Paper weight is confusing. There is no easy way around it. Have you ever wondered why paper is 50lb or 100lb and where this came from? Confused about the difference in “text weight” and “cover weight”? Most paper weights are measured depending on the most popular end use of different grades.
The number (50lb or 100lb) is the “basis weight”. The basis weight of paper is the total weight of 500 sheets. In easier terms, weight of paper is determined by the weight of 500 sheets, not a single sheet.

For example:
Text paper with the basis size 25″x38″ x 500 sheets (before it is trimmed down) = “x” lbs.
Cover paper (which is thicker) is measured the same way but basis size 20″x26″ x 500 sheets to give you a “x”lb. cover weight.
Thicker papers like 14pt or 16pt are measured by thickness, not weight. Thickness is measured with a micrometer. A point in paper weight is equivalent to a mil (1/1000″). The United States Postal Service requires a 7point thickness for postcards to be mailed. This is comparable to 100lb cover stock. Most of our clients mail postcards on 100lb. cover or 14pt stock.
If someone refers to 100lb paper, be sure to ask if it is 100lb. text or 100lb. cover. Cover papers are thicker and sturdier. Keep in mind that basis size of papers are not all the same. The good news is, your sales representative at PrintHouse(45) can help you! Ask for paper samples from us. You will be amazed at the differences in paper thickness. Then you will be ready to make your decision.
PrintHouse(45). Let us be your missing L”INK” to smarter printing.