You've got a business card or flimsy flyer in your hand and you're thinking to yourself, "Oh this feels like a lot of paper, it feels nice and solid" - you've been experiencing GSM paper without even realizing it.
It's that single number listed on a paper spec sheet that covers most of the bases for how a sheet feels, how well it prints and if it will hold up in the real world. After grasping it you'll never look at paper in the same way again!
What Does GSM Mean in Paper?
The full form of GSM in Paper is Grams per Square Meter. It's the global standard for measuring paper weight, used by printers, designers, and packaging manufacturers alike.
Let's say that you have a piece of paper that is one meter wide and one meter long. Weigh it in grams. This is its GSM in paper. Simple as that. GSM paper meaning is simply, what is the weight of a standard size sheet? A 90 GSM sheet is a sheet that weighs 90 grams. A piece of paper with a mass of 350 grams is called a 350 GSM paper. The heavier the sheet the higher the number.
But that is not to say that GSM paper is not a measure of weight, it is actually a measure of weight – it is actually a measure of weight, though not straight weight. A GSM of two can be the same but be felt differently if they are made from different fibers or produced at different levels. However, in papers of similar types, greater GSM typically equates to thicker, stronger paper. It's a good compass, but it doesn't point right to the stars.
Why GSM Matters in Printing and Packaging
Printing paper GSM impacts on three factors buyers and designers are interested in – feel, print quality, and expense.
Feel - Perceived quality. There's a good reason why luxury brands use 200+ GSM stock for their brochures. Quality is apparent in the heavier paper even before you read a single word. The low GSM paper is approximately 70 GSM in your hand. A 170 GSM one will keep its form and requires attention.
Print quality. Low GSM papers are very ink receptive, especially uncoated paper. This makes the fine lines less distinct and the print less crisp than it ought to be. High GSM paper /coated paper: great ability to retain the ink on the surface for sharper edges and truer colors.
Bleed-through. Paper with a low weight (Thinner than 80 GSM) may bleed through from one side to the other with ink. It's a big issue for double sided documents such as booklets, brochures, and catalogues.
Cost. The greater GSM is, the higher the cost of the sheet, the more raw material, and the heavier the shipment. Trimming GSM equates to real dollars especially for large quantities such as promotion inserts or direct mail.
GSM vs Paper Thickness: Are They the Same?
This one is probably one of the most common, so let's put this one to rest.
No, the GSM of paper is not the same as its physical thickness. GSM is the weight per unit area. Physical thickness is determined by measurement in microns (thousandths of a millimeter) with the use of a caliper. They are related but not when the density changes. A sheet that is tightly crumpled will have the same weight, but will be thinner than a looser sheet with a high degree of porosity.
GSM is a good indicator of thickness for normal print jobs. However, when creating a package for precise dimensions, or specifying paper for high-speed industrial machines, always inquire about the dimensions' actual caliper measurement as well as the thickness of a paper in terms of GSM.
Here is the paper thickness chart to keep handy:
GSM |
Approx. feel |
Common use |
|
70–80 GSM |
Very thin, nearly see-through |
Copier paper, newspapers |
|
100–130 GSM |
Medium weight, easy to handle |
Flyers, brochures |
|
170–250 GSM |
Noticeably thick, holds its shape |
Invitations, photo prints |
|
300+ GSM |
Rigid, almost card-like |
Business cards, packaging |
Paper GSM Chart: Common Ranges Explained
Below is a more detailed paper GSM chart with the description of what each weight range is used for:
70–90 GSM - Everyday paper, standard copier paper and notebook inner pages reside in the 70-90 GSM range. Light, low cost and widely available. Lined paper and rough copies are acceptable. A bad idea for anything that involves the customer.
90-100 GSM – standard office paper weight More common paper weight for printing. The majority of reams of A4 paper that are sold at a stationery shop are 80 GSM. It's functional but it's not going to wow anyone.
120–150 GSM — Deliberate paper choices are from 120–150 GSM, such as flyers, menus and promotional material. A leaflet with the weight of 130 GSM is held straight in one's hand. These usually end up in the trash alongside takeaway menus, event programmes and cinema posters.
300–400 GSM — business cards and letterhead Standard paper that has definite weight. This restaurant menu is good for months of handling. This brochure cover here makes good reading material.
350–450 GSM — At 350–450 GSM paper doesn't bend as quickly anymore and is suitable for use in business cards, postcards and greetings cards. They are typically 350-400 GSM — which is the great feeling of rigidity is exactly what the business card is all about. This is where postcards have to endure postal treatment.
GSM and Paper Types
The same GSM paper can feel completely different depending on what the paper is made of and how it's manufactured.
Bond and writing paper: (usually 70-100 GSM) is uncoated and used for general writing and printing. Ink penetrates the fibers and does not rest on the surface.
Newsprint: Most people come across the lightest paper, which is newsprint (around 40–60 GSM). It was a low-quality product made to be cheap, fast and not intended for quality image reproduction. The lowest GSM paper, at its worst.
Coated/gloss paper: is a paper that is coated on one or both sides with clay to prevent ink spreading into the fibers. The appearance and feel of a 130 GSM gloss sheet is very different from a 130 GSM uncoated sheet, glossier and more saturated colours, the surface is slightly slippery.
