Paper Weight Converter
Convert GSM to US basis weight for bond, text, cover, and index paper stocks.
Inputs
Results
Bond / Writing
31.9 lb
≈ 7 bags of sugar
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Paper Weight in GSM (grams per square meter) — the universal metric standard.
- Review the equivalent Bond/Writing weight, Text/Book weight, and Cover weight in US pounds.
- Check the Index weight and approximate Caliper in mils (thousandths of an inch).
- Use the Bond weight to compare copy paper (20 lb bond = 75 gsm) and stationery (24 lb = 90 gsm).
- Specify GSM to printers internationally to avoid confusion between different US lb categories.
How the result changes with Paper Weight (GSM)
| Paper Weight (GSM) | Bond / Writing |
|---|---|
| 78 | 20.7 lb |
| 223 | 59.3 lb |
| 397 | 105.6 lb |
| 542 | 144.2 lb |
What each input means
- Paper Weight (GSM)
- Paper weight in grams per square meter — the universal metric standard.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input ParametersPaper Weight (GSM) = 120 = 1 input(s) provided
- Calculate Bond / WritingBond / Writing31.9 = 31.9
- Calculate Text / BookText / Book81.1 = 81.1
- Calculate CoverCover44.4 = 44.4
Engine last updated . Checked against 2 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators.
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