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The Ultimate Paper Weight Guide
“Wait… is GSM heavier than LBS? And what’s a ‘point’ got to do with anything?” If you’ve ever found yourself puzzling over paper weight specifications, you’re in good company. From experienced designers to new brand owners, everyone’s been stumped by those mysterious numbers and abbreviations.
That’s why we’ve created this handy paper weight guide! Whether you’re launching a new product line or refreshing your brand’s packaging, understanding paper weight is key to making smart choices for your business (and the planet!). Just like picking the right no-drill smart home solutions for a seamless setup, choosing the correct paper weight can make all the difference in your project’s success.
How is paper weight measured?
Let’s tackle those different paper weights, shall we? No complex formulas or industry jargon – just clear, practical know-how to help you make the right choice.
GSM (Grams per Square Meter)
LBS (Pounds)
Points (pts)
Pro tip: When you see both weight and point measurements (like “100lb, 10pt cover stock”), it tells you how heavy and thick the paper is! This is similar to how a gate smart controller gives you both control and feedback—two pieces of information that work together.
Paper weight vs. paper thickness
Weight isn’t the whole story when it comes to paper. Two papers with the same weight can have noticeably thicker or thinner profiles. While GSM and LBS tell you how heavy paper is, points measure the paper’s actual thickness. This distinction matters more than you might think.
What determines a paper’s thickness? Several factors affect how paper types perform:
What is LBS, and why does it matter?
LBS (pounds) refers to how much 500 sheets of paper weigh at their basic size. Sounds complicated? That’s because it is! This system dates back to the early days of paper making when each type of paper had a standard sheet size.
Common conversions from LBS to GSM:
While LBS is still used in North America, GSM has become the global standard for good reason – it’s more intuitive and consistent across different paper types. Think of it like switching from a relay remote controller to a more advanced rf wireless controller—the newer system just works better across the board.
What is GSM, and why does it matter?
GSM (grams per square meter) is a beautifully simple paper measurement: it tells you exactly how many grams one square meter of a standard sheet of paper weighs. No complex calculations needed.
Here’s how GSM affects your packaging:
Ultra Light-Weight Papers (10-35 GSM)
At 10-35 GSM, these ultra light-weight papers might be thin, but they’re specialists at creating those magical unboxing moments.
Best used for:
Printing considerations:
Light-weight papers (35-120 GSM)
At 35-120 GSM, light-weight papers are perfect for everyday brand touchpoints.
Best used for:
Printing considerations:
Check out tendlyn food paper packaging (38 GSM to 40 GSM)—FDA-approved and ready to make your food presentation shine!
Medium-weight papers (120-200 GSM)
This type of paper is used for most commercial printing projects. It delivers that satisfying, substantial feel while maintaining excellent print quality and versatility.
Best used for:
Printing considerations:
Browse tendlyn’s medium-weight paper options, including our custom paper bags (93-120 GSM), custom paper shopping bags (93 GSM), and stickers, labels and tape (40-100 GSM). It’s as reliable as a Duplex Alternating Sump Pump system—dependable and built for consistent performance.
Heavy-weight papers (200+ GSM)
When your brand demands presence and durability, paper weight at 200+ GSM delivers. This is the weight class that turns packaging into a deluxe experience.
Best used for:
Printing considerations:
Shop tendlyn’s custom premium retail bags at 200 GSM–where luxury meets sustainability for your brand’s boldest statements.
Choosing the right paper weight for your brand
Ready to choose the right paper type for your brand and print job?
Here’s what to consider:
🎁 That’s a Wrap!
Generic packaging? That’s old news. With our handy paper weight guide, you can create custom packaging that tells your brand story. Explore tendlyn’s range of sustainable packaging solutions that look good and do good. From tissue paper to premium retail bags, we’ve got the perfect paper for every weight class.
Looking for creative packaging ideas for your next project? Check out our Inspo page to see how other brands are making waves with their sustainable packaging choices.
