Brother printers require paper thickness settings in pounds (lb) basis weight, not grams per square meter (gsm), so you must convert your paper’s gsm to the correct lb value before adjusting the printer menu. The conversion is not a simple 1:1 ratio because different paper types—bond, text, cover, index, tag, or bristol—have unique densities. For example, 100 gsm bond paper converts to 26 lb, while 100 gsm cover paper converts to 38 lb. Using the wrong weight setting can cause paper jams, misfeeds, or poor print quality. The Paper Weight Converter solves this by instantly converting gsm to lb or lb to gsm for any paper type, so you can enter the exact value your Brother printer expects.
Most Brother printers, such as the HL-L2350DW or MFC-L2750DW, include a paper thickness setting in their menu under "Paper Type" or "Media Settings." This setting is typically labeled in lb (e.g., "20 lb Bond" or "60 lb Cover"). If your paper is labeled in gsm, you’ll need to convert it to lb first. For instance, if you’re using 120 gsm text paper, the converter will show it as 32 lb text, which you can then select in the printer’s menu. Without this conversion, the printer may misfeed or jam because it assumes a different paper thickness than what you’re actually using.
Paper weight affects more than just feeding—it also impacts print quality. Heavier papers (e.g., 300 gsm cover stock) require higher fuser temperatures to properly bond toner, while lighter papers (e.g., 80 gsm bond) need lower temperatures to avoid curling or scorching. Brother printers automatically adjust fuser settings based on the paper weight you select. If you input the wrong weight, the printer may use the wrong temperature, leading to smudged prints or paper damage. The Paper Weight Converter ensures you input the correct lb value, so the printer applies the right settings for your paper.
Why Brother Printers Use lb Instead of gsm
Brother printers, like most North American brands, use the pound (lb) basis weight system, which measures the weight of 500 sheets of paper in its basic size. For example, "20 lb Bond" means 500 sheets of 17" x 22" bond paper weigh 20 pounds. In contrast, gsm (grams per square meter) is a metric measurement of paper density, used globally but not directly compatible with Brother’s settings. The two systems don’t convert uniformly because the basic sheet size differs by paper type. For instance, bond paper’s basic size is 17" x 22", while cover paper’s is 20" x 26". This means 100 gsm bond paper is not the same weight as 100 gsm cover paper in lb terms.
The lb system is deeply embedded in North American printing standards, so Brother printers default to it for consistency with paper manufacturers and print shops. If you purchase paper labeled in gsm (common for European or Asian brands), you must convert it to lb before entering it into the printer. The Paper Weight Converter handles this by accounting for the paper type, ensuring the conversion is accurate. For example, 120 gsm text paper converts to 32 lb text, while 120 gsm cover paper converts to 45 lb cover. Without this distinction, you risk selecting the wrong setting and causing printer errors.
Brother’s user manuals and on-screen menus only list paper weights in lb, so gsm values are not directly usable. For example, the HL-L2350DW manual specifies supported paper weights as "16–28 lb Bond" or "50–110 lb Cover." If your paper is labeled as 80 gsm bond, you must convert it to 21 lb bond to match the printer’s menu. The Paper Weight Converter simplifies this by providing instant conversions for all common paper types, so you don’t need to memorize or calculate the ratios yourself.
How to Convert Paper Weight for Your Brother Printer
- Open the Paper Weight Converter in your browser.
- Toggle the direction to match your paper’s label: gsm → lb or lb → gsm.
- Enter the paper weight value (e.g., 120 for 120 gsm or 32 for 32 lb).
- Select the paper type from the dropdown: bond, text, cover, index, tag, or bristol.
- Read the converted result instantly. For example, 120 gsm text paper converts to 32 lb text.
- If you’re unsure of the paper type, tick "Compare across all paper types" to see conversions for every stock at once.
- Note the lb value and proceed to your Brother printer’s menu to enter it.
Adjusting Paper Thickness on Your Brother Printer
Once you’ve converted your paper’s gsm to lb, follow these steps to adjust the thickness setting on your Brother printer. The exact menu path varies by model, but the process is similar for most devices, including the HL-L2350DW, MFC-L2750DW, and DCP-L2550DW. Start by turning on the printer and loading the paper into the tray you plan to use. If you’re using a manual feed slot for thicker stocks like cardstock, load the paper there instead.
Access the printer’s settings menu using the control panel. On most Brother printers, press the Menu or OK button, then navigate to General Settings or All Settings. From there, select Paper Type or Media Settings. Some models may require you to choose the specific tray first (e.g., Tray 1 or Manual Feed). Once in the paper type menu, you’ll see options like Plain Paper, Thin Paper, Thick Paper, or Custom. Select Custom or Other to enter the exact lb weight.
If your printer supports direct lb input, you’ll see a field to enter the weight (e.g., "20 lb" or "60 lb"). Use the keypad to input the lb value you obtained from the Paper Weight Converter. For example, if you converted 120 gsm text paper to 32 lb, enter "32" and confirm. Some older models may only offer preset ranges (e.g., "20–24 lb" or "50–60 lb"). In this case, select the range that includes your converted lb value. After saving the setting, print a test page to ensure the paper feeds correctly and the print quality is sharp.
