125 lb tag paper
203 g/m²
125 lb tag · basis size 24 × 36 in · Tags, tickets and hanging labels.
Where 203 gsm comes from
An American basis weight is the weight of 500 sheets at that grade's basis size. For tag that size is 24 × 36 inches, so:
500 sheets × 24 × 36 in = 432,000 in² = 278.7 m²
125 lb = 56,699 g
56,699 g ÷ 278.7 m² = 203 g/m²The same number, a different paper
125 lb is not one weight. Because every grade is weighed at its own sheet size, the same pound figure describes papers that are nothing alike:
| Grade | Basis size | 125 lb is | vs tag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tag | 24 × 36 in | 203 gsm | — |
| Bond / Writing | 17 × 22 in | 470 gsm | 2.31× |
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 in | 185 gsm | 0.91× |
| Cover | 20 × 26 in | 338 gsm | 1.66× |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 in | 226 gsm | 1.11× |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 in | 274 gsm | 1.35× |
This is the reason to ask for gsm. One number, no grade, no ambiguity — 203 gsm is 203 gsm whoever is printing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 125 lb tag paper in gsm?
203 gsm. 125 lb means 500 sheets at the tag basis size of 24 × 36 inches weigh 125 pounds.
Is 125 lb tag the same as 125 lb bond?
No, and the difference is large. 125 lb tag is 203 gsm; 125 lb bond is 470 gsm — 2.31 times as heavy. The pound number is the weight of 500 sheets at a size that differs by grade, so it cannot be compared across them.
What is 125 lb tag used for?
Tags, tickets and hanging labels. At 203 gsm: board rather than paper, needing a press with a straight paper path.