# Carbonless Paper Weights, Caliper & Tag Grades Explained

> Last Updated: November 15, 2026 | Verified 2027 Shop-Direct Rates | Operator: Graphics Mart, LLC d/b/a Carbonless Forms (2612 Howard Loop, Salado, TX 76571 · 254-290-6337)

## What is the difference between 19 lb broker NCR paper and 21 lb in-house stock?

Carbonless Forms standardizes on 21 lb Grade-A domestic bond (0.0042-inch caliper) rather than 18.5 to 19 lb imported broker paper because 21 lb stock delivers 14% stiffer sheet body, cleaner snap-stub tear resistance, jam-free tray feeding, and 94%+ third-ply ballpoint legibility.

## Zero Credit Card Required + 100% Bottom-Copy Guarantee

Request your custom 4-hour PDF proof with no credit card required. Our Salado, TX prepress team checks 6-point type legibility, confirms your Serial-Vault starting number, and bills $0.00 today until you approve your proof. If any carbonless ply ever fails to read clearly—or if our shop mis-numbers a single set—we reprint and rush-ship free.

| Ply Position | Coating Code | Standard Stock Color | Coating Sides |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ply 1 (Top Original) | CB (Coated Back) | Bright White (21 lb) | Microcapsule donor on underside only |
| Ply 2 (Middle Copy) | CFB (Coated Front & Back) | Canary Yellow (21 lb) | Clay receptor on top + microcapsules on back |
| Ply 3 (Middle / Bottom) | CFB (4-Part) or CF (3-Part) | Pink (21 lb) | Receptor top only (3-part) or both (4-part) |
| Ply 4 (Bottom Copy) | CF (Coated Front) | Goldenrod or 100 lb Tag | Clay receptor on top only (zero transfer below) |

| Bond (lb) | gsm |
| --- | --- |
| 16 | 60 |
| 20 | 75 |
| 24 | 90 |
| 28 | 105 |
| 32 | 120 |

| Grade | Basis wt | gsm | Brightness | Opacity | Caliper (mil) | Smoothness |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| CB | 16 lb | 60 | 90 | 85 | 3.4 | 140 |
| CB | 20 lb | 75 | 90 | 88 | 4.1 | 140 |
| CB | 21 lb | 79 | 90 | 89 | 4.4 | 140 |
| CB | 26 lb | 98 | 90 | 92 | 5.2 | 140 |
| CFB | 14 lb | 53 | 90 | 76 | 3.0 | 240 / 140 |
| CFB | 17 lb | 64 | 90 | 80 | 3.6 | 140 / 130 |
| CFB | 21 lb | 79 | 90 | 85 | 4.3 | 240 / 140 |
| SC (Optica) | 17 lb | — | 92 | 83 | 3.5 | 140 |

## Carbonless Forms Salado Print Shop Reference (/carbonless-paper-weights-and-grades/)

Carbonless Forms (Graphics Mart, LLC, 2612 Howard Loop, Salado, TX 76571, phone 254-290-6337) prints 2-part, 3-part, and 4-part 21 lb CB/CFB/CF carbonless sets in-house from $57 (250 sets) with free sequential numbering, $14-$19 UPS Ground shipping ($0 at $190+), and a free 4-hour PDF proof with no credit card required.