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How thick is a piece of paper? It might sound like a simple question, but the answer is more complex—and more interesting—than you might expect. Whether you’re printing at home, writing in a notebook, or comparing different types of paper, thickness matters more than you think.
In this post, you'll learn what paper thickness really means, how it's measured, and why it's different from weight like GSM. We'll explore how thickness varies across common paper types and give you practical tips for understanding what works best in different situations.
Paper thickness refers to how thick a single sheet is from front to back. It’s commonly known as caliper, a standard measurement used in the printing and paper industries. This value plays a key role in how paper behaves—when printed, stacked, or folded.
Paper thickness is typically measured with a micrometer or caliper gauge. These tools give highly accurate readings, and the results are expressed in:
Millimeters (mm)
Microns (μm) – 1 micron equals 0.001 millimeter
Inches – often used in American paper specs
Paper Type | Average Thickness (mm) | Microns | Inches |
---|---|---|---|
Copy paper | 0.10 mm | 100 μm | 0.0039 inches |
Glossy photo paper | 0.20–0.30 mm | 200–300 μm | 0.0079–0.0118 inches |
Cardstock | 0.30–0.40 mm | 300–400 μm | 0.0118–0.0157 inches |
This measures the paper’s actual thickness.
It’s useful when stacking sheets or designing folded documents.
Units: microns, millimeters, or inches.
A measure of the mass of the paper.
Tells how heavy a single square meter of paper is.
Does not indicate how thick the sheet feels.
Mostly used in the U.S. system.
Refers to the weight of a ream (usually 500 sheets) of a certain size.
The base sheet size changes depending on the paper type (e.g., bond vs. cover), making it tricky to compare.
A sheet with high GSM might feel thinner than expected. That’s because:
Some papers are denser, using tighter fibers.
Others are bulkier, having more air between fibers.
Coatings can add weight without increasing thickness.
For example, 200 GSM glossy photo paper may be thinner than 180 GSM uncoated cardstock. Always check both GSM and caliper if thickness matters for your project.
This is the type you probably use most often—for printing schoolwork or office forms. It usually falls in the range of 75 to 80 GSM, which equals about 0.10 mm or 100 microns thick. In the U.S., this paper is often labeled as 20 lb bond, and it's thin enough for most home printers but thick enough to avoid easy tearing.
Paper Type | GSM Range | Thickness (mm) | Inches |
---|---|---|---|
Standard copy | 75–80 | ~0.10 mm | ~0.0039 in |
Premium office | 90–100 | 0.12–0.15 mm | 0.0047–0.0059 in |
Not all notebook pages are the same. Paper in school notebooks is usually thinner—around 60 to 70 GSM, while journals may use thicker, smoother sheets, ranging up to 90 GSM. Thickness varies across brands, especially when comparing budget notebooks to premium planners.
Notebook paper: Often around 0.08 mm thick, making it light and flexible.
Journal paper: Can reach 0.12 mm or more, offering less ink bleed and more durability.
Cardstock is the go-to for greeting cards, covers, and craft projects. It feels firm and holds shape well. Construction paper, while colorful and often used in classrooms, is usually less dense and rougher in texture.
Cardstock usually ranges from 200 to 300 GSM, translating to 0.25 to 0.40 mm in thickness.
Construction paper sits lower, around 100 to 150 GSM, but may still feel thick due to its texture.
Paper Type | GSM | Thickness (mm) |
---|---|---|
Light cardstock | 200–250 | 0.25–0.30 mm |
Heavy cardstock | 270–300 | 0.35–0.40 mm |
Construction paper | 100–150 | 0.15–0.22 mm |
Glossy photo paper: Heavily coated, often between 0.20 and 0.30 mm, feels stiffer due to finish.
Resume paper: Slightly thicker than copy paper, often around 0.12 mm, adds a professional touch.
Recycled paper: Tends to be thinner or more textured; thickness ranges vary but are usually under 0.10 mm for basic types.
For the most accurate results, use a digital micrometer or manual caliper. These tools are designed to measure very thin materials, like paper. Simply place one sheet between the measuring jaws and read the value displayed.
A digital micrometer can measure down to 0.01 mm or even smaller.
Make sure the tool is zeroed before measuring to avoid errors.
Gently close the jaws—pressing too hard can flatten the paper and give false readings.
Stack 10 or more identical sheets together.
Use the micrometer or caliper to measure the total stack thickness.
Divide the result by the number of sheets.
For example:
If 10 sheets measure 1.00 mm together, each sheet is about 0.10 mm thick.
You can try guessing paper thickness by feel, but it's far from exact. This method works only when comparing known papers side by side.
Visual inspection: Hold paper edges up to a light source to compare thickness.
Tactile comparison: Rub sheets between your fingers and compare stiffness or texture.
Be cautious: Paper weight, coating, and finish can trick your sense of touch. Some papers feel thicker but weigh less, or the opposite.
Method | Accuracy | Tools Needed |
---|---|---|
Micrometer | High | Micrometer |
Stack & Measure | Medium-High | Caliper or ruler |
Touch/Visual Guess | Low | None |
Not all printers are created equal when it comes to handling different paper thicknesses. Home printers, particularly inkjet models, tend to struggle with thicker papers, leading to paper jams or poor print quality. Laser printers, on the other hand, generally handle thicker sheets better, but even they have limitations based on their design. It's important to match the paper thickness with your printer's capabilities to avoid issues like smudging or incomplete prints.
When printing on both sides of a sheet, the thickness of the paper becomes even more important. Thicker paper can create challenges as the ink might bleed through, especially on low-quality paper. This makes double-sided printing less effective and can compromise the overall appearance of the document. For professional results, using paper that's thick enough to prevent bleed-through, yet not so heavy that it causes print misalignment, is crucial.
