More Information
Paper Type | Basis Size | Ream Basis Area (ft²) |
---|---|---|
Ivex Paper | 24″ x 36″ | 3,000 ft² |
Bond | 17″ x 22″ | 1,299 ft² |
Book / Offset | 25″ x 38″ | 3,299 ft² |
Bristol | 22.5″ x 28.5″ | 2,227 ft² |
Cover | 20″ x 26″ | 1,806 ft² |
Index | 25.5″ x 30.5″ | 2,701 ft² |
Tag / Newsprint | 24″ x 36″ | 3,000 ft² |
Formula Examples:
Metric to Basis Weight
Let’s find the basis weight equivalent for a ream of 120 g/m2 Ivex Crepe paper.

Basis Weight to Metric
Now let’s find the metric equivalent for a ream of 74lb Ivex Crepe paper. Hint: should match up with the example above.

Terms & Definitions Reminder
• Basis Size: The standard sheet size of a particular paper type that is used to determine its basis weight.
• Basis Weight: The weight of 500 sheets (a “ream”) of paper in its basis size, measured in pounds.
• GSM: Stands for grams per square meter (g/m2) and is the one, standard reference measurement for all paper in most countries outside the U.S..
• M-weight: The weight of 1,000 sheets of paper . In other words, 2 reams.
• Ream: 500 sheets of any given type of paper, cut to its basis size.