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GSM to LBS Converter -
Paper Weight Conversion
Made Easy
Convert paper weight between GSM and US pounds across all six paper types — Bond, Text, Cover, Bristol, Index, and Tag — with the nearest standard stock weight shown for every result.
Both directions: GSM → LBS and LBS → GSM
All 6 US paper types (the factor changes per type)
Nearest standard stock weight with every result
1
Pick direction & paper type
GSM→LBS or LBS→GSM, then the paper type — each US type uses a different basis size, so the factor differs.
2
Enter the weight
Type the weight you know. The conversion runs as you type.
3
Read result + nearest stock
You get the exact conversion and the nearest standard stock weight you can actually buy.
GSM to LBS conversion charts
The standard weights, pre-converted — Text, Cover, and Bond, the three types print buyers meet
most.
Text / Book paper
| GSM | LBS (Text) |
Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 74 gsm | 50 lb | Book pages, inserts |
| 89 gsm | 60 lb | Flyers, manuals |
| 104 gsm | 70 lb | Brochures |
| 118 gsm | 80 lb | Premium brochures |
| 148 gsm | 100 lb | Posters, quality flyers |
Cover paper
| GSM | LBS (Cover) |
Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 176 gsm | 65 lb | Light cardstock |
| 216 gsm | 80 lb | Covers, postcards |
| 270 gsm | 100 lb | Business cards |
| 300 gsm | ~111 lb | Premium cards |
| 352 gsm | 130 lb | Heavy cards, packaging |
Bond / Writing paper
| GSM | LBS (Bond) |
Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 60 gsm | 16 lb | Economy copy paper |
| 75 gsm | 20 lb | Standard office paper |
| 90 gsm | 24 lb | Letterhead |
| 105 gsm | 28 lb | Premium letterhead |
| 120 gsm | 32 lb | Heavy correspondence |
The conversion formulas, all six paper types
One GSM value converts to a different pound weight per type, because each type's "pound" is
weighed at a different basis sheet size.
Worked example: 80 lb Text = 80 × 1.48 ≈ 118 GSM (foldable brochure paper). 80 lb Cover = 80 × 2.708 ≈ 217 GSM (stiff cardstock). Same number, different papers — always confirm the type.
How to choose the right paper weight
50–90 GSM · Lightweight
Flyers, inserts, everyday prints. Affordable and easy to run in volume.
90–170 GSM · Medium
Posters, premium brochures, letterheads. Sturdy but still foldable.
170–300 GSM · Heavyweight
Covers, postcards, marketing pieces that need to survive handling.
300+ GSM · Cardstock
Business cards, invitations, packaging. Rigid, durable, premium in hand.
Paper weight conversion FAQs
What is the difference between GSM and LBS?
GSM (grams per square meter) measures the weight of one square meter of paper — the same for every paper everywhere. LBS measures the weight of a ream (500 sheets) at that paper type's basis size, which differs by type: Bond at 17×22", Text at 25×38", Cover at 20×26". That's why 80 lb Text and 80 lb Cover are completely different papers.
How do I convert GSM to LBS?
Divide the GSM by the paper type's factor: Text ÷ 1.48, Cover ÷ 2.708, Bond ÷ 3.76, Bristol ÷ 2.19, Index ÷ 1.81, Tag ÷ 1.63. Example: 150 GSM Text = 150 ÷ 1.48 ≈ 100 lb Text.
What is the formula for converting LBS to GSM?
Multiply the pounds by the type's factor: Text × 1.48, Cover × 2.708, Bond × 3.76, Bristol × 2.19, Index × 1.81, Tag × 1.63. Example: 80 lb Cover = 80 × 2.708 ≈ 217 GSM.
What is 300 GSM in LBS?
About 111 lb Cover (300 ÷ 2.708) — typical premium business card and postcard stock. As Bristol it's ~137 lb; as Index, ~166 lb.
Why does paper weight matter in printing?
Weight affects feel, durability, opacity, cost, and what your equipment can feed. Too light and pieces feel cheap or show through; too heavy and you pay for stock the job didn't need — or jam printers not rated for it.
Can two papers with the same GSM have different thicknesses?
Yes — GSM is weight, not thickness (caliper). A bulky uncoated stock can be thicker than a dense coated one at the same GSM. When thickness matters (spine width, mailing specs), check caliper too.
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