Most people understand that a description offering a poundage weight on paper indicates the number of pounds that paper weighs for a ream of paper.
This can be confusing, since what we commonly refer to as a ream is a wrapped, letter or legal sized, 500-sheet package that we pick up at the local office supply store. Although you may know that standard copy paper is “20 pound” bond; you probably also know that ream of paper you just put in the copier did not weigh 20 pounds. What gives?!?
A “ream” is not a “base ream”
The difference is that the paper “weight” measurement doesn’t hinge on that 500 sheet rectangle you call a ream; it’s calculated on the something called a “base ream.” A base ream for paper is used to calculate a paper’s weight based on density. A base ream is a stack of 500 sheets of 17×22 paper (twice as large as the paper you just put in your computer printer),
Let’s Confuse The Issue Further
Historically, a ream was made up of 24 sheaves of paper, with each sheave being 20 pieces. This meant the ream was 480, rather than the modern 500, sheets of paper. Some specialty or unusual papers still use this 480 count reams. Some office supply stores also “short” a standard ream by these 20 sheets of paper, leading to the term “short ream.”
Note: Base ream sizes vary by paper type. Standard copy paper is measured as above, but thicker (or thinner) paper have different “base weights” for different paper grades. These different grades may be weighed and then cut to size, further complicating the issue for the consumer.
What You Need To Know
General Purpose – When you are filling your copier, shoot for a 20# bond (The average range is 13-24 pound bond).
Letterhead – When you are selecting high-quality text bond for your letterhead paper, look for paper weighing in at 24#. (Although the range can go up to 28# or more, it can pose a problem with desktop printers when the paper gets too thick). Usually 28# paper is used for mailing envelopes.
Finishes
This is the texture or lack of texture on a paper, regardless of weight and thickness:
- Smooth – as expected, this has a smooth, untextured surface.
- Linen – This has tiny square patterns similar to linen fabric on the surface of the paper.
- Laid – This finish has many stronger, more defined horizontal lines with occasional diagonal textures.
- Specialty – these textures offer a nearly infinite array of patterns, designs and look-feel.
Note: Coated paper has a waxy finish (which can be shiny or matte) and uncoated paper is untreated. When selecting letterhead, ensure the paper you select is printer-friendly if you plan to use them for business.
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