Paper Weight Conversion Tool (GSM, Text, Cover, Bond, PT)

This free paper weight conversion tool lets you convert between GSM, bond, text, cover, index, and thickness in points or millimeters. Whether you are comparing international specifications or matching a stock across categories, this calculator provides fast, practical estimates for common commercial printing applications.

Easy Paper Weight Conversion Tool
Convert Bond, Text, Cover, GSM, and thickness (mm / pt). Estimates vary by mill, bulk, and finish.
Example: 80 lb Text
Stock Category & Feel
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A simple “feel” description based on GSM.
Typical Uses
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We’ll suggest common applications for this range.
Results
GSM
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Text (lb)
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Cover (lb)
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Thickness (pt)
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Thickness (mm)
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Bond (lb)
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Estimates vary by mill, bulk, and finish. “lb” values use true basis-weight math (Bond/Text/Cover have different basis sizes).
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Why Paper Weight Conversion Is Confusing

Paper weight systems were never designed to be intuitive.

In the United States, weights are based on the weight of a parent sheet size specific to each paper category. That means:

  • 80 lb text

  • 80 lb cover

These represent different actual thicknesses.

Internationally, most suppliers use GSM (grams per square meter), which is consistent across categories. That makes GSM easier to compare globally but still confusing when you need to translate it into U.S. text or cover equivalents.

This is why conversion tools are necessary.  Find out what paper weight means

When You Need a Paper Weight Converter

This tool is especially helpful if you are:

  • Working with overseas designers who specify GSM

  • Comparing a quote that lists 100 lb cover to one that lists 270 GSM

  • Trying to match an existing printed piece

  • Specifying paper for packaging, manuals, or product inserts

  • Ordering printing from multiple vendors

  • Preparing files for commercial offset or digital printing

Instead of guessing, you can quickly see approximate equivalents and typical uses.

Understanding What the Converter Actually Does

The calculator estimates:

  • GSM (grams per square meter)

  • Bond weight (commonly used for office papers)

  • Text weight (book and brochure interior stock)

  • Cover weight (card stock category)

  • Index weight

  • Thickness in points (pt)

  • Thickness in millimeters (mm)

These values are based on widely accepted industry equivalency tables. Exact thickness can vary slightly depending on:

  • Paper mill

  • Coating

  • Caliper differences

  • Manufacturing tolerances

But for specification, quoting, and comparison purposes, these estimates are accurate enough for most commercial print planning.

Practical Examples

Here are a few common conversions people look up:

80 lb Text
≈ 119 GSM
≈ 6 pt thickness

100 lb Cover
≈ 270 GSM
≈ 14 pt thickness

16 pt Cover
≈ 350–400 GSM range depending on stock

Being able to compare these values instantly helps avoid ordering mistakes.

GSM vs Pounds: Why the Systems Differ

The pound system in the United States is category-based. Each paper type uses a different parent sheet size:

  • Bond: 17 x 22

  • Text: 25 x 38

  • Cover: 20 x 26

  • Index: 25.5 x 30.5

Because those base sheet sizes differ, 80 pounds of one category does not equal 80 pounds of another.

GSM avoids that issue entirely. It measures weight per square meter regardless of category. That is why many international printers prefer GSM.

If you work nationally and internationally, you will inevitably encounter both systems.

Estimation vs Exact Thickness

One important distinction:

Paper weight does not always equal thickness.

Two stocks with similar GSM may feel different due to:

  • Coating layers

  • Fiber composition

  • Bulk rating

  • Caliper variation

For high-end packaging or premium branding materials, requesting a caliper spec from your printer may be worthwhile.

For most marketing and commercial print projects, however, weight-based estimation is more than sufficient.

How This Tool Helps Designers and Procurement Managers

Designers benefit because they can:

  • Translate international specifications into U.S. equivalents

  • Avoid specifying unrealistic stock combinations

  • Communicate clearly with print vendors

Procurement managers benefit because they can:

  • Compare apples to apples across quotes

  • Ensure material consistency across vendors

  • Evaluate cost impact when adjusting stock weight

This tool reduces ambiguity in specification conversations.

Common Paper Weight Ranges by Application

Interior Book Pages
70–100 lb text
≈ 100–150 GSM

Brochures
80–100 lb text interior
80–100 lb cover exterior

Business Cards
14–16 pt cover
≈ 300–400 GSM

Postcards
14–18 pt cover

Presentation Materials
100 lb cover or heavier

Again, exact stock depends on the purpose and brand positioning.

Important Note on Mailing and Postage

Paper weight directly impacts mailing costs.

Higher GSM or heavier cover stock increases total mail weight. That can:

  • Push you into higher postage tiers

  • Affect automation compatibility

  • Increase bulk mailing costs

If you are planning a direct mail campaign, paper weight conversion is not just about feel. It directly affects your budget.

Why We Built This Tool

Paper weight is one of the most common sources of confusion in commercial printing.

Rather than forcing customers to search through charts or guess based on memory, we created a free conversion tool that provides immediate clarity.

It is designed to be practical, fast, and useful whether you are ordering:

  • Business cards

  • Booklets

  • Brochures

  • Manuals

  • Marketing materials

  • Industrial documentation

If you ever need help interpreting results or selecting the right stock for your project, our production team is always happy to help.