Paper Weight Guide for Book Printing: 60lb vs 70lb vs 80lb

One of the hardest parts about ordering custom book printing online is that you cannot physically touch the paper through your screen.

When you are setting up your order at BookPrintCanada, you will be asked to choose an interior paper weight—usually options like 60lb, 70lb, or 80lb. If you aren’t a printing expert, these numbers can be confusing.

Choosing the wrong paper can result in a book that feels too flimsy, or conversely, a book that is too thick and stiff to read comfortably.

To help you make the perfect choice for your self-published project, here is our simple guide to understanding paper weights.

Understanding the “lb” (Pounds)

In North America, paper thickness is measured in pounds (lb). Without getting too technical, the higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper will be.

(Note: We are talking about “Text weight” paper for the inside pages of your book, not the thick “Cover weight” cardstock used for the outside cover.)

1. 60lb Uncoated (The Industry Standard)

If you pick up a standard paperback novel from a bookstore, you are likely feeling something very close to 60lb uncoated paper.

• What it feels like: It is slightly thicker and much smoother than your standard everyday home printer paper (which is usually 20lb bond / 50lb text).
• Best used for: Novels, memoirs, poetry books, and any book that is mostly black-and-white text.
• The Verdict: This is our most popular option. It keeps the cost down, keeps the book lightweight for shipping, and is easy to turn the pages.

2. 70lb Uncoated (The Premium Upgrade)

This is a step up in thickness. Because it is thicker, it has higher opacity—meaning you are less likely to see the ink showing through from the other side of the page (a problem known as “ghosting”).

• What it feels like: Substantial and premium. It feels like high-quality stationery.
• Best used for: Workbooks, planners, educational manuals, or books with a mix of text and light illustrations/charts.
• The Verdict: If you are printing a workbook where people need to write on the pages with a pen, 70lb is the minimum you should choose to prevent ink bleeding.

3. 80lb & 100lb Coated (Gloss or Silk/Matte)

When you move up to 80lb or 100lb, you are usually looking at “coated” paper. This paper has a smooth finish (either shiny gloss or smooth matte) that prevents ink from absorbing into the fibers, keeping colors vibrant.

• What it feels like: Think of a high-end fashion magazine or a corporate product catalog.
• Best used for: Photography books, cookbooks, children’s books, and full-color corporate catalogs.
• The Verdict: If your book relies heavily on full-color CMYK images, coated 80lb or 100lb paper will make your photos pop.

Still Can’t Decide?

The best way to know is to feel it yourself. If you are planning a large run of books and want to be absolutely sure, reach out to us. We print everything locally here in Canada and can help guide your decision based on your manuscript.

And remember, before you worry about the paper, ensure your digital files are set up perfectly! Read our guide on[How to Prepare a Print-Ready PDF]

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