Paper comes in a wide variety of thicknesses and types. To compare papers from one supplier to the next, the US paper industry uses the following guidelines and practices.
Basis Weight
Basis weight is a measure of paper density. In the US, we determine basis weight by weighing a specific number of sheets, or "basis ream" (usually 500), in a specific set of dimensions. These dimensions vary by paper type.
Paper Type
There are a variety of familiar paper types, such as Bond, Book (or Text), Cover, Board, newsprint, etc. Each of these paper types has a different basis ream and dimensions.
Paper Type | Basis Ream Dimensions | Basis Ream Quantity |
Bond, Writing, Ledger | 17" x 22" | 500 Sheets |
Book, Text, Offset | 25" x 38" | 500 Sheets |
Cover | 20" x 26" | 500 Sheets |
Newsprint | 24" x 36" | 500 Sheets |
Board | 12" x 12" | 100 Sheets |
Examples:
80lb text paper is always lighter and thinner than 100-pound text paper, no matter what its cut size.
100LB text paper is lighter and thinner than 100-pound cover paper. While both papers are referred to as 100lb, the uncut basis ream dimensions differ. The basis dimension of text paper is 25” x 38”, where the basis dimension for cover paper is only 20” x 26”. Therefore, the Cover stock paper is denser and thicker than the text-weight paper.
Coated vs. Uncoated Paper Stock
Blank press sheets arrive from the mill either coated or uncoated. This coating is different from the various coatings we apply after printing (UV, AQ, Satin, etc.). Coated paper provides a surface for the ink to rest on, resulting in cleaner lines and more vibrant colors. Uncoated paper allows ink to absorb into the paper, giving the final print a more natural look with softer, less vibrant colors. If you use Pantone® to CMYK* swatch books, you will notice that they provide separate books for coated and uncoated paper to show how the same color will appear on the different types of paper.
*Please note Pantone® to CMYK swatch books are only for reference. Primoprint does not use PMS and cannot guarantee color matching
Paper will be noted as follows
• Uncoated - uncoated both sides
• C1S - Coated on one side, uncoated on the other
• C2S - Coated 2 sides
Our Papers
Primoprint offers a variety of paper stocks and thicknesses. Here is a list of our most popular stocks in order from thickest to thinnest:
32PT Uncoated Triple Layer Bond
32PT Uncoated
18PT Board, C1S
16PT Board, C2S
14PT Board, C2S
14PT Uncoated Cover
100lb Gloss Cover
100lb Gloss Book (Text)
100lb Dull Book
80lb Gloss Book
70lb Premium Opaque Text
70lb Uncoated Linen Text
Specialty Stocks
18PT Kraft
14PT Pearl Metallic Cover
14PT Natural
100lb Uncoated Linen Cover
If you are unsure of which paper to select for your project, we would be happy to send you a sample packet free of charge. You can also contact us via chat, phone, or email for more information.