Types of paper by weight and their uses

Have you ever wondered why some sheets feel sturdier than others? Or why some papers look more professional? It all comes down to two key factors: weight and thickness of the paper. Although they sound similar, they are not the same, and knowing how to distinguish them can make a difference.

In this article, we will tell you everything that you need to know about paper weight, its thickness, and how to choose the most suitable one for specific use. Keep reading!

What is paper thickness

The thickness of the paper (also known as paper thickness) refers to the physical measurement of how much a sheet of paper occupies in millimeters when standing vertically. In other words, if you stack one hundred sheets on top of each other and measure with a ruler, what you get gives you an idea of the individual thickness of each sheet.

A paper can have a high weight but be very compressed, making it feel thin to the touch. Conversely, a lightweight paper can feel thicker if it is less pressed. This difference is very noticeable, for example, when printing cards or working on art projects where texture matters.

What is paper weight

The weight of the paper is the weight of a sheet of one square meter expressed in grams per square meter (g/m²). The higher this number, the heavier (and usually more durable) the paper will be.

For example, the typical weight of an office sheet is 80 g/m², ideal for common printers and everyday use. But if you are looking for something with more presence—like an elegant invitation or a cover—you should opt for a higher weight.

Types of paper by weight and their common uses

Light paper (60-80 g/m²)

Perfect for printing at home or in the office. It is cheap, feeds well through printers, and folds easily. Do you need to print a lot? This is your ally. Also, if you are preparing a comfortable study space, don't forget to get a study chair. The perfect combo for studying comfortably!

Medium paper (90-120 g/m²)

Ideal for important reports, formal letters, or anything that needs a more “pro” touch. It is also the favorite for printing resumes or school projects. If you are thinking of setting up a modern tech office, this paper gives that professional touch without going overboard.

Semi-thick paper (130-170 g/m²)

Here we enter more visual territory. Advertising brochures, magazine interior pages, or flyers look better in this weight range. It has good stiffness and holds inks without bleeding through. Additionally, if you are going to decorate a classroom, this type of paper is great for printing posters or eye-catching visual material.

Thick paper (200-250 g/m²)

If you want something to stand out and last, this weight is for you. It is widely used for covers, greeting cards, folders, etc. Here we are not just talking about weight, but presence: when someone touches it, they know it is special.

Cardstock and cardboard (300 g/m² and above)

This is the expert level. Business cards, packaging, models ect. It is harder to cut and fold, but very durable. Don't try to put it in a common home printer because you might break it. Make sure the equipment can handle that thickness.

What is the relationship between weight and thickness?

As we mentioned, paper weight and paper thickness are not synonyms. Although they are often related, there are papers with the same weight but different thickness. This depends on the type of fiber, how it has been pressed, and even the finish.

How to choose the right paper?

Before you start printing, ask yourself:

• Will it be read or handled many times?
• Do I want it to look professional or just functional?
• Can my printer handle it?
• Do I need it to be opaque and not let ink bleed through?

Choosing the right paper is like choosing the right clothes for an occasion. You wouldn't go to a wedding in flip-flops, right? So don't use a 60 g/m² sheet to deliver an important presentation. The next time you go paper shopping, don't do it randomly. Pay attention to the details, compare, and think about the image you want to convey. Because paper also speaks for you.