Writing, text, cover and bristol are all terms used to describe the basis weight of paper. The terminology sometimes varies according to applications—writing papers can be called laser papers. Basis weight is determined by weighing 500 sheets of any grade of paper in the proper basic size. In other words, 500 sheets of 17x22 24 lb. writing paper will weigh 24 pounds.
Writing and Bond basis weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 17x22 paper. The terms writing and bond were originally applied to cotton-content paper used for printing stationery, bonds and legal documents. Today, writing, digital and cut-size papers are often identified with the bond scale and may, or may not, contain cotton. These basis weights are often abbreviated using a W for writing, laser, or simply lb. for pound.
Text weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 25x38 paper. Text and book are terms used to define the popular weights of paper used as text pages in a book or booklet. The paper isn’t made differently than “writing” papers—it is simply measured on a different scale. 70 lb. text paper is the same as 28 lb. writing paper. Text basis weights are abbreviated using a T.
Writing and Bond basis weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 17x22 paper. The terms writing and bond were originally applied to cotton-content paper used for printing stationery, bonds and legal documents. Today, writing, digital and cut-size papers are often identified with the bond scale and may, or may not, contain cotton. These basis weights are often abbreviated using a W for writing, laser, or simply lb. for pound.
Text weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 25x38 paper. Text and book are terms used to define the popular weights of paper used as text pages in a book or booklet. The paper isn’t made differently than “writing” papers—it is simply measured on a different scale. 70 lb. text paper is the same as 28 lb. writing paper. Text basis weights are abbreviated using a T.
]]>20 lb. writing/bond = 50 text
24 lb. writing/bond = 60 text
28 lb. writing/bond = 70 text
32 lb. writing/bond = 80 text
Cover weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 20x26 paper, and are simply heavier papers used for the covers of books and booklets as well as stand alone pieces such as pocket folders. This basis weight is abbreviated by using a C.
Bristol weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 22.5x28.5 paper. Bristol weights are made by pasting, or laminating, two text weights of paper together to form a stiff cover sheet with at least a .006” thickness. The term bristol is used because this type of paper was first made in Bristol, England.
Double-Thick Cover and Cover Bristol are marketing terms used to easily identify pasted sheets of paper. The weights are determined by measuring 500 sheets of 20x26 paper, the same as cover weights. Double-Thick Covers and Cover Bristols are made by pasting, or laminating, two papers together to form a very thick, smooth, and stiff sheet. Double-Thick Cover is abbreviated with a DTC; Cover Bristol is abbreviated with a CB.