“Should I use text weight or writing weight paper? What’s the difference?” I get this question a lot, so I thought I’d write a separate entry for it. By the end of this post, you’ll know the difference between text and writing weight papers so you can finally stop losing sleep at night.
Paper Stock vs. Cover Stock
Cover stock is thicker and harder to fold. Think cardstock.
Paper stock has a lighter feel and is much easier to fold. Both text and writing weight papers are this type.
Text Weight vs. Writing Weight
The difference between text and writing weight paper comes down to how the paper is cut.
During the manufacturing process, paper is cut down from larger starting sheets.
- Writing, Bond and Ledger papers have a starting sheet size of 17” x 22”
- Text, Book and Offset papers have a starting sheet size of 25” x 38”
Before the paper is cut down to the size you buy, those big starter sheets are weighed. This is called a “basis weight.” Text paper is cut from a larger starting sheet than writing paper, so the basis weight is also larger. This is why you’ll see text weight papers listed as 60#, 70#, 80#, etc. Writing paper is cut from a smaller sheet, so it’s usually listed as 20#, 24#, 28#, etc.
GSM
Even though text and writing weight papers have different basis weights, their GSM (grams per square meter) is the same. GSM measures the quality of the paper. The higher the GSM number, the heavier the paper. The lower the GSM number, the lighter the paper.
Equivalent Weights
Since the two types of paper have the same GSM but different weights, all you have to do is pick a thickness you like and then grab the text or writing paper that fits.
From the table, we can see that a text weight paper of 50# has the same GSM (75) as a writing weight paper of 20#.
| Paper Type | Weight | GSM |
|---|---|---|
| Text | 50# | 75 |
| Writing | 20# | 75 |
| Text | 60# | 90 |
| Writing | 24# | 90 |
Choosing Text vs. Writing Weight
If you want a recommendation, I say go with a 70lb or 80lb text weight (or writing weight equivalent) because it’s a great starting point. Not too thin, not too thick.
Swatchbooks
Paper swatchbooks are super helpful and saved me a ton of time and money. These are my two favorites. They cost about $8-12 each and last forever.
Resources
- Where to buy swatchbooks – I ordered mine from The Paper Mill Store because I like the variety.
- Are you new to bookbinding? Check out my New Bookbinder Guide for helpful information.
Pop over to Instagram or Facebook if you have any questions weighing (see what I did there?) on your mind.
ALL my best,
Misty
