You’ve heard of 100lb gloss book, 80lb gloss cover, 20lb bond and more, but what does this weight refer to?
How the Weight of Paper is Determined
Paper is measured in pounds per 500 sheets. The paper manufacturer will select a standard sheet size for their paper when getting the initial weight on 500 sheets (this standard size varies brand to brand and can be 17” x 22”, 35” x 23”, etc.). The weight of these 500 sheets determines the paper’s weight.
For example the common office copy paper Bond* has a standard size of 17” x 22″ and this is the size that is weighed for 500 sheets. If 500 sheets of this size weigh 20 lbs, then the paper is classified as a 20lb bond.
Some of other weights for bond paper are: 16lb, 24lb, 28lb & 32lb. These would be thicker and thinner variations of the initial 20lb bond.
So when you are carrying 4 reams of your standard size (8-1/2 x 11) office paper you are in fact carrying 20 lbs of paper, as 8-1/2 x 11 is ¼ of a 17 x 22 sheet.
A similar measuring system is used for other types of paper.
We have samples of many different papers that can be used in printing in a variety of weights. We’re located in Chatsworth, minutes from Glendale, Burbank, Los Angeles, Sylmar and Pacoima. Or you can call 818-709-1220 and ask for Account Representative.
*Bond is a superior quality of strong white paper, especially suitable for electronic printing and often used in office machines including copiers and desktop printers.
