As designers, we use our paper books and references to choose what paper we are going to print our brochure/mailer/booklet/flyer/etc on. Writing, text, cover and bristol are all terms used to describe the basis weight of paper. The basis weight is determined by weighing 500 sheets of any grade of paper in the proper basic size. In other words, 500 sheets of 17 x 22 24 lb. writing paper will weigh 24 pounds.

Writing and Bond basis weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 17 x 22 paper. The terms writing and bond were originally applied to cotton-content paper used for printing stationery, bonds and legal documents. Today, writing, digital and cut-size papers are often identified with the bond scale and may, or may not, contain cotton.

Text weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 25 x 38 paper. Text and book are popular weights of paper used as text pages in a book or booklet. The paper isn’t made differently than “writing” papers—it is simply measured on a different scale. i.e. 70 lb. text paper is the same as 28 lb. writing paper.

Cover weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 20 x 26 paper. They are heavier papers used for the covers of books and booklets as well as stand alone pieces such as pocket folders and business cards.

Double-Thick Cover and Cover Bristol are marketing terms used to easily identify pasted sheets of paper. The weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 20 x 26 paper. Double-Thick Covers and Cover Bristols are made by pasting, or laminating, two papers together to form a very thick, smooth, and stiff sheet.

Poundage, or grammage, refer to the weight of the paper, and points refers to its actual thickness. Commercial printers will use poundage/grammage as their main method of referencing paper, but specialty vendors – like sign companies – will use points. This being the case there is no absolute conversion from pounds or grams per square meter (g/m² or gsm) to points as paper density may vary slightly. The following table shows approximate conversion values for all varieties of paper weights.

The best method for choosing the exact paper for your project is to contact your vendor and get samples. If it’s a brochure or booklet, request a sample dummy mocked up in the exact size and specifications of your print project so you can see/touch what your finished piece will be. (And if it’s mailing, don’t forget to weigh this sample to determine postage!)

Have any questions? Give us a call.

Chart used with permission from Micro Format, Inc./SecureGuard Paper, Wheeling, Illinois 60090.