If you have ever stood in the paper aisle holding two packs that both say “80 lb” but feel completely different, you are not alone. Paper weight is one of the most confusing parts of crafting, printing, and journaling.
Between GSM, pounds, cover, text, and cardstock, it can feel like you need a degree just to pick the right paper.
Let’s fix that once and for all. In this article I will break down what those numbers mean, how to compare GSM and pounds, and why there is no single “right” conversion between them.
Why Paper Weight Feels So Confusing
The short version is that GSM and pounds measure two completely different things in two different ways.
GSM (grams per square meter) is a metric system measurement. It tells you exactly how much one sheet of paper that is one square meter in size weighs. This is a straightforward number. The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the paper.
Pounds (lb), on the other hand, is an older U.S. system that measures the weight of a ream of paper, which is 500 sheets. Here is the trick: those 500 sheets can be completely different sizes depending on what kind of paper it is. That is what causes so much confusion.
The Secret Behind “Basis Weight”
When you see a paper labeled “80 lb,” that number refers to how much 500 sheets of that paper weighed before it was cut down to the size we actually buy.
For example:
80 lb text weight and 80 lb cover weight are not the same.
Text weight comes from larger parent sheets, which makes it lighter per cut sheet.
Cover weight comes from smaller parent sheets, which makes it feel thicker and heavier.
That is why 80 lb text paper feels like thick printer paper, while 80 lb cover paper feels like cardstock. It is the classic case of “same number, different meaning.”
Why GSM Makes More Sense (but Still Trips People Up)
In GSM, there is no guesswork. A 120 GSM paper anywhere in the world weighs exactly the same. The metric system does not change based on what the paper will be used for. It is consistent and universal.
The problem for U.S. crafters is that most packaging and tutorials still use the pound system. So even if GSM makes more sense, it is not always what is printed on your favorite brand of cardstock or scrapbook paper.
That means we often have to compare the two systems, and that is where charts and conversions come in handy.
How to Think About Paper Weight (Without Math Headaches)
Instead of memorizing conversions, it helps to think about categories.
Once you start recognizing how GSM “feels,” you will know what works best for your projects without doing any math in your head.
The Trouble With Conversion Charts
You will notice that every GSM-to-pound conversion chart looks a little different. That is because the math depends on what “type” of paper you are converting, such as text, cover, bristol, index, or bond. Each one starts with different sheet sizes and base weights.
So while conversion charts are great for rough comparisons, they are never exact across every brand or paper type.
That is why one company’s 80 lb cardstock might feel thicker or smoother than another’s, even if both list the same weight. The finish, fiber, and coating all play a part in how it feels and folds.
The Easy Rule of Thumb
When in doubt, remember this:
GSM = exact weight. Pounds = relative weight.
If you are crafting, journaling, or printing digital papers at home, go by GSM when possible. It is a more consistent way to pick paper that feels right for your project.
If you are buying from U.S. brands that only use pounds, use the comparison chart below as a reference to get close to the feel you want.
| Type of Paper | Common Uses | Approx. Weight in LBS | GSM Range | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20–24 lb Bond / 75–90 GSM | Everyday printer paper, writing paper | 50–60 lb text | 75–90 | Thin, lightweight, ideal for daily printing |
| 28–32 lb Bond / 90–120 GSM | Higher-quality printer paper, letterhead | 70–80 lb text | 90–120 | Feels smoother and denser, good for double-sided printing |
| 80–100 lb Text / 120–150 GSM | Brochures, decorative inserts, scrapbook pages | 80–100 lb text | 120–150 | Slightly thicker, flexible but holds color well |
| 65–74 lb Cover / 175–200 GSM | Magazine covers, flyers, menus | 65–74 lb cover | 175–200 | Lightweight cardstock with a firm feel |
| 65 lb Cover / 175–200 GSM | Cardstock for layering, journaling tags | 65 lb cover | 175–200 | Thicker but easy to fold |
| 80 lb Cover / 215–235 GSM | Greeting cards, journaling cards, postcards | 80 lb cover | 215–235 | Sturdy, ideal for scoring and die cutting |
| 100 lb Cover / 260–300 GSM | Journal covers, mixed media bases | 100 lb cover | 260–300 | Rigid, holds embellishments and wet media |
| 110–130 lb Cover / 300–350 GSM | Heavy cardstock, chipboard alternatives | 110–130 lb cover | 300–350 | Thick and strong, perfect for covers and structural projects |
| Watercolor or Mixed Media Paper / 180–400 GSM | Painting, collage, heavy layering | varies | 180–400+ | Textured or smooth, designed for moisture without warping |
While GSM and pounds are the main ways we talk about paper weight, there are a few other terms that can help you choose wisely, especially when you are comparing international papers or specialty materials.
