Why can paper weight be misleading?

Paper weight can be misleading because it refers to the weight of a ream (usually 500 sheets) of paper in a specific basis size, which varies depending on the type of paper. For instance, a heavier paper may feel thicker and sturdier but may not necessarily be more durable or suitable for every application. Additionally, different types of paper, such as coated versus uncoated, can have different weights that affect their performance, further complicating comparisons. Therefore, it's essential to consider both the weight and the paper type for the intended use.