People identify the paper through their basic weights. Also, the basic weight can be characterized as the weight (in pounds) of the 500 standard-sized sheets of that white paper.
Grades of Paper
Bond & writing: Mainly used for business forms, letterheads, copiers. Typical premise weights are 20# for copying, 24# for stationery, and 16# for forms.
Book: The most common grade used for coated and uncoated paper for printing. For uncoated books, the basis weight is 50# to 70#. For Coated book premise weight goes from 30# to 70# for web press and 60# to 110# for sheet press.
Cover: Used in creating business cards, book covers, postcards. Can be either coated or uncoated. Basis weight for this grade is 60#, 65#, 80#, or 100#.
Text: High-quality grade paper with a lot of facet texture. Basis weight ranges from 60# to 100# with the most common being 70# or 80#.
