paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond Converter
Convert paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond instantly with a reference conversion table.
| paper weight (gsm) | lbs bond |
|---|
How to convert paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond
Enter your value
Type the number of paper weight (gsm) you want to convert into the left box. The result in lbs bond appears instantly in the right box. You can also type into the right box to convert in the other direction.
Use the swap button
Click the ⇄ Swap button to reverse the conversion — lbs bond to paper weight (gsm). Your current value carries across so you don't have to re-enter anything.
About paper weight (gsm) and lbs bond
Gsm (grams per square meter) is the international standard for paper weight because it's a direct area-based measurement that works the same way regardless of paper type. The US 'lb bond' system instead weighs 500 sheets of a category-specific parent sheet size, which is why the two scales don't convert with one universal ratio — the 0.37 factor used here applies specifically to the bond-paper category, not to text or cover stock.
Choosing the right paper weight for the job
Everyday printing and copying
80gsm (about 20lb bond) is the global default for photocopiers, laser printers, and everyday office documents. It's thin enough to feed reliably through automatic document feeders and cheap enough for high-volume printing, but light enough that ink or toner can show through on double-sided pages if you print dense graphics.
Resumes, letterheads, and presentations
90-120gsm (roughly 24-32lb bond) gives a noticeably more substantial, premium feel without becoming stiff cardstock. This range is the standard recommendation for CVs, cover letters, and business letterheads where a slightly heavier weight signals quality without adding significant printing cost or feed problems.
Business cards and postcards
Business cards typically use 250-350gsm cardstock — well beyond the bond-weight range and closer to cover-stock categories, which is why the conversion table above (built for bond paper) doesn't directly apply to cardstock. Cardstock conversions use a separate cover-weight scale where the same 'lb' number represents a much heavier sheet than the equivalent bond number.
The US 'bond' basis weight (24 lb bond = 90 gsm) is the most confusing conversion in print. Bond paper uses an 8.5" × 11" parent sheet; text paper uses 25" × 38"; cover paper uses 20" × 26". The same number means a different weight depending on the paper type.
| paper weight (gsm) | lbs bond |
|---|---|
| 60 | 22.2 |
| 75 | 27.75 |
| 80 | 29.6 |
| 90 | 33.3 |
| 100 | 37 |
| 120 | 44.4 |
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond?
To convert paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond, multiply by 0.37. Or use the calculator above for instant results.
How many lbs bond are in 1 paper weight (gsm)?
1 paper weight (gsm) equals 0.37 lbs bond.
Is the paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond converter free?
Yes, the paper weight (gsm) to lbs bond converter is completely free with no sign-up required, no downloads, and it works offline once the page has loaded.
Why does US paper weight not match gsm proportionally?
US paper weight is based on the weight of 500 sheets of the parent (uncut) sheet size for that category, not on the area-based gsm system. Because bond, text, and cover paper each use different parent sheet sizes, the same "lb" number can mean different actual weights depending on the category.
What gsm is standard printer paper?
Standard photocopier paper is typically 80gsm (about 20lb bond) in most of the world, and 20lb bond (about 75gsm) in the US. Premium presentation paper is usually 90-100gsm, while business cards use much heavier cardstock at 250-350gsm.
Why do designers care about gsm at all?
Gsm affects how paper feels, prints, and performs in specific uses. Higher gsm generally means thicker, more opaque, more rigid paper — important for double-sided printing, business cards, and book covers. Lower gsm is cheaper and lighter, useful for high-volume printing like flyers.
Is higher gsm always thicker paper?
Usually, but not always — gsm measures weight per area, not thickness directly. Two papers at the same gsm can have different thicknesses if made with different fiber densities or coatings, though for most everyday comparisons higher gsm reliably means a thicker, stiffer sheet.