The Whitley Printing Company

Paper

Paper Basics

The more you understand paper, the easier it will be to select and specify the perfect paper for your project.

Size

Most North American paper manufacturers sell paper measured in inches and sized to yield multiples of 8.5 inches x 11inches with minimum waste. For example, a 23x35 press sheet yields three trimmed 8.5x11 pieces (or a 16-page signature) with bleeds, gripper margin, and color bars.

INSERT ILLUSTRATIONS OF RELATIVE SHEET SIZE

Common North American Sheet Sizes and Metric Equivalents

Inches	Millimeters
8.5 x 11	216 x 279
11 x 17	279 x 432
17.5 x 22.5	445 x 572
19 x 25	483 x 635
23 x 35	584 x 889
25 x 38	635 x 965

Weight

“Basis weight” (sometimes called “ream weight”) is derived from the weight in pounds of 500 sheets of paper, cut to that paper’s basis (normal) size. For example, 500 sheets of 17x22, 16# bond will weigh 16 pounds. The sheet’s basis weight varies according to its grade.

Thickness

Paper thickness, or caliper, is measured in thousandths of an inch and expressed in “points” (0.001 inch = one point); stock 0.007-inch thick is said to be 7-point stock. (These “points” are different than the “point size” used to describe fonts.) “Points” are most often used when referring to cover stock and is the measurement used by the U.S. Postal Service to determine suitability for mailing.

Grain

The paper fibers directional alignment on a given sheet is its grain. Paper is considered “grain long” when the fibers run parallel to the sheet’s length, and “grain short” when parallel with the width. Grain direction can impact stability on press, and grain-long sheets are generally preferred for multicolored jobs. A paper’s grain direction can also affect folding accuracy and how stiff the finished piece will be. For example, it’s easier to tear and fold paper in the direction of the grain. Press size and other considerations sometimes require the use of grain-short paper. Be sure to check with your printer before preparing your files.

Common Paper Choices

Common Paper Choices Paper is categorized into grades according to its typical end use. The number of paper choices is staggering, but here are five familiar grades, basis sizes, and weights.

Bond (17x22)

Most commonly used for letterhead and business forms like fliers, photocopies, and newsletters. Bond paper’s surface easily accepts ink from a pen or computer printer and is ideal for business correspondence. Basis Weights: 16, 20, 24.

Text (25 x38)

Text is recognized for a wide-range of textures, colors, and high-quality appearance. Text is most often used for books, brochures, annual reports, posters, and some business forms. Basis Weights: 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 100.

Offset or Uncoated Book (25x38)

Offset or uncoated book is thicker and more opaque than bond writing papers. The surface is pre-treated to resist the slight moisture that occurs in offset printing. Used for books, newsletters, catalogs, and other offset print projects. Basis Weights: 30, 32, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 65, 70, 80.

Coated Book (25x38)

Coated book is used to produce the highest-quality printing. The smooth surface ensures consistency in ink application. Available in dull, gloss, and matte finishes, coated papers are ideal for magazines, catalogs, annual reports, and direct mail pieces. Basis Weights: 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100.

Cover (20x26)

Cover are heavier, thicker versions of the text, coated, and uncoated papers, in matching colors and finishes to coordinate with the lighter papers. They are typically used in pieces requiring extra durability for scoring, folding, embossing, or die cutting. Ideal for book covers, postcards, pocket folders, menus, greeting cards, and business cards. A typical sheet of cover stock is about twice as thick as its text sheet counterpart(s) Basis Weights: 60, 65, 80, 100, 120, 130.