Paper Information

More than meets the eye. The different types/weights/descriptions of paper can boggle the mind. Text, bond, cover, tag, index, coated, uncoated, tissue, newsprint, and the list goes on.

Let us put our experience to work for you. We’re happy to discuss your project and suggest an appropriate paper that is both suitable and cost-effective.

If there’s a commercially available paper on the planet – and you want it – we’ll get it!

Paper Types

Paper – as it applies to 99% of most peoples’ needs – can generally be described as bond, text, cover, bristol, tag or index. Further, it is more specifically defined by its weight and type, as well as whether it’s coated (e.g., glossy) or uncoated.

And, the way different types of paper is referred to is determined differently for each type of paper. Bottom line, it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

For example, 20 lb bond is referred to as 20lb bond because the weight of 500 sheets of that particular paper – each sheet measuring 17″ x 22″ – weighs 20 pounds. On the other hand, 60lb cover is referred to as 60lb cover because the weight of 500 sheets of that particular paper – each sheet measuring 20″ x 26″ – weighs 60 pounds.

Reams of text and bond paper – when purchased in the US standard of 8.5″ x 11″ – contain 500 sheets. Heavier stock such as cover and Bristol come in reams of 250 sheets.

Paper Weights and Measures

Paper – as it applies to 99% of most peoples’ needs – can generally be described as bond, text, cover, bristol, tag or index. Further, it is more specifically defined by its weight and type, as well as whether it’s coated (e.g., glossy) or uncoated.

And, the way different types of paper is referred to is determined differently for each type of paper. Bottom line, it’s like comparing apples to oranges.

For example, 20 lb bond is referred to as 20lb bond because the weight of 500 sheets of that particular paper – each sheet measuring 17″ x 22″ – weighs 20 pounds. On the other hand, 60lb cover is referred to as 60lb cover because the weight of 500 sheets of that particular paper – each sheet measuring 20″ x 26″ – weighs 60 pounds.

Reams of text and bond paper – when purchased in the US standard of 8.5″ x 11″ – contain 500 sheets. Heavier stock such as cover and Bristol come in reams of 250 sheets.

Paper Comparison Chart (uncoated papers)

Following chart shows basis weights, GSM, caliper thickness, points (US), paper size on which basis weight is determined and number of sheets per ream for the most commonly used, uncoated papers. Note that specifications are approximate but fairly represent industry standards, weights and dimensions.

Bond (basis)GSMThicknessPointsBasis Sheet SizeReam (8.5 x 11)
20 lb75gsm.004"417" x 22"500 sheets
24 lb90 gsm.0045"4.517" x 22"500 sheets
28 lb105 gsm.0052"5.217" x 22"500 sheets
32 lb120 gsm.006"617" x 22"500 sheets
Text (basis)GSMThicknessPointsBasis SheetReam (8.5 x 11")
50 lb75 gsm.004"425" x 38"500 sheets
60 lb90 gsm.0045"4.525" x 38"500 sheets
70 lb105 gsm.0052"5.225" x 38"500 sheets
80 lb120 gsm.006"625" x 38"500 sheets
Cover (basis)GSMThicknessPointsBasis SheetReam (8.5 x 11")
50 lb135 gsm.0065"720" x 26"250 Sheets
60 lb162 gsm.009"920" x 26"250 Sheets
65 lb177 gsm.0095"1020" x 26"250 Sheets
80 lb218 gsm.0115"11.520" x 26"250 Sheets
100 lb271 gsm.0135"13.520" x 26"250 Sheets
Bristol (basis)GSMThicknessPointsBasis Sheet SizeReam (8.5x11)
57 lb75 gsm.007"722.5" x 28.5"250 sheets
67 lb90 gsm.009"922.5" x 28.5"250 sheets
80 lb105 gsm.010"1022.5" x 28.5"250 sheets
Tag (basis)GSMThicknessPointsBasis Sheet SizeReam (8.5x11)
100 lb162 gsm.007"724" x 36"250 sheets
125 lb203 gsm.009"924" x 36"250 sheets
150 lb218 gsm.011"1124" x 36"250 sheets
175 lb245 gsm.013"1324" x 36"250 sheets
Index (basis)GSMThicknessPointsBasis Sheet SizeReam (8.5x11)
90 lb162 gsm.007"725.5" x 30.5"250 sheets
110 lb199 gsm.009"925.5" x 30.5"250 sheets

Colors

So that we can always provide our customers with pre-perforated product to ship within 24 hours, we always stock certain colors which should – 99.99% time – satisfy your needs. Following is a schematic sampling of our Primary, Ultra Bright and Parchment colors. For everything else, there is special order.