Uncoated/matte paper: is paper with a natural feel. Ink penetrates and does not lie flat on the surface adding a soft, warm appearance. Ideal for reading-focused tasks, such as reading books and reports.
Card and board stock (200 GSM and higher) is used for packaging, business cards and anything that requires true rigidity. Kraft paper GSM is a familiar brown unbleached packaging paper, which is generally 90 – 400 GSM, most often in use is 200 – 350 GSM, kraft paper GSM for packaging most often indicated as such.
Common Uses by GSM
Flyers/leaflets: 100-150 GSM. It is light enough to distribute in large quantities, yet strong enough to be carried around.
Business cards: 350–400 GSM. The weight is a part of the experience. A thin business card is an after-thought. The one that's heavy is kept.
A brochure and booklets: 250 – 300 gsm on cover, 90 – 130 gsm on the inside. This is not a mistake in printing, but a deliberate design decision – a contrast between the solid cover and lighter inner pages.
Letterheads: 90–120 GSM. Must print documents from the office printer without hassle and without being humiliated.
Packaging: 250-450g/m2 (or more) in some cases. The choice of GSM packaging relies on the contents, the protection required and whether the packaging is used as part of the product's presentation (box/bag).
Greetings cards and invitations: 300-400GSM. Must be experienced as an event. This is the realm where paper becomes a part of the message.
Posters: 150-200 GSM for normal indoor use. More durable for outdoor use or for any situation where weight matters.
How to Choose the Right GSM Paper
There are some direct questions that will quickly lead you to the correct answer.
What's the purpose? Internal drafts are not necessarily served a premium stock. Anything that is customer facing, used again and again, or is a brand representation should be more important.
Will it print on both sides of the paper? If so, it may be necessary to run above 100 GSM to prevent bleed-through. When using heavy imagery on both sides, use 130 GSM minimum.
How far can your printer go? Most desktop-size inkjet and laser printers have a max print speed of 200-250 GSM. This is a commercial print after that. If ordering thick stock for internal printing, please consult the spec sheet.
Does it need to be folded? Papers of more than 250 GSM will not straighten when creased. Do not fold if the piece folds — brochure, greeting card, etc.
What's the budget? The thicker the printing paper, the higher its GSM and the more expensive it will be per sheet and in terms of shipping weight. A 20-30 GSM drop can be a significant drop over thousands of units for a large mail campaign.
Is it used to package? There are specific requirements for GSM for packaging such as food contact safety, printability and structural strength. Paper GSM (gram per square meter) typically varies depending on the weight of products and the conditions of the packaging.
Also Read:- How to Measure Box Dimensions Correctly
Advantages of High GSM Paper
It is durable to use High GSM paper. It is more puncture, crease and general wear resistant than thin-stock. This is the type of card that you want to use for menus, reference cards, loyalty cards and anything else that gets used every day.
Print quality improves. Ink is more accurately placed on heavier stock, especially coated paper. Clearer pictures, smooth edges of text, truer colors.
Weight communicates quality. It's subtle and it's true. Individuals react to the feel of paper. The impression the first card makes is quite different when it is a thick invitation or business card.
Higher GSM equates with better protection, stronger structure and a more premium unboxing experience when it comes to GSM for packaging.
Also Read:- Complete Guide to Paper Bags for Packaging and Business Use
Disadvantages of High GSM Paper
It costs more. The more material, the more expensive each sheet will be; heavier paper also adds shipping costs to bulk orders.
It's not all printers compatible. Normally the maximum standard office equipment limit is 200 – 250 GSM. Then you have to have business printing machines.
Folding is harder. Paper is tough to clean below 250 GSM. Heavy stock must be scored when folded to get a print job done, increasing the time and cost.
In the packaging industry, extremely high paperboards can make packaging unnecessarily rigid or bulky - even more than the product itself requires.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is GSM in paper?
GSM of paper is the weight of paper per unit square meter. It is a measure of the weight of a square metre of paper in grams. As GSM increases, paper becomes thicker, and heavier.
2. Which GSM paper is best for printing?
For every day use: 80–90 GSM. If you are planning to print paper GSM on flyers and brochures: 130–170 GSM. Prints for covers and premium prints: 250-350 GSM. The number of rights required will be entirely dependent on the job.
3. Is GSM the same as paper thickness?
The thickness of GSM paper is measured by the weight per unit area. The thickness is measured physically and is different from the aforementioned measurement in microns. There are various thicknesses of two papers that have the same GSM because they have different density and composition. The paper thickness chart above provides a reference for the thickness of the paper being used, but if precision is required, check the caliper specs.
4. Which GSM paper is best for packaging?
Light packaging with easy-to-carry materials: 200-300 GSM. Heavy or premium products: 350-450 gsm. Normal packaging products gsm of Kraft paper is from 200-350 gsm.
5. What GSM is used for packaging?
For paperboard and card, the typical range for GSM of packaging is 250–400 GSM. The liner paper of corrugated packaging is typically 90–200 GSM. The thickness of the paperboard depends on the product weight and the type of use and delivery.
6. What is the difference between GSM and thickness in mm?
Weight of GSM paper is in grams per meter square. Thickness in mm or microns is the thickness of the sheet in terms of physical thickness. The thickness of a 100 GSM coated sheet might not be the same as that of a 100 GSM uncoated sheet due to the difference in their manufacturing methods. These are only approximate relationships in the paper GSM chart, check the caliper measurement for accuracy.
