Paper Weight Chart
Paper Weight Conversion Guide
Selecting the right paperboard thickness is an important part of designing high-quality custom packaging. Different countries and industries use different units to describe paper weight, with the most common being Points (PT), Grams per Square Meter (GSM), and Pounds (LBS). Understanding how these units relate to one another helps you choose the ideal material for your packaging project.
What is Text Stock?
Text stock is a lightweight paper commonly used for printing brochures, catalogs, magazines, flyers, books, and other marketing materials. It is thinner and more flexible than paperboard, making it ideal for projects that require high-quality printing rather than structural strength.
What is Uncoated Stock?
Uncoated stock is a strong, durable paperboard widely used for custom packaging and folding cartons. Its natural, non-glossy surface offers excellent printability while providing the strength needed to protect products.
What is Coated Stock?
Coated stock is a premium paperboard with a specially treated surface that enhances print quality, color vibrancy, and overall finish. It is available in two types: C1S (Coated One Side) and C2S (Coated Two Sides).
Conversion of Text Stock PT to GSM
Below is a quick reference table for converting Text Stock from PT to GSM.
| Text Stock in PT | Text Stock in GSM |
|---|---|
| 10 PT | ~60 GSM |
| 12 PT | ~72 GSM |
| 14 PT | ~84 GSM |
| 16 PT | ~96 GSM |
| 18 PT | ~108 GSM |
Here’s how you can convert Text PT stock to GSM
- GSM ≈ PT X (600)/100
- Let’s take 20pt as an example
- GSM ≈ 20pt X (600)/100 ≈ 120 GSM
Conversion of Uncoated Stock PT To GSM
| Uncoated Stock in PT | Uncoated Stock in GSM |
|---|---|
| 10 PT | ~140 GSM |
| 12 PT | ~168 GSM |
| 14 PT | ~196 GSM |
| 16 PT | ~224 GSM |
| 18 PT | ~252 GSM |
Here’s how you can convert Uncoated Stock PT to GSM
- Formula: GSM ≈ PT × 1400 ÷ 100
- Example: Let’s convert 24 PT into GSM.
- Calculation: 24 PT × 1400 ÷ 100 = 336 GSM
Conversion of Coated Stock PT To GSM
Coated stock comes in two different variations, which we will cover below. Let’s start C1S.
Conversion of C1S (Coated One Side) PT To GSM
| Uncoated Stock in PT | Uncoated Stock in GSM |
|---|---|
| 10 PT | ~140 GSM |
| 12 PT | ~168 GSM |
| 14 PT | ~196 GSM |
| 16 PT | ~224 GSM |
| 18 PT | ~252 GSM |
Here’s how you can convert Uncoated Stock PT to GSM
- Formula: GSM ≈ PT × 1400 ÷ 100
- Example: Let’s convert 24 PT into GSM.
- Calculation: 24 PT × 1400 ÷ 100 = 336 GSM
Conversion of C2S (Coated Both Sides) PT To GSM
| C2S Coated Stock (PT) | C2S Coated Stock (GSM) |
|---|---|
| 10 PT | ~165 GSM |
| 12 PT | ~198 GSM |
| 14 PT | ~231 GSM |
| 16 PT | ~264 GSM |
| 18 PT | ~297 GSM |
| 20 PT | ~330 GSM |
| 22 PT | ~363 GSM |
| 24 PT | ~396 GSM |
Here’s how you can calculate C2S Coated Stock PT to GSM:
- Formula: GSM ≈ PT × (1400 + C₁ + C₂) ÷ 100
- C₁ = Coating weight on the front side.
- C₂ = Coating weight on the back side.
- Example: 8 PT × (1400 + 100 + 150) ÷ 100 = 132 GSM
How To Convert lbs To GSM?
Converting lbs to GSM isn’t as complicated as PT. Here’s how you can convert your text stock and covered stock from lbs to GSM:
For text stock: GSM ≈ lbs X 1.48
For coated/cover stock: GSM ≈ lbs X 2.71
For a more breakdown, you can review the table given below:
| Coated & Text Stock in LBS | Text Stock in GSM | Coated Stock in GSM |
|---|---|---|
| 54 lb | ~80 | ~146 |
| 61 lb | ~90 | ~165 |
| 68 lb | ~100 | ~184 |
| 82 lb | ~121 | ~222 |
| 101 lb | ~150 | ~274 |
| 122 lb | ~180 | ~331 |
| 135 lb | ~200 | ~367 |
Here’s how you can convert LBS to GSM:
- For Text Stock: GSM ≈ LBS × 1.48
- For Coated Stock: GSM ≈ LBS × 2.71
- Example (Text Stock): 54 lb × 1.48 ≈ 80 GSM
- Example (Coated Stock): 54 lb × 2.71 ≈ 146 GSM