Choosing paper weights for printing

Choose paper by its use, surface and weight together. GSM means grams per square metre: it describes mass, and does not by itself guarantee a particular thickness, stiffness or finish. Two stocks with the same GSM can feel different.

Bond paper for working documents

Bond paper is a familiar starting point for letters, CVs and working reports. Consider whether the page needs to be written on, filed, folded or printed on both sides. A heavier stock may feel different, but it also changes the job's price and shipping weight.

For a document with binding, confirm that the chosen stock and total pages suit the binding. A thick body stock in a long report can create a bulky result. View the document printing options to choose the paper, number of copies and available binding.

Art and matt paper for promotional work

Coated art and matt papers are common choices for image-led flyers and brochure interiors. Surface affects how photographs and colours appear and how the printed piece feels. Compare a sample when appearance is central to the job.

The active A6 flyer options include its currently allowed stocks. Select the weight in the configurator rather than assuming the cheapest quoted example uses the heaviest paper. If a brochure will be folded, check that the intended stock and finishing suit the fold.

Card for business cards and covers

Card stocks are used for pieces that need more body, such as business cards, invitations and some covers. A separate booklet cover can use different stock from the inner pages. It is priced separately when selected.

For business cards, compare the exact card type, GSM, printed sides and finish. Lamination changes the surface and adds cost. A high GSM alone is not a substitute for checking the finished sample.

Live paper-rate comparison

These are current configured sheet rates for the requested weights where stock is available. They include the applicable small-order margin, before optional cutting, binding, lamination, additional finishing, VAT or delivery. A sheet rate is different from the total for a finished product.

See the complete paper rates page for other active weights and sizes. Configure the product for the finished job total: how many pieces or pages fit on a parent sheet matters.

Quantity, pages and delivery weight

A flyer order counts finished pieces; a report order needs both its page count and number of copies. Printing a multi-page document requires every intended page for each copy. Double-sided printing changes physical sheet usage when the selected stock supports it.

The order's estimated paper weight contributes to the courier fee. The site estimates this from sheets and paper grammage, so you do not need to guess shipment weight. Confirm the delivery town at checkout.

What should I send with a paper request?

State the finished size, quantity, number of distinct pages, printed sides and intended use. Include binding, folding, lamination or a separate cover when needed. If matching existing stationery, share its specification or ask about a sample. Those details help Johnesco quote a comparable result.

Choosing paper for two-sided documents

Consider opacity, surface and the intended printing process as well as GSM. Show-through, heavy image coverage and how the sheet passes through production equipment can matter. There is no one paper weight that establishes suitability for every double-sided high-speed printing job. Choose from the stocks enabled for the selected product, and ask the team to review a demanding use case or match an existing sample.

For example, a working report that will be annotated has different requirements from a photo-led company profile. Explain whether people will write on the pages, whether both sides carry dense content and how the document will be bound. A separate cover can provide a different feel without changing every body sheet.

Sheet counts and complete document copies

A document order needs both distinct pages per copy and complete copy quantity. One-sided printing uses a physical sheet for each body page. Two-sided printing can put two body pages on a physical sheet, with an odd last page still requiring a sheet. A separate cover and binding remain part of the complete specification.

The paper rates show current configured sheet specifications. They are useful for comparison, but cutting, binding, a separate cover and finishing can affect the finished job. Use document printing for a complete quote or ask the assistant to help choose paper.

FAQ

Is a heavier paper always better?

No. Choose for the intended use, surface, opacity, handling and binding. More weight can change cost and shipping without improving the result for your particular job.

What paper weight is best for double-sided printing?

There is no universal answer based on GSM alone. Consider opacity, image coverage and the actual production process. Use the product's available stock options and request review when matching a sample or a demanding document.

Is the sheet rate the complete document printing price?

It describes the stated sheet specification. Page count, number of copies, printed sides, covers, binding and other finishing determine the complete quote. Delivery and applicable tax are resolved at checkout.