What Paper Weight Should You Print On? | Alexanders Print Advantage - Web To Print Experts (2024)

FAQs

What is the best paper weight for printing? ›

20-24 lb paper: Ideal for everyday use such as printing standard documents, reports, and forms. 28-32 lb paper: A step up in quality and feel, perfect for professional documents like business proposals where a little heft is appreciated. 40-100 lb paper: Commonly used for brochures, booklets, and flyers.

32/80 lb text weight is a thicker paper that is used for wedding programs, menus, fine brochures, and more. A popular paper choice among the 80 lb text paper is the Stardream Metallic paperand envelopes. The shimmer paper is often used for wedding and special event programs.

When you are ordering a standard print job, you may want to ask for a 20lb bonded paper. 20lb paperweight is the standard weight that is used in most copy machines and printers. While this paperweight is adequate for everyday printing, it may not be thick enough for high quality print jobs.

Lightweight Cardstock (90-120 gsm): Ideal for everyday printing tasks, such as flyers and brochures. Medium-weight Cardstock (121-200 gsm): Great for business cards, postcards, and greeting cards. Heavyweight Cardstock (201-300 gsm): Perfect for high-quality invitations, book covers, and presentations.

20 lb.

This is the standard weight of most copy paper, and the thinnest/lightest weight we offer. It's perfect for everyday printing and copying on laser and inkjet printers for projects at home, school, or in the office.

Rag paper contains 100% linen and/or cotton fibre and is therefore the highest quality and most expensive paper. Half-rag paper usually contains 50% rag fibre and 50% cellulose.

Heavier and thicker paper will make the funeral program look more splendid and feel more formal. Try using 22 or 24-pound paper instead of ordinary copier paper. Meanwhile, 28 to 32-pound paper may be a better choice for you – it is crisp and professional and will look as classy as it will be touching.

Drawing papers should ideally be between 70 to 80 lb., or if you're looking for heavy-weight drawing paper, there are some available in the 90-110 lb. range as well. Tooth refers to the texture of the paper i.e. how rough or smooth it is.

What is the best paper weight for letterhead? ›

If you're working with business letterheads, resumes, or stationery, opt for slightly thicker paper, such as 28-32 lb. Meanwhile, lightweight cardstock (usually 65-80 lb) is suitable for invitations, posters, and greeting cards.

💡What GSM paper is best for flyers? The most commonly used gsm for business flyers is 170 gsm, which means it is 170 grams per square meter.

Think of bond paper as your standard, printer paper. Bond weights include 16, 20, 24, 28, 32 and 36 pounds. The office standard for paper is usually 20 or 24 bond. Bond paper (typical printer paper), on the lighter side, is the most common type for office copiers/printers and letterheads.

24 lb paper looks more formal, looks and feels stronger, and is a little more tear-resistant than the 20lb. When printing on both sides of the paper, also choose 24 lb due to its thickness helping to prevent bleed-through.

The basics of this standard are as follows: Bond has a standard size of 17 x 22" and this is the size that is measured for 500 sheets. If 500 sheets of this size weigh 20lbs., then the paper is classified as a 20lb. bond.

24 lb paper looks more formal, looks and feels stronger, and is a little more tear-resistant than the 20lb. When printing on both sides of the paper, also choose 24 lb due to its thickness helping to prevent bleed-through.

Common Text Paper Weights:

70-pound text. The best example of 70-pound stock is a comic book, which often uses a gloss or matte paper of this weight. It's also commonly used in large catalogs as a cheaper, lighter alternative. 80-pound text.

100lb cover (271 GSM): When you need something a bit more durable, this cardstock thickness is great for projects including flat cards, invitations, posters, folders, tickets, crafts, gift tags, and greeting cards.

28lb Bond (70lb Text) – Weighing in at 105 grams, this type of paper is ideal for brochures and presentation pages because it folds so nicely and is flexible.