Paper Basis Weight Calculator
Convert between GSM (metric) and US basis weight (lbs/ream) for any paper grade. Estimates caliper thickness and M-weight.
Inputs
Results
GSM (g/m²)
88.81
Basis weight (lbs)60
Ream weight (lbs)60
Caliper (mils)0.89
Caliper (mm)0.02
M-weight (lbs)120
How to Use This Calculator
- Select the paper grade (Bond, Book/Text, Cover, Bristol, Index, or Tag).
- Enter the US basis weight (lbs) for your paper as listed on the product spec.
- Set sheets per ream (typically 500) and the bulk factor if specified.
- Review GSM conversion, Caliper (mils and mm), Ream Weight, and M-weight.
- Use the GSM value when ordering from international suppliers or comparing global grades.
How the result changes with Sheets per ream
| Sheets per ream | GSM (g/m²) |
|---|---|
| 501 | 88.63 |
| 1,751 | 25.36 |
| 3,250 | 13.66 |
| 4,500 | 9.87 |
What each input means
- Paper grade
- 0 = Bond/Writing, 1 = Book/Text, 2 = Cover, 3 = Bristol, 4 = Index, 5 = Tag.
- Basis weight (lbs)
- US basis weight in pounds per ream at the grade's basic size.
- Sheets per ream
- Number of sheets per ream (standard is 500).
- Bulk factor
- Paper bulk multiplier (1.0 = standard; higher = thicker/loftier paper).
What each result means
- GSM (g/m²)
- Equivalent metric weight in grams per square meter.
- Basis weight (lbs)
- US basis weight in pounds per ream.
- Ream weight (lbs)
- Total weight of one ream at the basic size.
- Caliper (mils)
- Estimated sheet thickness in thousandths of an inch.
- Caliper (mm)
- Estimated sheet thickness in millimeters.
- M-weight (lbs)
- Weight of 1,000 sheets at the basic size.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersPaper grade = 1, Basis weight (lbs) = 60, Sheets per ream = 500, Bulk factor = 1 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate GSMGSM = (basisWeightLbs * 453.592 * SQ_IN_PER_SQ_M) / (basicSizeSqIn * sheetsPerReam)88.81 = 88.81
- Calculate Basis weightBasis weight60 = 60
- Calculate Ream weightReam weight = reamWeightGrams / 453.59260 = 60
Related Calculators
The questions that sit next to this one — chosen by subject, including calculators filed under a different category.
Printing & Publishing
Paper Caliper / Spine Width Calculator
Calculate book spine thickness, total book thickness, cover wrap width, and estimated weight from page count and paper caliper.
Graphic DesignPaper Weight Converter
Convert GSM to US basis weight for bond, text, cover, and index paper stocks.
OrigamiPaper Weight Selector Calculator
Optimal paper weight from model complexity and size.
Grain MarketingBasis Calculator
Local basis from cash price and futures price.
Paper SciencePaper Opacity Calculator
Estimate paper opacity from basis weight, filler content, TiO2 loading, fiber type, and calendering. Uses Kubelka-Munk scattering theory.
More in Manufacturing, Industrial & Coatings.