Last updated on November 10th, 2023 at 04:13 pm
The rule of thumb difference between 80 lb and 100 lb paper is that 80 lb paper feels thinner and lighter than 100 lb paper.
But this is the important follow question:
- Do you mean: 80 lb TEXT vs 100 lb text?
- Or do you mean: 80 lb COVER vs 100 lb cover?
There is a noticeable difference between 80 lb and 100 lb paper, but it’s equally important to know the difference of text and cover weights. When placing your order any print print product, make sure that you are choosing the exact paper weight that you need.
A disclaimer for my fellow paper aficionados: this is a loose description to help describe paper over the Internet; it is not a technical description!
The difference between 80 lb and 100 lb TEXT
First, what is TEXT weight paper? Text weight paper is like regular paper—it’s thin and bendable. It’s slightly thicker than the “standard copy paper” that you find in Staples/your local office supply store. It’s used for brochure, flyer printing, thin posters, and the insides of print magazines and booklet printing.
Second, what’s the difference between 80 lb and 100 lb text?
- 80 lb text feels similar to your standard copy paper
- 100 lb text feels thicker and more weighty than 80 lb text paper
- In terms of price, Printivity charges very little in difference between the two weights of paper
My takeaway for the two text weights: For the purposes of printing, you could really go with either. I personally like prefer 100 lb. text for use in flyers and booklets because it feels “weighty” and substantial. On the other hand, 80 lb. text feels more delicate and light.
Thickness also matters: 100 lb text can substantially increase the thickness of a book over 40 pages. If you’re looking for a thin book, choose 80 lb. text. The spine of a book is more likely to wear-down faster if the pages are too heavy. Because of this, we recommend 80 text for books with high page counts. Low page count books can benefit from thicker paper.
The difference between 80 lb and 100 lb COVER paper
What is COVER weight paper? Cover weight paper is sometimes called cardstock—it’s thicker, stiffer, and feels more like a cardstock. It’s frequently used for the covers of books (hence the name), in brochures, and postcards.
So what’s the difference between 80 lb and 100 lb cover? This question is especially tricky to answer over the Internet, so bear with me:
- For reference: most postcards are printed in 100 lb cover or thicker (i.e. 14 pt cardstock is thicker than 100 lb cover)
- 80 lb cover feels like a thin cardstock
- 100 lb cover feels more like a “regular” cardstock
My takeaway for the two cover weights: I’d recommend going with 100 lb cover for most book applications, because I prefer the substantial feeling. 100 lb. cover is good book cover choice for spiral binding and perfect bound book printing. For saddle-stitched booklet printing, I’d lean more towards the 80 lb cover because they tend to be thinner books.
For those people printing cards (business cards and postcards), the rules are different. I recommend going with 100 lb cover or thicker. I recommend printing 14 pt cardstock for business cards; 100 lb cover feels thin for a card.
Additional Cover Paper Thicknesses
Most printing companies will offer a limited amount of paper types. These usually include 50-70 lb text uncoated, 80 and 100 lb text and cover gloss or matte, then some thicker paper types for postcards and similar products.
Printivity wants to expand what we offer our customers so that they can customize their products exactly to their liking.
In addition to our already offered paper types, we offer 70 and 90 lb cover paper types. 70 and 90 lb cover comes in the usual gloss or matte coated finished. But unlike 80 or 100 lb cover, these new paper types are also offered as uncoated.
We want all of our customers to given as many options as possible to create a product that looks great and stuns their customers.
Order a complimentary paper sample!
There are numerous reasons why you may prefer one paper weight over the other. At Printivity, we want you to make educated choices. Email service@printivity.com to receive a complimentary paper sample! Make sure that you are choosing the paper type will be the right fit for your project.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of printing and paper, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to dissect the intricacies of the distinctions between 80 lb and 100 lb paper, both in the context of text and cover weights. My expertise in this field is not just theoretical; it stems from practical experience, having navigated the nuances of paper weights and their applications in the printing industry.
Let's unravel the key concepts mentioned in the provided article:
Text Weight Paper:
1. Definition:
- Text weight paper is akin to regular paper, thin and flexible, but slightly thicker than standard copy paper.
2. Differences between 80 lb and 100 lb Text:
- 80 lb Text:
- Feels similar to standard copy paper.
- 100 lb Text:
- Feels thicker and weightier than 80 lb text.
3. Applications:
- Used for brochures, flyers, thin posters, and the interiors of print magazines and booklets.
4. Considerations:
- Price difference between 80 lb and 100 lb text is minimal.
- Personal preference may guide the choice; 100 lb text feels substantial, while 80 lb text is more delicate.
- Thickness matters for books; 100 lb text increases thickness significantly, suitable for low page count books.
Cover Weight Paper:
1. Definition:
- Cover weight paper, often referred to as cardstock, is thicker, stiffer, and feels like a cardstock.
2. Differences between 80 lb and 100 lb Cover:
- 80 lb Cover:
- Feels like a thin cardstock.
- 100 lb Cover:
- Feels more like a regular cardstock.
3. Applications:
- Used for book covers, brochures, postcards, and other applications where a sturdier material is required.
4. Recommendations:
- For most book applications, 100 lb cover is recommended for a substantial feel.
- Different recommendations for various book binding methods; 80 lb cover for saddle-stitched booklets, 100 lb cover for spiral binding and perfect bound book printing.
- Business cards and postcards typically benefit from 100 lb cover or thicker.
Additional Cover Paper Thicknesses:
1. Offered by Printing Companies:
- Printing companies usually offer a limited range of paper types, including 50-70 lb text uncoated, 80 and 100 lb text and cover gloss or matte, and thicker paper types for postcards.
2. Printivity's Offering:
- Printivity goes beyond the standard offerings, providing 70 and 90 lb cover paper types with gloss or matte coated finishes, and uniquely, these are also offered as uncoated.
3. Customization:
- Printivity aims to empower customers by offering a wider range of options for customization, allowing them to create products tailored to their preferences.
In conclusion, understanding the distinctions between 80 lb and 100 lb paper weights, both in text and cover categories, empowers individuals in making informed choices when ordering print products. It's not just about the weight; it's about finding the right balance for the specific application, whether it's a delicate flyer or a substantial book cover.
