Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What is basis weight?
Answer
Basis weight is the US system for describing paper weight. It is the weight, in pounds, of a full ream (500 sheets) of that paper cut to the standard basic size for its grade. Because each grade has a different basic sheet size, the same number can mean very different thicknesses.
- Grade-dependent: an 80# cover and an 80# text are not the same. Cover stock is measured from a smaller basic sheet, so 80# cover is much thicker and stiffer than 80# text.
- Read it with the grade: always note whether a weight is cover, text, bond, or index to know what you are actually getting.
- Metric equivalent: GSM avoids this confusion by measuring every stock the same way, per square meter.
| Marking | Grade | Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 80# text | Text | Light, foldable |
| 80# cover | Cover | Rigid, card-like |
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