Caliper (Thickness in Thousandths of an Inch or Microns)
This measures the physical thickness of one sheet of paper, not its weight.
In the U.S., it is measured in points (pt), where 1 point equals 1/1000 of an inch.
In metric terms, it is often measured in microns (µm), where 1 micron equals 1/1000 of a millimeter.
Caliper tells you how thick or stiff a paper feels. Two papers can have the same GSM but very different thicknesses depending on fiber density and finish.
For crafters, caliper matters when:
You are layering multiple pages in a journal.
You are folding, scoring, or binding papers.
You are using textured or watercolor stock.
Points (pt)
Points are essentially the same as caliper. One point equals one thousandth of an inch. Points are most often used for cardstock and packaging.
Approximate feel guide:
8 pt – light brochure cover
10–12 pt – greeting card weight
14–16 pt – heavy cardstock
18–24 pt – chipboard or notebook covers
An 80 lb cover stock is usually around 10–12 pt, while 100 lb cover runs 12–14 pt.
Density and Finish
Even if two papers have the same GSM, they can feel completely different.
Coated papers such as glossy or satin are more compact and feel thinner.
Uncoated or cotton papers feel thicker and softer.
Textured papers add depth and a tactile surface.
Finish affects everything from how ink sits on the surface to how easily the paper folds, so it is worth considering when printing or layering.
Mils
Used mostly for laminates, acetate, and plastic sheets, mils are another way to measure thickness.
One mil equals one thousandth of an inch, the same as one point.
Typical examples:
3 mil – thin laminating sheet
5 mil – sturdy protective cover
10 mil – thick, rigid sheet used for dashboards or dividers
Ply
Some handmade, watercolor, or cotton papers are described by ply, which refers to how many layers are pressed together.
A “2-ply” watercolor paper is thicker and more absorbent than “1-ply.”
You will mostly see this in fine art or handmade papers, not standard craft stock, but it is still useful to understand.
| Measurement | What It Tells You | Where You Will See It | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| GSM | Weight per square meter | Global, digital, and art paper | Consistent and easy to compare |
| Pounds (lb) | Weight of 500 sheets before cutting | U.S. paper and cardstock | Common in craft stores |
| Caliper / Points (pt) | Physical thickness | Cardstock, packaging | Affects folding, layering, bulk |
| Microns (µm) | Thickness (metric) | International papers | Used in pro printing and laminates |
| Mils | Thickness (plastic or film) | Acetate, laminating sheets | For transparency and covers |
| Ply | Number of layers | Handmade or art paper | Indicates structure and absorbency |
Wrapping It Up
The best way to understand paper weight is to stop treating it like a mystery number and start thinking about how the paper behaves when you work with it.
In paper crafting, it is not only about how heavy a sheet feels. It is about how it folds, layers, scores, and holds embellishments. The right paper weight makes your projects look and feel intentional.
If a paper bends or curls easily, it is probably under 120 GSM, perfect for printing digitals, collage layers, or background pages.
If it has a bit of structure but still folds nicely, it is likely between 170 and 220 GSM, which works well for tags, envelopes, and pocket bases.
When it starts to hold its shape, around 220 to 300 GSM, you are in journal cover and folio territory.
Once you move past 300 GSM, you are in the structural range that works beautifully for covers, album bases, and projects that need stability or for paper engineering.
In short:
GSM tells you what the paper is made to do.
Pounds tell you where the paper came from.
When you are crafting, that understanding is far more valuable than memorizing numbers. Once you connect each weight range with how it behaves in your hands, you will naturally choose the right paper every time. You will know what folds crisp lines, what glues flat, and what builds sturdy layers or bases.
The more you work with paper, the more you realize it has personality. Some sheets want to bend, some want to stand tall, and some are happiest tucked into a pocket. When you match the weight to the job, your projects do not just look finished; they feel finished too.
Have some of your own paper tips or a favorite paper? Drop a comment below and share it.
My favorites are always in my Amazon Storefront. Till next time…HAPPY CRAFTING!