Paper Weight Converter
Convert paper weight between GSM, US bond, US cover, US text, and UK standards.
Includes a reference chart of common paper types from 60 GSM to 350 GSM.
Type in any field — the others update instantly.
Paper weight is measured differently in each region.
GSM (grams per square meter): The international standard. Used worldwide. Higher GSM = thicker, heavier paper.
US Bond Weight (lb): Based on 500 sheets of 17" × 22" paper.
- Conversion: GSM = Bond weight × 3.7597
US Cover Weight (lb): Based on 500 sheets of 20" × 26" paper.
- Conversion: GSM = Cover weight × 2.7080
Common paper weights:
| Paper Type | GSM | US Bond (lb) | US Cover (lb) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thin copy paper | 75 gsm | 20 lb | — |
| Standard copy | 80 gsm | 21 lb | — |
| Letterhead | 90 gsm | 24 lb | — |
| Premium paper | 100 gsm | 27 lb | — |
| Light card | 120 gsm | 32 lb | 45 lb |
| Index card | 160 gsm | 43 lb | 59 lb |
| Light cardstock | 200 gsm | 53 lb | 74 lb |
| Business card | 300 gsm | 80 lb | 111 lb |
| Heavy cardstock | 350 gsm | 93 lb | 129 lb |
US paper weight is confusing because it depends on the “basis size” which differs between bond and cover stocks.
How we build and check this converter
This converter runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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