130 lb cover paper
352 g/m²
130 lb cover · basis size 20 × 26 in · Business cards, book covers, postcards and folders.
Where 352 gsm comes from
An American basis weight is the weight of 500 sheets at that grade's basis size. For cover that size is 20 × 26 inches, so:
500 sheets × 20 × 26 in = 260,000 in² = 167.7 m²
130 lb = 58,967 g
58,967 g ÷ 167.7 m² = 352 g/m²The same number, a different paper
130 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 | 130 lb is | vs cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover | 20 × 26 in | 352 gsm | — |
| Bond / Writing | 17 × 22 in | 489 gsm | 1.39× |
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 in | 192 gsm | 0.55× |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 in | 235 gsm | 0.67× |
| Tag | 24 × 36 in | 212 gsm | 0.60× |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 in | 285 gsm | 0.81× |
This is the reason to ask for gsm. One number, no grade, no ambiguity — 352 gsm is 352 gsm whoever is printing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 130 lb cover paper in gsm?
352 gsm. 130 lb means 500 sheets at the cover basis size of 20 × 26 inches weigh 130 pounds.
Is 130 lb cover the same as 130 lb text?
No, and the difference is large. 130 lb cover is 352 gsm; 130 lb text is 192 gsm — 1.83 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 130 lb cover used for?
Business cards, book covers, postcards and folders. At 352 gsm: board rather than paper, needing a press with a straight paper path.