20 lb bond paper
75 g/m²
20 lb bond · basis size 17 × 22 in · Office copier paper, letterheads and business stationery.
Where 75 gsm comes from
An American basis weight is the weight of 500 sheets at that grade's basis size. For bond / writing that size is 17 × 22 inches, so:
500 sheets × 17 × 22 in = 187,000 in² = 120.6 m²
20 lb = 9,072 g
9,072 g ÷ 120.6 m² = 75 g/m²The same number, a different paper
20 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 | 20 lb is | vs bond |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bond / Writing | 17 × 22 in | 75 gsm | — |
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 in | 30 gsm | 0.39× |
| Cover | 20 × 26 in | 54 gsm | 0.72× |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 in | 36 gsm | 0.48× |
| Tag | 24 × 36 in | 33 gsm | 0.43× |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 in | 44 gsm | 0.58× |
This is the reason to ask for gsm. One number, no grade, no ambiguity — 75 gsm is 75 gsm whoever is printing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 20 lb bond paper in gsm?
75 gsm. 20 lb means 500 sheets at the bond / writing basis size of 17 × 22 inches weigh 20 pounds.
Is 20 lb bond the same as 20 lb text?
No, and the difference is large. 20 lb bond is 75 gsm; 20 lb text is 30 gsm — 2.54 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 20 lb bond used for?
Office copier paper, letterheads and business stationery. At 75 gsm: board rather than paper, needing a press with a straight paper path.