Choosing the Right Paper Weight for a Book

Short answer

For most text-heavy books, interior pages are commonly printed on about 50-60 lb text paper (roughly 75-90 gsm). Books with more images, workbooks or illustrated titles often step up to about 70-80 lb text (roughly 100-120 gsm), and art or photo books may use heavier paper still. Covers use a separate, heavier stock. The right choice depends on how the book is used, how much ink it carries and what you want it to feel like.

Text weight vs cover weight

Books use two different kinds of paper. Text weight is used for the inside pages. Cover weight is thicker and stiffer, used for the outside. Cover stock is often measured in points, where one point is a thousandth of an inch, or in pounds on a different scale. Because the two categories use different base sizes, a higher pound figure on text paper is not automatically thicker than a lower figure on cover paper. Our paper weight and GSM guide explains how to compare them using gsm.

Typical book paper weights

All figures are approximate and vary by manufacturer.

Weight, thickness and opacity

Heavier paper is typically thicker, more opaque and stronger, so there is less show-through of print on the reverse side. It also makes the book bulkier, adds to the spine width and increases material and shipping weight. Very heavy paper can be prone to cracking where heavy ink crosses the gutter, so check with your printer if your artwork spans two pages.

Lighter paper is more flexible and lighter to ship, but it can look more see-through and may feel less durable.

Choosing by book type

• Novels and memoirs: Lighter text paper keeps the book comfortable to hold. See book printing paper types compared for cream vs white and finishes.
• Workbooks and planners: Moderate weight, uncoated, for writing. Test your pens.
• Photo and art books: Heavier, often coated or matte, for sharper images.
• Children’s books: Medium to heavy for repeated handling.
• Cookbooks: Medium to heavy paper that resists marks.

Paper weight for handmade books and journals

If you are binding your own books, weight changes how a signature folds and sews. Light and medium papers fold easily into signatures; heavy papers may need to be folded in smaller groups. Wet media such as watercolour or heavy ink needs much heavier paper than a novel.

Grain direction also matters. Aim to have the grain run parallel to the spine so pages turn well and lie flat; see short grain vs long grain paper for tests you can do at home. Use a sharp awl or needle carefully, a cutting mat and a metal ruler for safe trimming.

Common questions

Which is thicker, 20 lb or 24 lb paper? 24 lb bond is thicker and heavier than 20 lb. It is roughly 90 gsm against about 75 gsm.

Is 32 lb paper like cardstock? No. 32 lb bond, about 120 gsm, is a heavy writing paper but still flexible. Cardstock is stiffer; see bond paper vs normal paper.

What is 70 lb paper used for? Text paper of about 70 lb (around 105 gsm) is common for illustrated pages, comics, workbooks and catalogues. Other uses depend on whether it is text or cover stock.

Is 2 pounds heavy for a book? That is a question about the finished book, not the paper. A book of around two pounds is a fairly hefty one for general reading, but it is normal for large illustrated or hardback titles.

Costs, spine width and shipping

Heavier paper increases material costs and postage and makes thicker books. If you are printing a larger run, a slightly lighter stock can help, and some printers recommend a test run to feel the paper.

Quick recap

• Novels often use about 50-60 lb text; illustrated books go heavier.
• Text and cover pounds are not directly comparable.
• Heavier paper reduces show-through but adds bulk.
• Grain should run parallel to the spine.
• Sample the paper with your inks before committing.