What Does A Paper's Weight Mean?
Cover stock, reams, vellum bristol, density–it's confusing in the world of paper, especially for those invitation designers who are just starting out in this industry. When brides come to you with wedding invitation questions, you'll want to feel confident in your knowledge of paper. To help you feel more secure about the paper industry, here is an excerpt from PrintOutlet that provides clarification on this topic:
From: www.printoutlet.us
"Paper is measured in pounds per 500 sheets (one Ream of paper) of a standard size of sheet based on the group or category of papers the grade. The different types of grades are Bond, Book, Text, Cover etc. Each group of the grade of paper is assigned a standard size that all weights are referred to. The basics of this standard are as follows:
Bond has a standard size of 17 x 22? and this is the size that is measured for 500 sheets. If 500 sheets of this size weigh 20lbs., then the paper is classified as a 20lb. bond. Heavier and lighter stocks will obviously be thicker or thinner than the 20lb. Therefore 16lb. Bond or 24lb. Bond will be the variations on this.
Now the confusion… the weight of 500 sheets of the standard sheet size (also known as the basis size) is commonly known as the paper's basis weight and is always noted as a weight in lbs.
Seeing that the above only offers a vague indication to the thickness or the weight of the actual size, further confusion awaits !
A sheet size different than the above is calculated as a fraction or multiple of the basis weight and is normally noted for 1,000 sheets rather than 500. The weight thus calculated of the actual sheet size is always noted in weight per thousand (M in roman numerals) and therefore said to be 19 X 25? – 100M meaning that 1,000 sheets of 19 x 25? will weigh 100 lbs."
Although the world of paper is a confusing one, it's also just as exciting. There are so many styles and weights of paper to choose from that you will surely impress your client with your knowledge.
For more tips on wedding and invitation design, click here: Invitation Design
From: www.printoutlet.us
"Paper is measured in pounds per 500 sheets (one Ream of paper) of a standard size of sheet based on the group or category of papers the grade. The different types of grades are Bond, Book, Text, Cover etc. Each group of the grade of paper is assigned a standard size that all weights are referred to. The basics of this standard are as follows:
Bond has a standard size of 17 x 22? and this is the size that is measured for 500 sheets. If 500 sheets of this size weigh 20lbs., then the paper is classified as a 20lb. bond. Heavier and lighter stocks will obviously be thicker or thinner than the 20lb. Therefore 16lb. Bond or 24lb. Bond will be the variations on this.
Now the confusion… the weight of 500 sheets of the standard sheet size (also known as the basis size) is commonly known as the paper's basis weight and is always noted as a weight in lbs.
Seeing that the above only offers a vague indication to the thickness or the weight of the actual size, further confusion awaits !
A sheet size different than the above is calculated as a fraction or multiple of the basis weight and is normally noted for 1,000 sheets rather than 500. The weight thus calculated of the actual sheet size is always noted in weight per thousand (M in roman numerals) and therefore said to be 19 X 25? – 100M meaning that 1,000 sheets of 19 x 25? will weigh 100 lbs."
Although the world of paper is a confusing one, it's also just as exciting. There are so many styles and weights of paper to choose from that you will surely impress your client with your knowledge.
For more tips on wedding and invitation design, click here: Invitation Design
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