80 lb cover paper
216 g/m²
80 lb cover · basis size 20 × 26 in · Business cards, book covers, postcards and folders.
Where 216 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
80 lb = 36,287 g
36,287 g ÷ 167.7 m² = 216 g/m²The same number, a different paper
80 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 | 80 lb is | vs cover |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cover | 20 × 26 in | 216 gsm | — |
| Bond / Writing | 17 × 22 in | 301 gsm | 1.39× |
| Text / Book | 25 × 38 in | 118 gsm | 0.55× |
| Index | 25.5 × 30.5 in | 145 gsm | 0.67× |
| Tag | 24 × 36 in | 130 gsm | 0.60× |
| Bristol | 22.5 × 28.5 in | 175 gsm | 0.81× |
This is the reason to ask for gsm. One number, no grade, no ambiguity — 216 gsm is 216 gsm whoever is printing it.
Frequently asked questions
What is 80 lb cover paper in gsm?
216 gsm. 80 lb means 500 sheets at the cover basis size of 20 × 26 inches weigh 80 pounds.
Is 80 lb cover the same as 80 lb text?
No, and the difference is large. 80 lb cover is 216 gsm; 80 lb text is 118 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 80 lb cover used for?
Business cards, book covers, postcards and folders. At 216 gsm: board rather than paper, needing a press with a straight paper path.