65 lb cover paper
176 g/m²
65 lb cover · basis size 20 × 26 in · Business cards, book covers, postcards and folders.
Where 176 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
65 lb = 29,484 g
29,484 g ÷ 167.7 m² = 176 g/m²The same number, a different paper
65 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 | 65 lb is | vs cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover | 20 × 26 in | 176 gsm | — |
| Bond / Writing | 17 × 22 in | 244 gsm | 1.39× |
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 in | 96 gsm | 0.55× |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 in | 118 gsm | 0.67× |
| Tag | 24 × 36 in | 106 gsm | 0.60× |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 in | 143 gsm | 0.81× |
This is the reason to ask for gsm. One number, no grade, no ambiguity — 176 gsm is 176 gsm whoever is printing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 65 lb cover paper in gsm?
176 gsm. 65 lb means 500 sheets at the cover basis size of 20 × 26 inches weigh 65 pounds.
Is 65 lb cover the same as 65 lb text?
No, and the difference is large. 65 lb cover is 176 gsm; 65 lb text is 96 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 65 lb cover used for?
Business cards, book covers, postcards and folders. At 176 gsm: board rather than paper, needing a press with a straight paper path.