50 lb text paper
74 g/m²
50 lb text · basis size 25 × 38 in · Book pages, brochures, magazine interiors and flyers.
Where 74 gsm comes from
An American basis weight is the weight of 500 sheets at that grade's basis size. For text / book that size is 25 × 38 inches, so:
500 sheets × 25 × 38 in = 475,000 in² = 306.5 m²
50 lb = 22,680 g
22,680 g ÷ 306.5 m² = 74 g/m²The same number, a different paper
50 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 | 50 lb is | vs text |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 in | 74 gsm | — |
| Bond / Writing | 17 × 22 in | 188 gsm | 2.54× |
| Cover | 20 × 26 in | 135 gsm | 1.83× |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 in | 90 gsm | 1.22× |
| Tag | 24 × 36 in | 81 gsm | 1.10× |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 in | 110 gsm | 1.48× |
This is the reason to ask for gsm. One number, no grade, no ambiguity — 74 gsm is 74 gsm whoever is printing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 50 lb text paper in gsm?
74 gsm. 50 lb means 500 sheets at the text / book basis size of 25 × 38 inches weigh 50 pounds.
Is 50 lb text the same as 50 lb bond?
No, and the difference is large. 50 lb text is 74 gsm; 50 lb bond is 188 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 50 lb text used for?
Book pages, brochures, magazine interiors and flyers. At 74 gsm: board rather than paper, needing a press with a straight paper path.