What is GSM in paper?

GSM stands for grams per square meter. It measures how much one square meter of paper weighs in grams. Higher GSM means thicker, heavier paper. Standard office copy paper is typically 75–90 GSM.

Why does 20 lb bond equal a different GSM than 20 lb text?

Pound (lb) basis weight is calculated from a "parent sheet" size that varies by paper type. Bond uses a 17×22 inch parent sheet; Text uses 25×38 inches; Cover uses 20×26 inches; Index uses 25.5×30.5 inches. The same pound number on a larger parent sheet results in a heavier GSM.

What is standard office copy paper in pounds and GSM?

Most copy paper is 20 lb bond (75 gsm) or 24 lb bond (90 gsm). These are the most common weights used in home and office inkjet and laser printers.

What paper weight is best for business cards?

Business cards are typically printed on 80–100 lb cover stock, which is roughly 216–270 GSM. This gives the stiff, premium feel associated with professional cards.

Can I use this converter for any paper type?

This converter covers the four most common US paper stock categories: Bond/Writing, Text/Book, Cover, and Index. Specialty stocks like Bristol, Tag, or Newsprint use different parent sheet sizes and are not included.

GSM to Pound Paper Converter

Convert paper weight between GSM and US pound basis weight for bond, text, cover, and index paper stocks.

Paper Weight Converter

Conversion Direction

Paper Stock Type

GSM Value

gsm

Quick Presets

Result

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Enter a value to convert

All Paper Stock Equivalents

Comparison across stock types for the same GSM value

Stock Type	Parent Sheet	Lb Weight	GSM
Enter a value above to see results

Common Paper Weights Reference

Copy paper (standard) 20 lb / 75 gsm

Premium copy paper 24 lb / 90 gsm

Laser/inkjet paper 28 lb / 105 gsm

Letterhead / stationery 32 lb / 120 gsm

Light cover stock 60 lb cover / 163 gsm

Business cards 80 lb cover / 216 gsm

Premium cards 100 lb cover / 270 gsm

Cardstock (heavy) 110 lb cover / 298 gsm

Summary

This tool converts paper weight between the metric GSM (grams per square meter) system and the US pound basis weight system. Different paper types — bond, text, cover, and index — each use a different parent sheet size, which is why the same physical paper has different pound values depending on the stock type. Enter a GSM value or a pound value to instantly see conversions across all four common paper categories.

How it works

Select the conversion direction: GSM to Pounds or Pounds to GSM.
Choose the paper stock type (Bond, Text, Cover, or Index).
Enter the weight value in the input field.
The converter instantly calculates the equivalent weight in the other unit.
Use the results table to compare the value across all paper stock types at once.

Use cases

Selecting the right paper stock weight for printing projects.
Comparing paper specifications from US and international suppliers.
Understanding printer paper weight labels (e.g., 20 lb bond vs. 75 gsm).
Choosing business card or cover stock for professional documents.
Verifying paper weight compatibility for copiers and laser printers.
Converting product specs from overseas paper manufacturers.
Comparing paper weights when sourcing for packaging or stationery.
Helping designers specify paper stock in print-ready documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated: 2026-10-05 · Reviewed by Nham Vu