Paper Weight Equivalents
In all my 25 years in the business of selling stationery, I have been asked one question repeatedly. “What weight is the paper?” This question is always asked with simplicity, but is always answered in a more confusing manner. The difficult part of stating the weight of different papers is that it is akin to comparing apples to oranges. I am trying to simplify that job by comparing paper you're likely to use by employing everyday terms instead of technical language.
Several different kinds of paper exist, and each one has its weight referred to differently. To illustrate, say a printer offers 50# offset paper as a high quality alternative to 20# bond. In truth, however, 20# bond and 50# offset will both work the same for most needs.
While commercial printers find technical information about paper types and weights extremely useful, consumers could care less. The desktop publishing needs of an average consumer will generally require no more than a few simple rules. Bond and cover weight paper are the two main kinds of designer stationery, or desktop publishing, paper sold to consumers.
"Bond Paper" is an unclear term in and of itself. I will explain that some more later in this article. Most people don't know or care about the many kinds of paper. Only if a printer is doing your work would you need to have Offset, Tag, and Index paper figured out. Consumers are usually able to buy these types of paper in cut sheet sizes. Bond and cover weight paper are usually the only two options available to consumers who buy their own paper in retail outlets. Cover is usually available only is 65# weight while bond typically comes in weights ranging from 20# to 32#. I like to use the chart below when comparing paper by weight.
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
The weights found on this chart are equivalent weights. With equivalent weights, we are in a position to compare the different types of papers in spite of their unequal basis weights.
The weight in pounds of 500 sheets of a paper's parent sheet size equals the paper's base weight. Papers can come from varying sized parent sheets.
According to the dictionary, Bond Paper is defined as:
1. Paper with rag content, formerly used for bonds, bank notes, etc.
2. A high grade of paper that can be successfully used for documents and / or letterhead if necessary.
Today, bond paper is considered any decent grade of paper offered in cut sheet sizes (letter, legal, 11x17), usually in reams of 500 sheets. One can usually buy designer papers in packages of 25 or 100 sheets.
Stationary is defined as papers with a design. You can even print your own message on them using your home or office printer or copier. An added advantage to the consumer is that they are usually compatible with a wide variety of inkjet, plain paper, and laser copiers.
65# cover weight paper is simple cardstock. Usually, this paper is sold to consumers in cut sheet reams, as post cards, or as business cards. 65# cover is used to make most print-it-yourself invitations.
I hope that this explanation, without technical terms, has made the issue a bit clearer. This will make more sense if you keep the equivalent paperweights in mind next time you buy paper.
About the 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 Certificate paper, certificate paper, Transmittal Envelopes, and theme paper. So he wants to see his customers get the very best.
More articles by berhauser@gmail.com
Print Article | Download PDF | 13 views | May 12 2008
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