The thickness of paper influences how your printed materials are perceived. Thicker paper feels more substantial and is often associated with higher quality, giving the impression of professionalism. This is especially important for business presentations, resumes, and promotional materials. A document on thicker paper can stand out and create a lasting positive impression, while thinner paper may feel flimsy and less polished.
When mailing documents, the thickness of paper can affect postage costs and handling. Thicker paper increases the weight of the envelope, which can lead to higher mailing fees, especially for international shipping. Additionally, thicker documents are more likely to be flagged during sorting due to their rigidity, making them prone to creasing or bending. Choosing the right paper thickness can help you balance cost-efficiency with the need for durability in the mail.
While both the US and many other countries use similar weights for paper, their sizes differ. The US typically uses Letter (8.5 x 11 inches), while A4 (210 x 297 mm) is the standard in most of the world. These size differences can lead to variations in the perception of paper thickness even when both have the same GSM. Here's a quick look at how size impacts the overall thickness of the paper:
Paper Size | Dimensions (inches) | Standard Region | Common Use |
---|---|---|---|
Letter | 8.5 x 11 | United States | Office, printing |
A4 | 8.27 x 11.69 | International | Office, printing |
Even though the GSM might be identical, A4 can sometimes feel slightly different due to regional manufacturing practices.
Paper systems vary globally. The ISO standard (used internationally) and ANSI (used mainly in the U.S.) use different approaches, which means that paper of the same GSM but different systems can have varying thickness. This can affect the final result, especially in professional printing where consistency is key.
Paper Standard | Region | Common Paper Size | Weight Unit |
---|---|---|---|
ISO | International | A4, A3, A5 | GSM |
ANSI | United States | Letter, Tabloid | Pounds |
Two papers can have the same GSM, yet feel very different. The difference is due to the materials used or coatings applied to the paper. Coatings like gloss or matte finishes can increase the perceived thickness, as these finishes add an extra layer. The way the paper is processed affects its final thickness:
Coated papers: Thicker feel due to smooth, glossy finish.
Uncoated papers: Often feel lighter, even if the GSM is the same.
Coating has a significant impact on the thickness of paper. Coated paper feels more substantial because of its smooth surface and glossy or matte finish. In contrast, uncoated paper feels lighter and more flexible, even if the weight is the same. Here’s a simple comparison of the two:
Type of Paper | Coated | Uncoated |
---|---|---|
Feel | Smooth, heavier | Softer, lighter |
Finish | Glossy or matte | Textured or rough |
Usage | High-quality prints, photos | Everyday printing |
GSM | Thickness (Microns) | Thickness (Inches) |
---|---|---|
60 | 60 | 0.0024 |
90 | 90 | 0.0035 |
120 | 120 | 0.0047 |
150 | 150 | 0.0059 |
200 | 200 | 0.0079 |
Though conversion tables like the one above are helpful, the thickness can vary slightly due to the type of paper and its texture. Coated papers tend to feel thicker even if their GSM is the same as an uncoated sheet. Paper fiber quality, moisture content, and finish type all influence the final thickness, making conversions an approximation rather than an exact science.
Bond paper: Typically used for writing and office printing, often measured in pounds (lb).
Text paper: Used for books, brochures, and similar printed materials, usually measured in GSM.
Cover paper: Heavier than bond or text paper, typically used for business cards, invitations, and covers, also measured in GSM but feels thicker.
Paper Type | Standard Measurement | Weight Equivalent (GSM) | Common Uses |
---|---|---|---|
Bond | Pounds (lb) | 75-100 | Office use, stationery |
Text | GSM | 90-200 | Brochures, flyers |
Cover | GSM | 200-350 | Business cards, invitations |
For standard 20 lb office paper (around 75 GSM), it takes about 24 sheets to make up one inch. This is typical for most home and office printers. While this is a good general estimate, it can shift slightly depending on the paper's brand or quality.
Thicker paper means fewer sheets are needed to reach one inch. For example, heavier paper (like 80 lb or 120 GSM) will only require about 20 sheets to make up an inch. Conversely, thinner paper (such as 16 lb or 60 GSM) will need more sheets—around 28 sheets per inch. This difference in thickness significantly impacts paper stacking, storage, and printing.
People often assume that thicker paper is always higher quality. However, thickness doesn't necessarily correlate with quality. Some thin papers, like fine bond paper, may perform better for specific uses, like printing or writing, despite being less thick.
It’s a misconception that GSM (grams per square meter) directly equals paper thickness. While GSM indicates weight, it doesn't always reflect the paper’s actual thickness. Other factors, like fiber type and coating, can affect how thick the paper feels.
Glossy paper often feels thicker than it actually is. The coating used on glossy papers gives them a smooth, dense surface, making them seem thicker, even if their GSM is lower compared to uncoated paper.
Understanding paper thickness is essential for choosing the right paper for different tasks. From knowing the difference between caliper, GSM, and weight, to understanding how thickness impacts printing and mailing, it’s a key factor in achieving quality results.
Explore paper thickness at home by measuring various types of paper. It’ll give you practical insight into how this knowledge applies to your daily tasks, from printing to packaging.
Yes, you can print on thick paper at home, but ensure your printer supports heavier paper types, usually up to 80 lb (216 GSM).
Humidity can cause paper to expand or contract, making it feel thicker or thinner. High moisture can warp or distort paper.
Most home printers can handle paper up to 80 lb (about 216 GSM). Anything thicker may cause jams or poor print quality.
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