Paper Selection Made Simple
Paper Weight Guide: How to Choose the Right Paper Thickness for Printing
Paper weight sounds technical, but it becomes intuitive once you understand what the numbers mean. The paper you choose changes how a printed piece feels, how colors reproduce, whether printing shows through, and the impression your brand makes before a word is read.
This guide explains the major paper-weight categories, how text and cover stocks differ, and which thickness works best for common print projects.
What Is Paper Weight?
Paper weight describes the thickness and sturdiness of a sheet. It is commonly shown in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). In the United States, the pound measurement is based on the weight of 500 sheets at an industry-standard parent size before trimming. Because text and cover papers use different parent-sheet sizes, the same pound number does not mean the same thickness.
The simple rule: within the same paper category, a higher number means thicker, heavier paper. GSM is a universal measurement that makes different categories easier to compare.
Flexible and easy to fold
Best for interior pages, flyers, brochures, booklets, catalogs, and publications.
Thicker and more rigid
Best for covers, postcards, business cards, invitations, and durable marketing pieces.
Important: 100 lb text and 100 lb cover are not the same thickness. Always check whether a product specifies text or cover stock.
Fast Reference
Paper Weight Cheat Sheet
Everyday office printing and internal documents
Professional documents, résumés, and proposals
Book interiors, booklets, brochures, and catalogs
Premium magazines, art books, and high-end publications
Booklet covers, postcards, and marketing materials
Business cards, invitations, and luxury prints
Board stock, hardcover binding, and packaging
20–32 lb · 75–120 gsm
Writing and Office Papers
This is everyday paper—the material used in office printers and copy machines. It is lightweight and designed primarily for function.
- 20 lb: Standard copy paper for internal memos, drafts, and high-volume documents.
- 24 lb: A more durable choice for business correspondence and external reports.
- 28–32 lb: A sturdier, smoother option for résumés, letterheads, and proposals that need a professional feel.
60–100 lb · 89–148 gsm
Text Papers
Text stocks are the workhorses of professional printing. They fold cleanly, feel substantial, and reproduce full color beautifully.
- 60 lb text: Book interiors and high-volume publications where quality and economy must balance.
- 70 lb text: A popular choice for booklet and catalog interiors with good opacity.
- 80 lb text: Premium magazines, corporate booklets, brochures, and polished interior pages.
- 100 lb text: Art books, high-end publications, and premium flyers where paper quality is part of the presentation.
58–70 lb · 157–190 gsm
Light Cardstocks
This range sits between paper and traditional cardstock. It supports double-sided printing with less show-through and feels substantial without becoming rigid.
- 58–60 lb cardstock: Substantial flyers and presentations.
- 70 lb cardstock: Program booklets, deluxe company profiles, and premium pieces that still need flexibility.
80–100 lb · 216–280 gsm
Midweight Cardstocks
This is the most common range for covers, postcards, and marketing materials. It is durable but still comfortable to handle.
- 80 lb cover: Booklet and catalog covers; a reliable base for embossing and specialty finishes.
- 90 lb cover: Business cards and invitation cards that should feel substantial without being stiff.
- 100 lb cover: Premium magazine covers, report covers, and promotional postcards.
110–130 lb · 298–352 gsm
Heavy Cardstocks
Heavy cover stocks communicate quality before the content is read. Choose them when the printed piece itself needs to make a statement.
- 110 lb cover: Heavyweight business cards, announcements, and invitation suites.
- 120 lb cover: Book covers, heavyweight photo prints, and high-end displays.
- 130 lb cover: Luxury business cards, package inserts, retail hang tags, and exclusive document covers.
140 lb+ · 378 gsm+
Specialty Papers
At 140 lb and above, paper enters board-stock territory. These materials are used for hardcover bookbinding, premium packaging, mounting boards, and applications that require maximum rigidity.
Choose With Confidence
Paper Weight by Project Type
Still deciding? Tell our print team how the piece will be used, mailed, folded, and handled. We’ll recommend a stock that fits your goals and budget.