Staring at a wall of office supplies can be confusing. You see boxes labeled “20 lb,” “24 lb,” and “90 gsm,” all claiming to be “multipurpose.” If they all look white and fit in the tray, does it really matter which one you pick?
The short answer is yes. Choosing the wrong copy paper weight is the most common cause of two frustrating office problems: printer jams and documents that look cheap.
This guide will help you decode the numbers on the packaging. We’ll compare the standard 20 lb vs. 24 lb paper, explain the “GSM” metric used worldwide, and help you pick the perfect sheet for your printer—so your work looks professional every time.
The Quick Answer: Which Weight Wins?
For most everyday office tasks like copying and drafting, standard 20 lb (75 gsm) paper is the best choice. However, if you print double-sided documents or client presentations, you need 24 lb (90 gsm) paper. It is thicker, brighter, and prevents ink from showing through, giving your work a professional finish.
Understanding the Numbers: Lb vs. GSM
Before we compare them, it helps to know what these numbers actually measure. You will typically see two different metrics on a ream of paper.
What Does “20 lb” Actually Mean?
In the United States, we use “Bond weight.” This can be confusing because a single sheet of paper obviously doesn’t weigh 20 pounds.
The number refers to the weight of 500 Blätter (a ream) of paper in its factory “uncut” size (17″ x 22″). When that paper is cut down to standard Letter size (8.5″ x 11″), it still keeps the “20 lb” label to describe its density.
GSM: The Global Standard
Most of the world uses a more precise system: Grams per Square Meter (GSM). This measures the actual density of a single sheet of paper.
- Lower GSM = Lighter, thinner paper.
- Higher GSM = Heavier, thicker paper.
Concept Check: Think of 20 lb (75 gsm) paper like a standard cotton t-shirt—functional and everyday. Think of 24 lb (90 gsm) paper like a crisp dress shirt—structured, opaque, and formal.
20 lb vs. 24 lb Paper: The Head-to-Head Comparison
The two most common choices for any office are 20 lb and 24 lb bond. Here is how they stack up.
20 lb Bond (Standard): The Everyday Workhorse
This is the standard paper you find in most copy machines.
- Best for: High-volume copying, internal emails, draft reports, and faxing.
- The Feel: It is lightweight and flexible.
- The Pros: It is cost-effective and fits more sheets into your printer tray and filing cabinets.
- The Cons: It has high “show-through.” If you print on both sides, you will likely see the text from the other side, which can make reading difficult.
24 lb Bond (Premium): The Professional Standard
This is the step up that most offices use for external communication.
- Best for: Resumes, client proposals, double-sided reports, and contracts.
- The Feel: It has a “snap” to it. When you hold it, it feels substantial and crisp.
- The Pros: It is smoother (better for laser printing) and much more opaque. Double-sided prints look clean because the ink doesn’t bleed through visually.
- The Cons: It costs slightly more per ream than standard copy paper and takes up slightly more space in a binder.
The “Show-Through” Test (Opacity)
Opacity is the biggest differentiator. According to industry standards like ISO 536, higher grammage correlates with higher opacity. If you are printing a report with charts or bold headers on 20 lb paper, the image will often be visible on the reverse side, making the document look cluttered. 24 lb paper is thick enough to mask that text, ensuring your client focuses on the content, not the paper quality.
Will Heavier Paper Jam My Printer?
A common fear is that “thick” paper will get stuck in the rollers.
The “Safe Zone” for Office Printers
Rest easy: standard office laser and inkjet printers are designed to handle 20 lb to 28 lb bond paper in their main trays without issue.
- 20 lb (75 gsm): The native standard for all machines.
- 24 lb (90 gsm): Runs smoothly; often jams less than cheap paper because it is stiffer and doesn’t curl as easily in high heat.
When You Need the Bypass Tray
You only need to worry about jams when you move into “Cover” or “Cardstock” weights (typically 65 lb cover or above). If you are printing on heavy cardstock, you must use the manual feed (bypass) tray so the paper doesn’t have to bend around the rollers.
Quick Reference Chart: Copy Paper Weight Conversion
Use this chart to match the numbers to your needs.
| Bond Weight (lb) | GSM (approx) | Best Used For |
|---|---|---|
| 20 lb | 75 g/m² | High-volume copying, drafts, internal memos |
| 24 lb | 90 gsm | Letterheads, resumes, double-sided reports, proposals |
| 28 lb | 105 gsm | Color presentations, brochures, heavy ink coverage |
| 32 lb | 120 gsm | Legal documents, high-end flyers, signs |
Frequently Asked Questions About Paper Weight
Is 20 lb or 24 lb paper better?
Neither is “better” universally; it depends on the task. 20 lb is better for your budget and internal filing. 24 lb is better for your brand image and double-sided readability.
What is the standard weight for copy paper?
The standard weight for everyday copy paper in the US is 20 lb Bond. In countries using the metric system, the standard is roughly 75–80 gsm.
Can I use 24 lb paper in a regular printer?
Yes. Almost all standard desktop and office printers can handle 24 lb paper in the main tray. It actually tends to feed more reliably than lighter paper because it is less prone to static and curling.
What is the difference between 92 bright and 96 bright?
While weight measures thickness, “brightness” measures how much light the paper reflects. A 96 bright sheet will look “whiter” and offer higher contrast than a 92 bright sheet. Often, premium 24 lb paper also comes with a higher brightness rating (96+) for a sharper look.
Ready to Upgrade Your Office Print Quality?
Check your current paper box. If it says “20 lb” and you are unhappy with see-through pages or lack of crispness, it is time to try a heavier sheet.
Need help matching the right paper to your specific printer or project? Contact our team for help choosing paper weight for your specific printer or project.
