
| GSM (g/m²) | Text (lb) | Cover (lb) | Bond (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 54 | 29.5 | 21.3 |
| 100 | 67.6 | 36.9 | 26.6 |
| 120 | 81.1 | 44.3 | 31.9 |
| 160 | 108.1 | 59 | 42.6 |
| 300 | 202.7 | 110.7 | 79.8 |
Real-World Applications:
Print Design: Ensure your design specifications match printer requirements across different regions.
International Publishing: Convert between metric (GSM) and US systems (lb) for global publishing.
Paper Selection: Choose the right paper weight for specific applications like business cards, flyers, or book printing.
Cost Estimation: Calculate accurate material costs by understanding equivalent weights.
Quality Control: Ensure consistency in paper specifications across different suppliers and regions.
Whether you're a graphic designer, printer, publisher, paper supplier, or stationery enthusiast, our Paper Weight Converter helps you navigate the complex world of paper measurements with ease and precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are there so many different paper weight systems?
Different paper weight systems evolved regionally before global standardization. The US system (basis weight) measures the weight of 500 sheets in the "basic size" of each paper grade, while the metric GSM system measures weight per square meter regardless of sheet size. The persistence of these different systems is largely due to established industry practices and regional preferences in printing and publishing.
What's the difference between basis weight and grammage?
Basis weight (used in the US) measures the weight of 500 sheets of paper in its basic size, which varies depending on the paper category (text, cover, bond, etc.). Grammage or GSM (used internationally) measures weight in grams per square meter, regardless of sheet size. GSM is considered more consistent since it doesn't depend on sheet dimensions, while basis weight calculations vary by paper type.
How do points (pt) relate to paper weight?
Points (pt) measure paper thickness rather than weight, with 1 point equaling 0.001 inches (or 1 mil). While there's a general correlation between thickness and weight, it's not a direct conversion because paper density varies by manufacturing process and fiber composition. For example, a calendered paper may have higher weight but lower thickness than a bulky paper with the same fiber content.