How is the weight of paper determined?
From heavy card stock to the loose-leaf found in notebooks, paper is available in a wide range of shapes and sizes. There are thousands of choices, each with different thickness and dimensions. As a result, there are also several methods for determining the weight of paper.Basis WeightSince sheets of paper are very thin, it is difficult to accurately weigh them individually. The basis weight of paper is determined by measuring the fixed weight (in pounds) of 500 sheets of paper. This method, which is primarily used in the United States, is also known as ream weight because there 500 sheets in a ream of paper.Grams Per Square MeterIn most European countries, paper is measured in grams per square meter. This measurement is sometimes preferred to basis weight because it takes into account the thickness, length and width of paper, eliminating the need to separate paper by size.Caliper SystemThe weight of paper can also be determined using the caliper system, which measures the actual thick