If you encounter issues like paper jams or misfeeds after adjusting the setting, double-check the following:
- The lb value you entered matches the converted result from the Paper Weight Converter.
- The paper is loaded correctly in the tray, with no curls or wrinkles.
- The printer’s firmware is up to date, as older versions may not support all paper weights.
- The paper type (e.g., bond vs. cover) matches what you selected in the converter.
Paper Weight Ranges for Common Brother Printers
The table below lists the supported paper weight ranges for popular Brother printer models. Use it to verify that your converted lb value falls within the printer’s limits before adjusting the settings. If your paper is outside these ranges, the printer may not feed it properly or could display an error.
| Brother Printer Model | Supported Paper Weights (lb) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| HL-L2350DW | 16–28 lb Bond, 50–110 lb Cover | Manual feed slot supports up to 110 lb cover. |
| MFC-L2750DW | 16–32 lb Bond, 50–120 lb Cover | Automatic duplex for up to 32 lb bond. |
| DCP-L2550DW | 16–28 lb Bond, 50–110 lb Cover | No manual feed slot; use tray for thicker stocks. |
| HL-L8360CDW | 16–32 lb Bond, 50–140 lb Cover | Supports up to 140 lb cover in manual feed. |
| MFC-J6945DW | 16–32 lb Bond, 50–120 lb Cover | Inkjet model; check ink compatibility for heavy stocks. |
For example, if you’re using 300 gsm cover paper, the Paper Weight Converter will show it as 113 lb cover. This falls within the range for the HL-L8360CDW (50–140 lb cover) but exceeds the limit for the HL-L2350DW (50–110 lb cover). If your printer doesn’t support the weight, consider using a different tray (e.g., manual feed) or a lighter paper stock. Always refer to your printer’s manual for model-specific limits, as ranges may vary slightly.
Troubleshooting Paper Thickness Issues
If your Brother printer jams or misfeeds after adjusting the paper thickness setting, the issue is often related to an incorrect lb value or paper loading. First, verify that the lb value you entered matches the converted result from the Paper Weight Converter. For example, 120 gsm text paper should be entered as 32 lb text, not 32 lb bond. If you selected the wrong paper type in the converter, the lb value will be inaccurate, leading to feeding problems.
Next, check how the paper is loaded in the tray. Even with the correct lb setting, curled or wrinkled paper can cause jams. Fan the paper stack before loading it to separate the sheets and reduce static. Ensure the paper guides in the tray are snug against the edges of the stack but not too tight, as this can cause resistance during feeding. If you’re using a manual feed slot for thicker stocks, load only one sheet at a time to avoid overloading the mechanism.
If the printer still misfeeds, try adjusting the fuser temperature setting. Some Brother models allow you to manually override the fuser temperature for custom paper types. For example, if you’re printing on 110 lb cover stock, you may need to increase the fuser temperature to ensure the toner bonds properly. Conversely, if you’re using lightweight paper (e.g., 16 lb bond), lowering the fuser temperature can prevent curling or scorching. Refer to your printer’s manual for instructions on adjusting fuser settings, as the process varies by model.
Finally, ensure your printer’s firmware is up to date. Brother periodically releases firmware updates that improve paper handling and expand supported weight ranges. To check for updates, visit Brother’s official support site, enter your printer model, and download the latest firmware. Follow the instructions to install it, then retest the paper thickness setting. If the issue persists, consult Brother’s customer support or a certified technician, as there may be a hardware issue with the paper feed mechanism.
Common Paper Types and Their Uses
Understanding the differences between paper types helps you select the right one for your printing needs and ensures accurate conversions. The table below lists common paper types, their typical uses, and their basic sheet sizes, which affect the gsm-to-lb conversion. Use this as a reference when selecting a paper type in the Paper Weight Converter.
| Paper Type | Basic Sheet Size (inches) | Typical Uses | Common gsm Range | Common lb Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bond | 17 x 22 | Letters, invoices, stationery | 60–120 gsm | 16–32 lb |
| Text | 25 x 38 | Brochures, flyers, reports | 80–150 gsm | 24–40 lb |
| Cover | 20 x 26 | Business cards, postcards, book covers | 120–350 gsm | 50–140 lb |
| Index | 25.5 x 30.5 | Index cards, dividers, tags | 110–200 gsm | 90–160 lb |
| Tag | 24 x 36 | Shipping tags, labels, tickets | 120–250 gsm | 100–200 lb |
| Bristol | 22.5 x 28.5 | Posters, art projects, invitations | 150–300 gsm | 67–135 lb |
For example, if you’re printing a brochure on 120 gsm text paper, the converter will show it as 32 lb text. If you mistakenly select "cover" instead of "text," the converter will show 45 lb, which is incorrect for your paper. Always double-check the paper type before converting to avoid errors. If you’re unsure, use the "Compare across all paper types" feature in the converter to see how the same gsm value converts for each stock.
Heavier papers like cover or bristol are ideal for projects requiring durability, such as business cards or invitations. However, they may require manual feeding or a printer with a straight paper path to avoid jams. Lighter papers like bond or text are better suited for high-volume printing, such as letters or reports, as they feed more reliably through automatic trays. The Paper Weight Converter helps you match your paper to the printer’s capabilities, ensuring smooth operation and professional results.
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