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Last updated on 2024年9月12日

How do you measure paper thickness and what are the common units?

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If you work in print design, you know how important it is to choose the right paper for your project. But how do you measure paper thickness and what are the common units? In this article, we'll explain the basics of paper thickness, weight, and caliper, and how they relate to each other.

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Tony Navarra
Zeeshan Qadri

Graphic Artist | AI Enthusiast | Product Management | Digital Press and Inkjet Printing Production Specialist | IT…
Ian Iakobson

Senior Editorial & Page Designer ? Expert in Print & Publishing ? Adobe Certified Professional ? Transforming Ideas…

1 Paper thickness

Paper thickness is the distance between the two surfaces of a sheet of paper, usually measured in micrometers (μm) or mils (thousandths of an inch). Paper thickness can vary depending on the type, quality, and moisture content of the paper. Thicker paper tends to be more durable, rigid, and opaque, but also more expensive and heavier.

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Tony Navarra
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I prefer to use a Micrometer. Paper of the same weight (100lb text for example) will vary from brand to brand. In the States, paper thickness is typically described in 1000ths of an inch (.007 for example). However board stocks are standard by description: 18pt (point) C2S for example is .018 and will be 18pt across various brands. Paper brand websites will (should) have the paper caliper listed along with the description too. TIP: When calculating a spine width for a Perfect Bound book remember to add .032 on top of "the stack" of text for the Glue. Example 50 sheets x .007 (text) + .032 (glue) = .385 "

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Zeeshan Qadri

Graphic Artist | AI Enthusiast | Product Management | Digital Press and Inkjet Printing Production Specialist | IT Professional
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Paper thickness is typically measured using a tool called a micrometer, which applies a specific pressure to the paper and measures its thickness in micrometers (μm) or mils (1 mil = 1/1000 inch). Another common unit for paper thickness is GSM (grams per square meter), which measures the weight or mass of the paper per unit area and is often used as an indicator of paper thickness.

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Ian Iakobson

Senior Editorial & Page Designer ? Expert in Print & Publishing ? Adobe Certified Professional ? Transforming Ideas into Visual Narratives & Layouts
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Stack Height Measurement is the simplest method, where you measure the height of a stack of paper and divide it by the number of sheets to calculate the thickness of a single sheet. However, this method may lack precision due to factors like paper compression or expansion under pressure or humidity. For more precise measurements, micrometers or calipers are commonly used. These tools allow you to measure the thickness of a single sheet of paper directly. Whether manual or digital, it's crucial to apply consistent force and ensure the paper is positioned correctly for accurate results.

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Muhibur Rahman

Graphics Designer at Gumline
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Stack Height Measurement is an easy way to find paper thickness by measuring the height of a stack and dividing it by the sheet count. However, this might not always be precise since paper can compress or expand due to pressure or humidity. For better accuracy, you can use micrometers or calipers, which measure the thickness of a single sheet directly. It's important to use even pressure and correctly position the paper to get accurate results.

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2 Paper weight

Paper weight is the mass of a sheet of paper, usually measured in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds per ream (lb). Paper weight can indicate the density, strength, and bulkiness of the paper. However, paper weight is not directly proportional to paper thickness, as different types of paper have different basis sizes (the standard size used to calculate weight). For example, a sheet of bond paper has a basis size of 17 x 22 inches, while a sheet of cover paper has a basis size of 20 x 26 inches. Therefore, a 100 lb bond paper is thinner than a 100 lb cover paper.

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3 Paper caliper

Paper caliper is the measurement of the thickness of a single sheet of paper using a device called a micrometer or a caliper. Paper caliper is usually expressed in points (pt), where one point equals 0.001 inch or 25.4 μm. Paper caliper can help you determine the stiffness, bulk, and stack height of the paper. For example, a 10 pt paper has a thickness of 0.01 inch or 254 μm, and a stack of 100 sheets would have a height of 1 inch or 25.4 mm.

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4 How to measure paper thickness

There are different methods to measure paper thickness, depending on the purpose and the equipment available. The simplest way is to use a ruler or a tape measure to measure the height of a stack of paper and divide it by the number of sheets. However, this method may not be very accurate, as the paper may compress or expand due to humidity or pressure. A more precise way is to use a micrometer or a caliper to measure the thickness of a single sheet of paper. You can either use a manual or a digital device, and make sure to apply a consistent force and position the paper correctly. You can also use a paper gauge or a paper thickness chart to compare the thickness of different types of paper.

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5 How to choose the right paper

When selecting paper for a print design project, you should consider the purpose, audience, budget, design, and printing method. Additionally, paper thickness, weight, and caliper are important factors to consider. Thicker paper is more durable and rigid, but also more expensive and heavier. Heavier paper is denser and stronger, but also costlier and more difficult to print. Higher caliper paper is stiffer and bulkier, but also more prone to curling and cracking. Choose the right paper depending on whether you need to fold, cut, bind, or mail it; the type and quality of the paper; the printing method; the stiffness and bulk you need; and the binding and finishing options.

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Ian Iakobson

Senior Editorial & Page Designer ? Expert in Print & Publishing ? Adobe Certified Professional ? Transforming Ideas into Visual Narratives & Layouts
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My experience has taught me that choosing the right paper for a print design project is a delicate balance between practicality, aesthetics, and budget. Each project is unique, and there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to paper selection. Personally, I prioritize understanding the project's purpose and audience. This forms the foundation for all subsequent decisions, as the chosen paper should resonate with the intended audience and enhance the project's message or branding. Budget considerations are also crucial. While quality paper can elevate a design, it's essential to find a balance between cost and desired characteristics. Sometimes, creative solutions can achieve the desired effect without breaking the bank.

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6 How to convert paper units

Sometimes, you may need to convert paper units from one system to another, depending on the source, the standard, or the preference. You can use online converters, calculators, or tables to easily and accurately convert paper units. For example, to convert micrometers to mils, multiply by 0.03937; to convert mils to micrometers, multiply by 25.4; to convert points to mils, multiply by 1; and to convert mils to points, multiply by 1. Additionally, for grams per square meter to pounds per ream conversion, multiply by 0.002205 and divide by the basis size in square feet; for pounds per ream to grams per square meter conversion, multiply by the basis size in square feet and divide by 0.002205.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How do you measure paper thickness and what are the common units?

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1 Paper thickness

2 Paper weight

3 Paper caliper

4 How to measure paper thickness

5 How to choose the right paper

6 How to convert paper units

7 Here’s what else to consider

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