Paper Weight Explained: The Difference Between GSM and LBS

When designing packaging or selecting materials, you come across various specifications. For instance, some numbers followed by GSM or lb. These are quite critical. Nevertheless, not everyone is well aware of what they symbolize. Basically, they have a strengthened connection with perceived quality and structural integrity. Even they play a part in defining the box cost. The more the paper weight is, the more premium the box will appear.
Beyond the technicalities, weight influences product safety and brand reputation. They have pretty much the same contribution as the construction and functionality of custom boxes. The weight that is too light can compromise the protection and this will lead to damaged goods. Ultimately, a dissatisfied customer will never consider returning. Let’s keep this discussion apart and get to the core of our topic.

Explaining GSM as the Metric Standard for Measuring Paper Weight

Simply put, GSM rules the packaging world. It is also known as grams per square meter and is the weight of a one-square-meter sheet of any material. Also, it gives suppliers the edge of universality. GSM is an absolute measurement, famous almost everywhere. Each box manufacturer will most probably be familiar with what GSM means. So, relying on it is one of the informed and convenient decisions a brand can make.
Furthermore, GSM has a direct impact on the stability and strength of business card packaging boxes. If this value is higher, most definitely the box will be heavier. And the box with higher GSM is generally more robust or stronger. Take a lightweight tissue, for instance. If its GSM is somewhere around 30, then the strong box board’s number will be more than 300. This is how considerable the difference is between two different materials.

Pounds or Basis Weight (LBS) as the Imperial Standard

It’s the Basis Weight in pounds. Fortunately, it is popular or common in some parts of America. North America, to be precise. However, the parallel existence of two standards is often the cause of confusion. Numerous paper grades are dependent on the LBS system, such as Cover, Bond and Text. And for clarification, this is actually the weight of a 500-sheet ream of paper cut to a specific Basis Size.
Moreover, LBS refers to the Index and Cover grade for heavy materials. The latter is utilized on folding cartons or rigid packaging. Also, the starting sizes are different from lightweight Bond paper. The fact is that the lb number is of no use without the grade. For example, eighty lb paper weight means 80 pounds per 500 sheets of a size. For the Text paper, the GSM value will be 118 for lightweight brochure material. Nonetheless, the GSM will be 216 (more thickness of a paper or cardstock) when it comes to Cover stock.

Formulas for Accurate Conversions Between LBS & GSM

LBS is relative and its target relies on the Basis size. On the other hand, grams per square meter is absolute and the correct conversion is imperative for specifying materials globally. However, the procedure is not too effortless or direct and it’s not like you can instantly convert a certain value in LBS to GSM. We already illustrated the reasons for this and that is the dependency on the Basis Size.
Then, how can you convert 100 GSM to lb or any other value for determining the weight of the paper? You need a certain formula that accounts for the area of the Basis Size. For instance, 150 lbs of Cover will be equal to slightly more than four hundred GSM. We recommend you always rely on trusted conversion charts for knowing the exact values.

Opacity, Caliper & Bulk for Going Beyond Weight

Now, let’s concentrate on the durability and visual appeal of custom product packaging. Weight alone is not adequate for this purpose. It’s feel and the structure’s strength that contribute to the overall packaging quality. So, the caliper is the true thickness and measures the physical thickness of a board. It is represented in points or microns and the higher caliper offers more stiffness for item protection. Also, it does not matter if the GSM is low.
The ratio of caliper to GSM is basically the bulk and the board will have a more deluxe appearance if it is a high-bulk board. Besides, this thick feel resembles a pillow. Conversely, the low-bulk board will feel denser like a brick. Thus, altering the premium perception of the boxes. Lastly, opacity is usually for high-contrast exterior or interior. The high opacity means the ink does not show through the other side.

The Practical Guide for Designers & Consumers

To make sure of quality and sturdiness while ordering customized packaging, it is vital to shed light on some specifications and requirements. First, specify your board with grams per square meter, especially for those sourcing internationally. As stated earlier, GSM is recognizable almost everywhere. And it is an absolute measurement, very easy to comprehend.
Similarly, you must always pair your GSM requirement with the caliper and it is valuable for packaging meant to effectively safeguard the delicate items. A higher caliper board with a certain GSM is undoubtedly better for providing safety than one with a lower caliper but the same GSM. Finally, always confirm the grade with LBS. Merely knowing 80 lb paper is not sufficient. Also, confirm whether it is Cover or Text. Text with this much lb is too light for packaging. However, the Cover is okay for lightweight hang tags.

Paper Weight & the Crucial Impact on the Environment

Material weight affects the packaging supply chain cost and sustainability. So, you can save resources and minimize the demand for virgin fiber. For this purpose, the lightest possible board is ideal. It can still offer the required protection. Besides, it is optimized for the lowest acceptable grams per square meter.
Moreover, a heavier board increases the weight of every packaging. This weight will surely demand more fuel for transportation, no matter what sort of vehicle you depend on. Hence, to lower the overall mass shipped, lessen the board weight. Eventually, this will reduce the carbon emissions and it’s a clear step towards the betterment of this precious environment.
Lastly and most notably, you can gain further answers on: what is the weight of cardstock paper? How much weight or thickness is good for your product’s safety and premiumness? Or obtaining the packaging boxes on time. Just have a conversation with Boxit Packages experts anytime, as we are ready 24/7 to support every business.

Conclusion

Determining paper weight and thickness is crucial for ordering customized packaging, whether you are placing an order on our site or have partnered with any other supplier. This article explained two prime standards, GSM and LBS, along with relevant terminologies. For instance, the full version of GSM is grams per square meter and it is the weight of a one-square-meter sheet regardless of the material.
Moreover, LBS or lb is pounds. This standard is more popular in North America and depends on the grade, such as Text or Cover. We also elaborated on what’s beyond weight, including opacity and bulk. To convert these values accurately, always depend on reliable calculators. You can find one online or speak to our professionals for more guidance.