1. What is Paper Density?

Definition: Paper density is the mass per unit volume of paper, typically measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m³).

Purpose: Understanding paper density helps in quality control, packaging design, and determining paper strength and thickness.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( \rho \) — Density (kg/m³)
• \( m \) — Mass of paper (kg)
• \( V \) — Volume of paper (m³)

Explanation: The mass of the paper is divided by its volume to calculate density.

3. Typical Paper Density Values

Details: Paper density typically ranges from 700–1200 kg/m³ depending on type:

• Newsprint: ~700 kg/m³
• Office paper: ~800-900 kg/m³
• Cardstock: ~1000-1200 kg/m³

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the paper mass in kilograms and volume in cubic meters. Both values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I measure paper volume accurately?
A: For sheets, measure length × width × height of a stack, then divide by number of sheets.

Q2: Why does paper density vary?
A: Density varies based on fiber content, fillers, coatings, and compaction during manufacturing.

Q3: How does density relate to paper weight?
A: Higher density means heavier paper at the same thickness, or thinner paper at the same weight.

Q4: What's the difference between density and basis weight?
A: Basis weight measures weight per area (g/m²), while density measures mass per volume (kg/m³).

Q5: How does moisture affect paper density?
A: Moisture increases mass (and apparent density) but can swell fibers, slightly increasing volume.