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Calculate the total weight of paper based on sheet size, grammage (GSM), and quantity for accurate shipping and production estimates.

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Paper Weight Calculator

Calculate the total weight of paper based on sheet size, grammage (GSM), and quantity for accurate shipping and production estimates.

Part of our suite of free print production tools. Browse all calculators, read our methodology, or learn about PrintReference Lab.

Inputs

ISO and North American standard sizes.
g/m²
Standard office paper is 80 g/m². Cardstock starts around 200 g/m².
A standard ream is 500 sheets.

Results

Total Weight
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Per Sheet
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Per Unit
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Per Sheet (\u00D71000)
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Output language

Answer

Enter your paper details above. This section will provide a plain-language interpretation, the primary driver of your result, and its downstream effects.

Decide

Extend

GSM Conversion CalculatorConvert this GSM value to US basis weight across different paper grades.Carries forward: GSM valueTotal Job Weight CalculatorCalculate complete print job weight including text block, covers, and binding.Carries forward: GSM, sheet sizePrint Run EstimatorPlan a full production run with waste allowances and total paper requirements.Carries forward: GSM, sheet sizeShipping Threshold CalculatorFind the most cost-effective shipping tier for your calculated paper weight.Carries forward: Total weight

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Methodology

Units Used

All dimensions are sourced in millimeters (mm) from ISO 216 and ANSI standards, then converted to meters for area calculation. Grammage is accepted in grams per square meter (g/m²). Output weights are expressed in grams (g) at the per-sheet level and kilograms (kg) for per-unit and total results.

Rounding Rules

Per-sheet weight is displayed to 2 decimal places. Per-unit and total weight are displayed to 3 decimal places. All rounding uses standard IEEE 754 round-half-to-even. No intermediate rounding is applied.

Defaults Applied

Paper size defaults to A4 (210 × 297 mm). Quantity defaults to 1 unit. Grammage and sheet count fields are intentionally left empty to require explicit user input.

Deterministic Behavior

This calculator is fully deterministic: identical inputs always produce identical outputs. The calculation is performed entirely client-side using the formula: Weight (g) = Area (m²) × Grammage (g/m²) × Sheet Count × Quantity.

What's not included
  • Weight of ink, coatings, or lamination applied after printing
  • Moisture content variation between different storage environments
  • Packaging materials such as cartons, filler, or shrink wrap
When to use this calculator
  • Estimating shipping weight for paper-based print jobs before requesting carrier quotes.
  • Comparing paper stocks to understand how grammage affects total order weight.
  • Budgeting postage costs for direct mail campaigns based on per-piece weight.
  • Verifying supplier-quoted weights against independently calculated values.
  • Planning packaging and palletization for multi-ream or multi-carton orders.
When not to use this calculator
  • Calculating certified weights for postal compliance. Always weigh finished pieces on a calibrated scale.
  • Determining structural load limits for shelving, pallets, or transport vehicles.
  • Accounting for coatings, lamination, ink coverage, or finishing treatments that add measurable mass.
  • Replacing manufacturer-provided specifications for paper with non-standard compositions.
  • Generating binding legal or contractual weight declarations.

Reference

How is paper weight calculated from GSM?
Paper weight is calculated by multiplying the sheet area (in square meters) by the grammage (GSM). For example, an A4 sheet (0.21 m x 0.297 m = 0.06237 m²) at 80 GSM weighs 0.06237 × 80 = 4.99 grams per sheet.
What is the difference between GSM and basis weight?
GSM (grams per square meter) is an international standard that measures paper density regardless of sheet size. Basis weight, used primarily in North America, measures the weight of a ream (500 sheets) in a specific "basis size" that varies by paper grade, making direct comparison less intuitive.
Why does paper weight matter for print production?
Paper weight directly impacts shipping costs, postal rates, print equipment settings, and the perceived quality of the final product. Heavier stocks feel more premium but increase logistics costs, while lighter stocks reduce postage for direct mail campaigns.
Units Used
All dimensions are sourced in millimeters (mm) from ISO 216 and ANSI standards, then converted to meters for area calculation. Grammage is accepted in grams per square meter (g/m²). Output weights are expressed in grams (g) at the per-sheet level and kilograms (kg) for per-unit and total results.
Rounding Rules
Per-sheet weight is displayed to 2 decimal places. Per-unit and total weight are displayed to 3 decimal places. All rounding uses standard IEEE 754 round-half-to-even. No intermediate rounding is applied.
Defaults Applied
Paper size defaults to A4 (210 × 297 mm). Quantity defaults to 1 unit. Grammage and sheet count fields are intentionally left empty to require explicit user input.
Deterministic Behavior
This calculator is fully deterministic: identical inputs always produce identical outputs. The calculation is performed entirely client-side using the formula: Weight (g) = Area (m²) × Grammage (g/m²) × Sheet Count × Quantity.

