Paper Weights Made Simple: A Guide to GSM, Pounds & What to Buy

Confused by paper weights? You’re not alone. In this guide, I’ll explain what those numbers actually mean (gsm, lb, 110 vs 65 — it’s a whole thing!), how to avoid the most common mistakes when buying paper, and which weights are best for junk journal pages, ephemera, and covers.

If you’ve ever searched for paper online and thought,
“Why is this 110 lb paper thicker than that 110 lb paper?”
…I feel you.

You’re not imagining it — and you’re not the only one confused. Paper weight is one of those sneaky little things that seems simple… until it’s not. Especially when you’re shopping for printables and junk journaling supplies.

The truth is, you don’t need to be a paper scientist to make the right choice. You just need to know what numbers matter, what they mean, and which ones to trust when you’re shopping for your next project.

And that’s what this post is here to do.
Let’s take the confusion out of paper weights so you can shop with confidence — and craft without surprises.

📏 What’s the Difference Between GSM and LB?

Let’s break this down simply:

✉️ In the U.S., paper weight is measured in lb (pounds).

That number comes from weighing a stack of 500 large sheets of that paper type in its uncut form — but here’s the kicker: different types of paper have different base sizes. So 500 sheets of “Cover” paper weigh more than 500 sheets of “Index” paper — even if they feel the same when cut down.

That’s why you’ll see labels like:

110 lb Cover vs. 110 lb Index — but they’re not the same!

🌍 Everywhere else (and sometimes in the U.S., too), you’ll see gsm (grams per square meter).

This measures exactly what it sounds like: how much one square meter of the paper weighs. No stacks. No categories. Just one clear number that tells you how thick and heavy the paper actually is.

👉 That’s why gsm is more accurate and way easier to compare across brands.

⚠️ Why “110 lb” Might Not Mean What You Think

This is where so many junk journalers get tripped up.

You might buy one 110 lb paper and love it — then buy another 110 lb paper and feel disappointed. Turns out, one was 110 lb Index (lighter), and the other was 110 lb Cover (heavier). Or worse, there was no clear label at all.

Here’s the breakdown:

💡 So even if two papers say “110 lb,” they can feel wildly different — depending on whether they’re Index, Text, or Cover stock.

🛒 My Advice: Always Shop by GSM

Seriously — gsm is your best friend.

If the listing shows gsm? Use that.

If not? Try to find a gsm-to-lb reference chart or check the reviews to see if anyone mentions the feel or thickness.

Most quality paper listings will include gsm, especially for premium paper brands, craft supplies, or Amazon listings. And once you get a feel for the weights you love, it’ll become second nature.

🛍️ The Only Paper Weights You Really Need

You don’t need a stack of specialty paper to start junk journaling.

Most of the time, just three paper weights will cover everything — from journal pages and pockets to covers and folios.

Here’s what I recommend (and use myself!):

📝 1. Writing Paper

💡 120 gsm / 32 lb Text

This is my go-to for:

• Printing junk journal pages
• Folding into small notepads or inserts
• Light layering and background pieces
• Making lightweight envelopes or flip-outs

Why I love it:
It’s smooth, slightly thicker than standard copy paper, and handles color printing beautifully — without warping or show-through.

✂️ Want to use a lighter option?
You can use 90–105 gsm (24–28 lb) for journal pages — but only if the design isn’t too saturated with ink.

📌 [See my top writing paper picks in the Paper Guide →]

✂️ 2. Light Cardstock

💡 160 gsm / 90 lb Index

The perfect middleweight paper — thick enough to hold its shape, but flexible enough to cut, fold, and layer with ease.

I use this for:

• Fussy cuts, tags & journaling cards
• Ephemera and layered elements
• Folio flaps, pockets, and envelopes
• Anything you want to feel sturdy, but not bulky

🖨️ Prints cleanly without jamming and feeds easily through most home printers.

🔁 Need something just a little sturdier?
Try 190 gsm paper — it’s the same weight Stamperia uses for their printed cardstock. It adds more body without tipping into heavy-cardstock territory.

📌 [Find my favorite 160 gsm paper in the Paper Guide →]

📚 3. Medium or Heavy Cardstock

💡 250 gsm (92 lb Cover)
or
💡 300 gsm (110 lb Cover)

This is what I use when I need structure. It’s perfect for:

• Journal covers
• Folio bases
• Sturdy flip-outs or “hinged” sections
• Panels that need to stand up to wear

250 gsm is the sweet spot for strength without hassle — it prints easily on most mid-range printers (like my Epson EcoTank).

300 gsm adds even more durability — but check your printer first. Many can only handle it via the rear tray and in single sheets.

📌 [Learn more in my full printing guide →]

🚫 A Note on Regular Copy Paper

Standard printer paper (usually 75–83 gsm / 20–22 lb) isn’t ideal for junk journaling printables.

It’s too thin for most full-color designs — ink tends to bleed through, curl the paper, or show on the other side.

But if it’s all you have? That’s okay too.

Here’s when I use it:

• To test-print layouts or sizing
• For blank notepad pages or mini inserts
• When I know the back will be glued down or hidden

💡 Pro tip: If you want something better than copy paper, but not quite cardstock, start with 120 gsm (32 lb). It’s the perfect in-between.

Next Steps

By now, you’ve cracked the code on paper weights — and you didn’t need a degree in printing science to do it! 🎉

You know what gsm and lb mean (and why gsm is your best bet when shopping). You’ve seen how different weights work for journal pages, fussy cuts, folios, and covers. And you’ve got clear, simple recommendations you can trust — no guesswork required.

If you’re feeling a little more confident the next time you shop for paper, then this post has done its job. 💛

And remember:
You don’t need 15 types of paper. You just need the right few that work for the kind of crafting you love.

🧭 Where to Go Next

Ready to stock up on paper or dive deeper into your printer settings? These posts will help:

• 📄 The Paper Guide: The Best Papers for Junk Journal Printables
• 🖨️ Printing Guide: Tips for Perfect Printables
• 📦 How to Download and Open Printable Files
• 📚 The Best Printers for Crafting & Junk Journaling
• 🖨️ How to Print on the Back of a Printable
• ✂️ How to Cut Fussy Cuts With a Cricut

You’re doing amazing — keep going at your own pace, and don’t be afraid to test, play, and find what works for you.

Happy crafting,
Cyna xx