Does heavier paper feel more professional?

Generally yes. Twenty-four pound or thirty-two pound bond noticeably improves the feel of resumes, proposals, and important letters compared to standard twenty pound.

Can my printer handle cardstock?

Most modern printers handle cardstock through a manual bypass tray. Check the maximum supported weight in your printer's specifications before printing.

What is the difference between text and cover weight?

Text weight describes lighter book and brochure papers. Cover weight describes heavier cardstock used for postcards, invitations, and presentation covers.

Choosing Printer Paper Weight

Understanding Pounds and GSM

Paper weight in the United States is measured in pounds, based on the weight of five hundred sheets of the standard size for that paper type. Internationally, paper is measured in grams per square meter, abbreviated GSM, which is more direct and easier to compare across paper categories.

A common twenty-pound bond paper is roughly seventy-five GSM. Twenty-four pound bond is ninety GSM. Sixty-five pound cardstock is about one hundred seventy-six GSM. The conversion between bond and text weight scales is not linear, so always check the GSM if you need to compare across categories.

Right Weight for Common Tasks

Twenty-pound bond is the everyday standard for drafts, letters, and general printing. Twenty-four-pound bond reduces show-through during duplex printing and works well for documents shared externally. Thirty-two-pound bond produces a noticeably premium feel for resumes and proposals.

Cardstock starting at sixty-five-pound cover (one hundred seventy-six GSM) suits invitations, business cards, and presentation covers. Heavier cardstock above one hundred ten pounds may require feeding through a rear straight-paper-path for reliable handling.

Matching Paper to Your Printer

Every printer specifies a maximum supported paper weight in its data sheet, often expressed as a range for both the main tray and the bypass tray. Exceeding the maximum can cause paper jams, inconsistent feeding, and accelerated wear on rollers.

When in doubt, test a small stack first. Print five or ten pages on a new paper weight before loading a full ream, especially when using cardstock or specialty papers in a printer not specifically rated for them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does heavier paper feel more professional?: Generally yes. Twenty-four pound or thirty-two pound bond noticeably improves the feel of resumes, proposals, and important letters compared to standard twenty pound.
Can my printer handle cardstock?: Most modern printers handle cardstock through a manual bypass tray. Check the maximum supported weight in your printer's specifications before printing.
What is the difference between text and cover weight?: Text weight describes lighter book and brochure papers. Cover weight describes heavier cardstock used for postcards, invitations, and presentation covers.