When it comes to printing, whether you’re working on creative church bulletin paper, event flyers, or professional business documents, the choice of paper weight can make all the difference in how your finished product looks and feels.

This Paper Weights Guide will break everything down clearly, help you feel confident about your choices, and show how the right paper elevates your print projects.

What Is Paper Weight?

Paper weight refers to how heavy and thick a sheet of paper is—an important factor in printing that affects durability, appearance, and how well ink adheres to the surface.

In the United States, paper weight is often expressed in pounds (lb), which represents the weight of 500 sheets of paper in an uncut “basis size.” In many other parts of the world (and increasingly in the U.S. for comparisons), paper is described using GSM (grams per square meter). A higher GSM number means a heavier, thicker sheet of paper.

Why Paper Weight Matters for Your Print Projects

Choosing the correct paper weight influences how your audience perceives your printed materials:

  • Durability: Heavier paper feels sturdier and lasts longer, especially important for handouts that will be handled repeatedly.
  • Ink Quality: Different weights absorb ink differently, which can affect color vibrancy and clarity.
  • Handling: Lightweight sheets are easy to fold and staple, while heavier stocks may require more robust printers and finishing equipment.

For example, everyday printer paper often sits around 20–24 lb (about 75–90 GSM), making it ideal for general use but too flimsy for covers or keepsakes.

Common Paper Weight Categories

Understanding the main paper weight groups helps you match your material with the right support:

Bond and Text Papers

These are typically lighter weights used for everyday printing:

  • 20 lb bond / 24 lb bond (also listed as 50 lb & 60 lb text): Standard office and home printer paper used for letters and simple flyers.
  • 28 lb bond / 32 lb bond (also listed as 70 lb & 80 lb text): Slightly heavier and ideal for newsletters, programs, and church bulletin paper that need to feel a bit more substantial.

Cover and Cardstock Weights

Cover stock and cardstock represent heavier weights that feel rigid and premium in hand:

  • 67 lb Vellum Bristol / 65 lb Cover / 110 lb Index: Ideal for covers, postcards, and more durable handouts. Perfect for unfolded church bulletins
  • 80 lb & 100 lb Cover: Common for business cards, event cards, and high-quality card stock meant to be kept.

A key thing to remember is that a higher number doesn’t always mean thicker paper if the paper types (cover, bond, text, etc.) differ. Each category has its own scale.

How Paper Weight Affects Church Bulletin Paper

When choosing church bulletin paper, here’s how paper weights play into your decision:

  • Lightweight (20–24 lb): Great for weekly bulletins that need to be economical and easy to handle.
  • Mid-weight (70–80 lb text): Adds a professional feel without being overly thick. Works well for bulletins with lots of content or images.
  • Heavier stock (65 lb+ cover): Perfect for special services, keepsake bulletins, or programs designed to be retained after the event.

If your congregation often keeps bulletins as mementos, choosing a weight on the heavier side can send a subtle message of quality and thoughtfulness.

Tips for Choosing the Right Paper Weight

  1. Consider Your Audience: Will people keep your materials, or are they meant to be recycled after a single use?
  2. Know Your Printer: Not all printers handle heavy stock well. Check your machine’s specifications before ordering heavier paper.
  3. Match Weight to Purpose: Think about whether your printed piece needs durability, flexibility, or a balance of both.

Paper Weight and Printing Performance

Different weights deliver different printing experiences:

  • Ink Absorption: Thicker, heavier sheets often absorb ink more evenly, preventing smudges and offering crisper images.
  • Stapling and Folding: Lightweight stocks fold easily and staple without difficulty, but may feel flimsy. Heavier stocks resist buckling under staples and give a more solid impression.
  • Texture and Finish: Some papers come with finishes like gloss or matte, which pair nicely with specific weights to achieve the look you want.

Understanding these interactions makes it easier to pick not just the weight but the overall paper type that best supports your content.

Source Quality Paper Weights with Church Paper 

Church Paper offers a wide range of paper options, suited for both weekly print runs and special events. We provide a variety of weights, finishes, and sizes so you can choose what feels right for your congregation and communication style.

Visit us at Church Paper to explore our selection of quality papers and find the perfect fit for your next project.