Understanding Paper Weight Article

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Understanding Paper Weight

Author: John Oberhauser

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The question I've been asked most commonly in 25 years of selling stationery is "What weight is the paper that you're selling?" This simple question has a complex and confusing answer. Comparing an apple with an apple is very difficult. I hope to make it easier by focusing on the types of papers that are used by the average consumer.

Paper comes in a variety of types and there are different ways to refer to the weights of each. However, the fact is that 20# bond and 50# offset are quite similar when utilized for practical purposes. Only commercial printers really need to keep in mind the difference between the types of paper and their various weights. The average home user only needs to remember a few simple tips. Designer stationery, another term for paper used in desktop publishing, comes in two varieties: cover weight and bond.

And a whole other level of confusion is added by the name "Bond Paper." I'll explain that more a little later. Of course, the variety of paper types is really of no concern to the normal consumer. The only time Offset, Tag, and Index are relevant is when a printer does your work. Usually these papers are not available in cut sheet sizes. Bond is usually available in weights from 20# to 32#, and cover is usually only offered in 65#. I have found the following weight comparison chart very useful.

Paper Weight Equivalents

Bond/Writing -- Text/Offset ------- Cover
20 lb ------------ 50 lb ------------- 28 lb
24 lb ------------ 60 lb ------------- 34 lb
28 lb ------------ 70 lb ------------- 38 lb
32 lb ------------ 80 lb ------------- 44 lb
40 lb ------------ 100 lb ------------- 56 lb
43 lb ------------ 110 lb ------------- 62 lb
47 lb ------------ 120 lb ------------- 65 lb

In this chart, the weights are referred to as equivalent weights. You can use the equivalent weights as a way to compare different types of paper even when their base weight is different. The weight of paper is measured in pounds, usually with 500 pieces. Different papers can have different parent size sheets.

According to accepted standards, Bond Paper is a type of paper with some amount of rag content which was first used in bank notes or bonds. It is usually stronger and better quality paper and is used for official paperwork. Today, bond paper is the term usually used to describe 500-sheet reams of quality paper sold in cut sheet sizes, such as legal-size or letter-sized. Designer papers are available for purchase in both 25 count and 100 count sheet packages.

Paper that has printed designs is called designer stationery. You can custom print them at home using your own printer or copier. These papers will usually work with any laser, inkjet, or plain paper copier.

What most of us call cardstock is 65# weight paper. In retail stores you are likely to find this sold in cut sheet reams or as business cards or post cards. The majority of print-it-yourself invitations are 65# cover.

Now that some of the technical jargon has been removed from the discussion, the whole idea should be easier to understand. The next time you go shopping, keep the paper weight equivalents in mind and your understanding will be vastly improved.

About Author

John Oberhauser, the manager of The Image Shop that carries paper of all kinds from printable letterhead to border design paper. Well-versed in paper weights, he knows the weight of each ream of invitation paper, certificate paper, letterhead stationery, and theme paper. So he wants to see his customers get the very best. For more visit www.imageshoponline.com and http://www.imageshoponline.com/category/stationery-sets-letterhead

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