Print workflow

Paper Weight & GSM

Compare GSM and U.S. basis weights correctly, estimate sheet weight, ream weight and paper stack dimensions.

12 working tools4 supporting guides
Start here

Choose the outcome you need

Begin with one of the strongest workflows. The complete specialist library is still available when you need it.

Do not treat GSM, pounds and thickness as interchangeable

GSM

Mass per square metre. It is independent of the U.S. basis-sheet convention.

lb basis weight

Mass of a defined ream at a category-specific basis size, so the paper category matters.

Caliper

Physical thickness. Papers with the same GSM can have different thickness because structure and bulk differ.

Decision path

Work from the property you actually know

1
GSM to U.S. basis weights

See equivalent Bond/Writing, Text/Book, Cover and Index values instead of one misleading universal lb number.

2
U.S. pounds to GSM

Select the correct basis category before converting.

3
Measure paper thickness

Measure a known stack and calculate average single-sheet caliper.

Learn the decision

Common questions and production problems