Paper Weight Chart: GSM to Pounds Conversion for Bond, Text, Cover and Index Paper
Last Updated:Last updated: November 9, 2026.
Quick answer: GSM (grams per square meter) is the weight of one sheet of paper one meter square. It's the same everywhere, so it's the easiest way to compare papers. US pound (lb) weights are confusing because each paper type is weighed at a different sheet size: 20 lb bond, 50 lb text and 75 gsm are all the same paper. Ordinary printer paper is 75 gsm (20 lb bond); premium printer paper is 90 gsm (24 lb); light cardstock starts around 176 gsm (65 lb cover).
Use the chart below to translate any paper label into gsm, then compare that number with what your printer's spec sheet says it can feed.
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Paper weight conversion chart
Each row is one weight of paper, written four different ways. A dash means that grade isn't usually made at that weight.
| Bond / writing (lb) | Text / book (lb) | Cover (lb) | Index (lb) | GSM | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 50 | – | – | 75 | Everyday copy paper |
| 24 | 60 | – | – | 90 | Premium printer paper, resumes |
| 28 | 70 | – | – | 105 | Reports, color handouts |
| 32 | 80 | – | – | 120 | Presentations, brochures |
| 36 | 90 | 50 | – | 135 | Flyers, heavy brochures |
| 38 | 100 | 55 | – | 140 | Heavy text, menus |
| 43 | 110 | 60 | 90 | 163 | Light cardstock |
| 47 | 120 | 65 | 97 | 176 | Standard craft cardstock |
| 54 | – | 74 | 110 | 199 | Index cards, light postcards |
| 58 | – | 80 | 120 | 216 | Greeting cards, invitations |
| – | – | 90 | 135 | 244 | Postcards |
| – | – | 100 | 150 | 270 | Heavy invitations, tags |
| – | – | 110 | 165 | 298 | Business cards (lighter) |
| – | – | 130 | 195 | 352 | Premium business cards |
Figures follow the equivalence charts published by OKI and Xerox and are rounded. Different mills round slightly differently, so a 65 lb cover may be labeled anywhere from 175 to 178 gsm.
Why the pound numbers don't match
In the US, a paper's "basis weight" is what 500 sheets weigh at that grade's standard uncut sheet size, not at letter size:
- Bond (copy and printer paper) is weighed at 17 x 22 inches.
- Text / book paper is weighed at 25 x 38 inches.
- Cover (cardstock) is weighed at 20 x 26 inches.
- Index is weighed at 25.5 x 30.5 inches.
Bigger reference sheets weigh more, so the same paper gets a bigger number in text pounds than in bond pounds. That's why a "65 lb" cardstock is much heavier than "24 lb" printer paper even though the numbers sound close. GSM measures everything at one size, so it avoids the problem.
How to convert GSM to pounds (and back)
Multiply the pound weight by the factor for its grade to get gsm. Divide gsm by the same factor to go the other way.
| Paper grade | lb → gsm | gsm → lb | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bond / writing | × 3.76 | ÷ 3.76 | 24 lb bond × 3.76 = 90 gsm |
| Text / book | × 1.48 | ÷ 1.48 | 80 lb text × 1.48 = 118 gsm |
| Cover | × 2.71 | ÷ 2.71 | 110 lb cover × 2.71 = 298 gsm |
| Index | × 1.81 | ÷ 1.81 | 110 lb index × 1.81 = 199 gsm |
Paper thickness (caliper) by weight
Weight and thickness are related but not the same: a dense, smooth sheet can weigh more and still be thinner than a soft, bulky one. Thickness is usually given in points (pt), where 1 pt is a thousandth of an inch. Rough equivalents from OKI's chart:
- 38 lb bond / 55 lb cover (about 140 gsm): about 6 pt
- 47 lb bond / 65 lb cover (about 176 gsm): about 8 pt
- 80 lb cover (about 216 gsm): about 10 pt
- 93 lb cover (about 250 gsm): about 12 pt
- 115 lb cover (about 310 gsm): about 14 pt
- 130 lb cover (about 352 gsm): about 16 pt
Thickness matters more than weight for jams, because the rollers and the paper path care about how stiff and thick a sheet is.
What paper weight can your printer handle?
Look for "media weight" in your printer's spec sheet. Most printers list it in gsm. Typical limits:
- Budget inkjets (Canon PIXMA, HP DeskJet, entry Epson): about 64–105 gsm from the main tray, often up to 200–300 gsm for photo paper or a rear feed.
- Ink tank printers (EcoTank, MegaTank, Smart Tank): similar, with the rear feed handling the heavier sheets.
- Home laser printers: usually 60–163 gsm from the tray, and up to about 200–230 gsm through a manual or bypass slot.
If a paper is heavier than the main tray allows, feed it one sheet at a time through the manual or rear slot and pick a heavy-paper setting in the print dialog. Our cardstock printing guide covers the settings for each brand.
Paper Weight Questions
What GSM is normal printer paper?
Standard US copy paper is 20 lb bond, which is about 75 gsm. Outside the US the common office paper is 80 gsm, which is a little heavier, about 21 lb bond.
Is 24 lb paper the same as 90 gsm?
Yes. 24 lb bond is about 90 gsm, also sold as 60 lb text.
What GSM is cardstock?
Cardstock generally starts around 160–176 gsm (60–65 lb cover). Wedding invitations and greeting cards are usually 216–270 gsm (80–100 lb cover). Business cards run 300 gsm and up.
Is higher GSM better?
Not automatically. Heavier paper feels more substantial and lets less ink show through, but it costs more and is harder to feed. Pick the lightest paper that does the job, and check your printer's media weight limit before buying.
Is 100 lb paper heavier than 80 lb paper?
Only if both are the same grade. 100 lb text (about 148 gsm) is much lighter than 80 lb cover (about 216 gsm). Always check the grade, or just compare gsm.
More help: 20 lb vs 24 lb vs 32 lb paper · Printer paper 101 · Best cardstock for wedding invitations · Glossy vs matte vs luster photo paper
By William Elward, founder of Castle Ink (in business since 2005).
Sources
Conversion figures were checked on November 9, 2026.
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