Converting US and Asian
paper weights
We measure paper weight in pounds (lb) and points
(pt) in the US. Asia (and Europe) measures in
millimeters (mm) and grams per square meter
(gsm).Standards vary from country to country, but
this chart will give you some of the possible
conversions. We may alter specifications on a quote
if we find a better cost for you in a different country
of origin than used in this chart.

If you  print on 60 lb offset, you can go to a lower
weight, 80 gsm, or a little heavier weight, 100 gsm,
wood free (uncoated paper).
HARDCOVER
Add thickness of front and back boards.
Gloss is thinner than the same weight of matte.

MATTE ART (Coated)
80 gsm       651 ppi
100 gsm     546 ppi
120 gsm     454 ppi
140 gsm     348 ppi
180 gsm     282 ppi
PPI (Page Per Inch) counts determine
spine width
SPB will provide spine width.

Example Formula:
SOFTCOVER
Divide the page count by the PPI noted in the
charts below. Add 0.03" to allow for gathered
signatures, cover and glue. Example for 184
page book printed on 140 gsm matte art.184
pages divided by 348 ppi equals 0.53" plus 0.03"
equals a spine width of 0.56".
Book Printing in Asia
Coated stock
GLOSS ART or MATTE ART coffee table books
57 lb          80 gsm
64 lb          90 gsm
78 lb        100 gsm
86 lb        120 gsm
91 lb        150 gsm
100 lb      180 gsm
Paper Conversion
GLOSS ART (Coated)
80 gsm       726 ppi
100 gsm     605 ppi
120 gsm     535 ppi
140 gsm     405 ppi
180 gsm     332 ppi
WOOD FREE (Uncoated)
80 gsm       552 ppi
100 gsm     462 ppi
Uncoated stock
WOODFREE (offset) novels, children's books
54 lb          80 gsm
68 lb        100 gsm      
81 lb        120 gsm     
95 lb        140 gsm
122 lb      180 gsm
16 pt        360 gsm
Hardcover binding board
GREY BOARD cover board for hardcover books
60 pt        16 oz.        1.4 mm      1,000 gsm
65 pt        20 oz.        1.8 mm      1,300 gsm
70 pt        24 oz.        2.0 mm      1,400 gsm
80 pt        28 oz.        2.2 mm      1,600 gsm
88 pt        32 oz.        2.6 mm      1,800 gsm
92 pt        36 oz.        2.8 mm      2,000 gsm
98 pt        40 oz.        3.0 mm      2,100 gsm
140 pt      48 oz.        3.4 mm      2,400 gsm
Paperback or Perfect Bound cover stock
Art Board perfect bound softcover books, C1S,
C2S, gloss art, matte art, and wood free
10 pt        200 gsm
12 pt        250 gsm
14 pt        300 gsm
16 pt        350 gsm
Copyright © 1999 - 2008  Star Print Brokers, Inc. All Rights Reserved | PRIVACY NOTICE
425.603.1777
From Inception to
Finish, We Bring it All
Together for You