Paper Weights can be VERY CONFUSING!

Paper Weights can be VERY CONFUSING!

Bond Paper (document paper) / Offset Paper (specifically manufactured for printing presses)
20-lb bond is equivalent to 50-lb offset
24-lb bond is equivalent to 60-lb offset
28-lb bond is equivalent to 70-lb offset

Why different numbers for the same weight of paper?

The number refers to the weight of a ream of the paper, before it is cut. The uncut reams are referred to as mill size or folio size or parent size.

A ream of bond paper is 17” x 22” which will usually weigh 20 or 24 or 28 lbs. depending on the thickness of the paper. When the 17” x 22” ream is cut to 8-1/2” x 11”, the result is 4 reams of 8-1/2” x 11” paper.

A ream of offset paper is 23” x 35” which will usually weigh 50 or 60 or 70 lbs. depending on the thickness of the paper. When the 23” X 35” ream is cut to 8-1/2” x 11”, the result is 8 reams of 8-1/2” x 11” paper. The remaining trim is discarded.

Standard paper vs gloss text?

Because of the enamel coating, gloss paper is heavier but not as thick. 80lb gloss text is about the same weight and texture as a glossy magazine page. (80lb gloss text is heavier than but not as thick as our standard 60lb offset.)

We also offer 100lb gloss text for our tri-fold brochures.