“Paper weight” doesn’t just refer to a heavy, decorative item you place on top of a stack of papers. It can also refer to the weight of the paper you’re using for printing, copying, and faxing in your office. But what, exactly, does that mean? How can one type of copy paper have a different “weight” from another, and what are those different weights for? Keep reading to learn what you need to know.

What Does Paper Weight Mean?

The “weight” of a type of copy paper refers, not to the weight of the sheet of paper, but the paper’s thickness and sturdiness. The term is based on the weight a fully ream of that paper type, or 500 sheets. For example, a standard sheet of copy paper might have a “weight” of 20 pounds. Of course, that doesn’t mean that the sheet of paper actually weighs 20 pounds; rather, a full ream of that paper type would weigh 20 pounds.

Common Paper Weights and Their Uses

So, now that you know what the “weight” of your office paper actually means, what are the purposes of those different weights? Here are a few of the most commonly manufactured paper weights and how they’re used:

• 20 lb. Paper: This is the most common and economical option for office paper. It’s ideal for everyday printing and copying, and is a cost-effective option. It’s lightweight, so it’s great for large-volume tasks, which are common in an office setting.                                                                                                                                                                            
• 24 lb. Paper: This paper is just slightly thicker, giving it a more substantial feel when handled. It’s still a great choice for standard office documents, but offers better durability. If you want to print a document while giving it a high-quality, professional feel when touched, this is a good choice.                                                                                                      
• 28 lb. Paper: This heavier, more robust paper is good for documents that require a higher quality, like marketing materials or important correspondence. The added thickness of this paper reduces the amount of show-through for text and images on the other side of the paper, making it ideal for double-sided printing.                                                                                                                                                       
• 32 lb. Paper: This paper is much more expensive than your standard office paper, so it should only be used when superior results are essential, such as for photo printing and brochures, which require a great deal of color and must have a crisp, professional finish.