Intended use

  • Estimating shipping weight for paper-based print jobs before requesting carrier quotes.
  • Comparing paper stocks to understand how grammage affects total order weight.
  • Budgeting postage costs for direct mail campaigns based on per-piece weight.
  • Verifying supplier-quoted weights against independently calculated values.
  • Planning packaging and palletization for multi-ream or multi-carton orders.

Not intended for

  • Calculating certified weights for postal compliance. Always weigh finished pieces on a calibrated scale.
  • Determining structural load limits for shelving, pallets, or transport vehicles.
  • Accounting for coatings, lamination, ink coverage, or finishing treatments that add measurable mass.
  • Replacing manufacturer-provided specifications for paper with non-standard compositions.
  • Generating binding legal or contractual weight declarations.
  • Weight of ink, coatings, or lamination applied after printing
  • Moisture content variation between different storage environments
  • Packaging materials such as cartons, filler, or shrink wrap

Calculators

  • Paper Weight
  • GSM Conversion
  • Sheet Count
  • Total Job Weight
  • Basis Weight
  • Paper Thickness
  • Dimensional Weight
  • Packaging Weight
  • Print Run Estimator
  • Shipping Threshold

Resources

  • Methodology
  • About
PrintReferenceLab.com

Reference-grade tools for print professionals. All calculations run client-side. No accounts required.

About this calculator

How to use

Enter sheet size (width and height), GSM, sheet count per unit, and quantity. The calculator returns weight per sheet and total weight in grams and kilograms.

What the results mean

Per-sheet weight is useful for postage or small batches. Total weight is for ordering, shipping, and production. Results are in metric; convert to lb if your supplier uses US units.

Common mistakes

Using trimmed size instead of uncut size (or vice versa) changes area and weight. Wrong units (e.g. inches vs mm) will give wrong results. Double-check GSM from the spec sheet.

FAQs

  • What is GSM? — Grams per square meter—the metric measure of paper density. Multiply by sheet area in m² to get sheet weight in grams.
  • How do I convert to pounds? — Multiply kilograms by 2.205 for lb. Or use our GSM to basis weight converter for ream weights by grade.
  • Why do I need sheet count and quantity? — Sheet count is how many sheets per unit (e.g. per ream or per skid); quantity is how many units. Together they give total sheets and total weight.
  • What sheet size should I use? — Use the size you're actually weighing or ordering—trim size for finished product, or press size for raw stock.
  • How accurate is the per-sheet weight? — It's exact for the dimensions and GSM entered. Real paper can vary slightly in grammage; use mill specs for critical applications.
  • Can I use this for envelopes? — Yes. Enter the envelope's flat dimensions (before folding) and GSM. Sheet count is number of envelopes; quantity is how many units (e.g. boxes).
  • What if I have multiple sheet sizes? — Run the calculator once per size, then add the total weights. Or enter the dominant size and add a separate estimate for the rest.
  • Why are results in grams and kg? — GSM is metric; so are grams and kg. Use our converters or multiply kg by 2.205 for pounds if you need US units.

Related calculators & resources

  • GSM to Basis Weight Converter
  • Basis Weight Calculator
  • Dimensional Weight Calculator
  • Paper Thickness Calculator
  • Print Run Calculator
  • Sheet Count Calculator
  • Packaging Weight Calculator
  • Shipping Threshold Calculator
  • Total Job Weight Calculator
  • About PrintReference Lab
  • Methodology