Understanding the Thickness of Printer Paper: Everything You Need to Know
When it comes to choosing the right printer paper, thickness or weight is one of the most important factors to consider. Printer paper thickness is usually measured in units of measurement known as GSM or pound. In this article, we’ll explore what GSM and pound mean, how to convert them, and which one is best for your printing needs.
What is GSM?
GSM, also known as grams per square meter, is a measure of the weight of paper per square meter. It’s the most common measurement used for paper thickness, especially in Europe. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the paper. For example, standard printer paper is usually 80 GSM whereas cardstock paper is 200-300 GSM.
What is Pound?
Pound, also known as lb or lbs, is a measure of paper weight in the US. It refers to the weight of a ream of paper, or 500 sheets, based on the paper’s size. For example, the weight of a ream of 8.5 x 11-inch paper with 20-pound weight is 20 pounds. The higher the pound, the thicker and heavier the paper, just like GSM.
Converting GSM to Pound and Vice Versa
Converting GSM to pound or vice versa isn’t as straightforward as you’d think. The reason is that the weight of paper can vary depending on its size. For example, a ream of 8.5 x 11-inch paper with 20-pound weight may not be the same as a ream of 11 x 17-inch paper with 20-pound weight. As a result, it’s crucial to know the size of the paper you’re working with before you start converting measurements. There are several free online tools available that can help you convert GSM to pound and vice versa based on paper size.
Choosing the Right Thickness for Your Printing Needs
The thickness of printer paper you choose will depend on what you’re printing and the desired look and feel. If you’re printing documents, standard printer paper with 80 GSM should work fine. If you’re printing photos or images, glossy or matte photo paper with 200-300 GSM will give you the best results. For projects that require more durability, such as business cards or brochures, cardstock paper with 200-300 GSM will hold up better over time.
