Paper Weight Conversion Chart

• How To Use This Paper Weight Chart - The gray highlighted areas are the standard basis weights for the paper types listed in the first column from the left.  To find the equivalent weight of 20lb. Bond to other paper types, locate 20 lb. in the Bond paper section and read across the other columns. 

For example, the equivalent of 20 lb. Bond to Book is 51 lb., to Index is 42 lb., to Cover is 28 lb. and Bristol is 34 lb.

• Basis Weight - Basis weight is the standard measurement of an amount of paper.  For example, the basis weight of Bond is determined by the weight of 500 sheets of 17" x 22" (the parent size).  If a ream of 17" x 22" weighs 20 pounds, this is called 20 lb. paper, commonly cut in 8.5 x 11" sheets.

                   

• Book Paper - Also known as Offset, Text and Coated.  A general term for coated and uncoated papers.  It contains more fillers such as clay and surface coating than bond paper.  They are less expensive than text papers and are made in antique and smooth finishes. 

• Bond Paper - Also known as Ledger, Mimeo, Duplicator and Rag.  A grade of writing or printing paper where strength, durability and permanence are essential requirements' used for letterheads, business forms, etc.

• Index Paper - Commonly used whenever an inexpensive stiff paper is required.  It's available in both smooth and vellum finish.

• Cover Paper - Special characteristics of cover pages include dimensional stability, durability, uniform printing surface, good scoring, folding, embossing and die-cutting qualities.  It's a useful rule of thumb that cover stock of the same basis weight as text paper has about twice the thickness.

• Bristol Paper - Is one of the board grades, with a softer surface than index or tag.

 

Paper Finishes

• Vellum - A toothy finish which is relatively absorbant for fast ink penetration.

• Embossed - Paper with a raised or depressed surface resembling wood, cloth, leather or other pattern.

• Coated - A Paper having a surface coating which produces a smooth finish.  Surfaces vary from eggshell to glossy.

• Antique - A term describing the surface, usually on book and cover papers, that has a natural rough finish.

Helpful Paper Tips

• Acclimation - Prior to use, paper should be allowed to acclimate at least 48 hours in the environment in which it will be used.  Optimum storage facility would retain temperatures between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit with 50% relative humidity.

• Fanning - Before loading paper, fan the paper on all four sides.  This creates a small layer of air between the papers which should help printer feeding mechanisms.

• Loading - Load paper according to the instructions in the manual.  Recommended feeding is generally to use the manual feed tray, or the straightest path through the printer.

• Storage - Upon completion, the unused paper should be stored in a closed package, re-sealed and stored flat.