150 gsm Text to pounds
150 gsm Text converts to 100 lb (101.3 lb exact). This is specific to Text / Book paper (basis size 25×38 in) — the same number in another category gives a different gsm. Use the converter for any other weight or category:
Category matters: the same pound number is a different gsm in each paper type, because each is weighed at a different basis sheet size. Computed gsm can differ ±a few from a vendor's printed value (mills round differently).
Why “80 lb Cover” ≠ “80 lb Text”
US paper weight is the weight of 500 sheets at that paper's basis (parent) size — and every category uses a different basis size. So the same number means a totally different thickness: 80 lb Text ≈ 118 gsm (a normal flyer paper) while 80 lb Cover ≈ 216 gsm (stiff cardstock). That's why you must always know the category. GSM (grams per square metre) has no such ambiguity — it's the honest, universal number.
Standard Cover / Cardstock weights (lb → gsm)
| lb (Cover) | gsm | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 65 lb | 176 | Light cardstock, craft, flyers |
| 80 lb | 216 | Postcards, menus |
| 100 lb | 270 | Invitations, covers |
| 110 lb | 297 | Premium business cards, wedding invites |
| 130 lb | 352 | Heavy / luxury cardstock |
110 lb Cover computes to ~297 gsm; many vendors print it as 300 gsm (rounding). Both refer to the same stock.
Basis sheet sizes (the reason categories differ)
| Category | Basis size (in) | 100 lb = |
|---|---|---|
| Cover / Cardstock | 20 × 26 | 270 gsm |
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 | 148 gsm |
| Bond / Writing / Ledger | 17 × 22 | 376 gsm |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 | 181 gsm |
| Tag | 24 × 36 | 163 gsm |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 | 219 gsm |
FAQ
GSM (g/m²) is grams per square metre — the actual mass of a 1×1 metre sheet. Unlike US pounds it doesn't depend on category or sheet size, so it's the clearest way to compare papers worldwide.
Effectively yes. 110 lb Cover computes to about 297 gsm; vendors commonly label it 300 gsm. The small gap is rounding — they're the same stock.
Points (1 pt = 0.001 inch) measure thickness, not weight. Two papers of equal gsm can have different calipers depending on finish (coated/gloss stock is denser, so thinner at the same gsm). Treat points as a typical figure, not something derived from weight.
Business cards: 100–110 lb Cover (270–300 gsm). Wedding invitations: 110–130 lb Cover. Flyers: 80–100 lb Text (118–148 gsm). Letterhead: 24–32 lb Bond (90–120 gsm).
Mills round to different published values and basis-size conventions vary slightly between suppliers, so expect ±a few gsm. The category and rough range are what matter.