GSM Paper: The Complete Guide

GSM paper is used throughout the printing industry, yet not everyone understands how it works. In this article, you will learn about what is GSM paper, what it means, and highlight its impact on printing paper quality. 

 

What Does GSM Paper Mean in Printing?

Did you know that GSM is an acronym for 'grams per square metre?’ This serves as a crucial metric in printing paper. Essentially, this measures the weight or thickness of paper. The formula for this is: the higher the GSM, the heavier the paper, and typically, the higher its perceived quality. Often, this is referred to as the paper's 'grammage.'

 

For clarity, here is an example: a 150gsm flyer is relatively thin and pliable, making it easy to fold or bend. In contrast, a 250gsm flyer is a lot thicker, meaning that it is harder to fold. To determine a specific GSM, a square metre of paper is initially cut and weighed. When resized to the appropriate dimensions (e.g., A5 for an A5 flyer), it naturally weighs less. However, the GSM value remains consistent because it is measured per square metre.

 

What is GSM in Paper Weight?

As mentioned, GSM measures the thickness of paper. GSM is a globally familiar unit of measurement for paper thickness, and should be considered even when you are thinking about paperback vs hardcover for your printing methods.

 

Knowing what GSM paper is is also important when ordering printed packaging. Whether you're creating custom tissue paper or personalised business cards, printers typically categorise paper types using GSM ratings. It is imperative that you understand this terminology when beginning your business, especially when you have to take other factors into consideration such as what is lamination, and what is DPI. 

 

What is GSM in Fabric?

When learning about what is GSM for fabrics, GSM affects this material in a different way. It is applied to the thickness of a fabric sheet, with denser textiles like melton wool having higher GSM ratings. Conversely, sheer fabrics like lightweight cotton command lower GSM ratings. 

 

However, unlike paper, fabric thickness doesn't always correlate directly with weight. Fabrics with distinct weaves or fibre compositions may share the same GSM but exhibit varying thickness levels. 

 

Understanding Fabric Thickness

To gain a deeper understanding of fabric thickness, you should familiarise yourself with different GSM ranges, which vary depending on the material's weight. Here's a breakdown of these ranges:

 

• 67.81 – 135.62 GSM fabric: This category includes sheer fabrics, like lightweight cotton, which are delicate and lightweight, perfect for airy and translucent designs.
• 196 – 406.87 GSM fabric: Medium-weight fabrics, such as denim, fall into this range. They strike a balance between sturdiness and flexibility, ideal for casual wear and various projects.
• 508.58 – 700 GSM fabric: Heavyweight fabrics, like towels and melton wool, belong to this high GSM range. These materials are robust, durable, and often used for purposes requiring strength and thickness.

 

What is the Difference Between 17 and 28 GSM Tissue Paper?

When it comes to custom tissue paper, subtle differences in GSM can significantly impact the paper's appearance and functionality. Here's a quick comparison:

 

• 17 GSM Tissue Paper: This is the lighter option, offering a lovely translucent finish. It's perfect for creating an element of surprise. It's also a great choice for minimalist, single-colour patterns.
• 28 GSM Tissue Paper: Slightly thicker than the 17 GSM, this format boasts a more traditional wrapping paper look and feel. It's the ideal choice for designs with vibrant and multi-color elements.

 

Which Tissue Thickness is Better for My Purposes?

The choice between 17 GSM and 28 GSM tissue paper depends on your brand's aesthetic and the impression you want to convey. Both options have the same minimum order quantity (MOQ) of 250 sheets, so the decision comes down to your specific objectives.

 

GSM Paper Guide: Why Do Different GSMs Exist?

Different products require different GSM variations due to their intended purposes. For instance, greetings cards require heavier stock to stand freely when displayed, while posters are typically adhered to walls or framed, allowing for thinner stock. In terms of poster printing of different sizes, you can learn more by following our guide on how to create a poster.

 

Consider letterheads: they must feel premium but remain thin enough for office printers. In contrast, bulk flyers opt for thinner stocks for cost-effectiveness, while restaurant menus, intended for reuse, are printed on thicker, more durable stocks.

 

Thicker GSMs often exude a sense of quality and impressiveness, making them the preferred choice for premium business cards, such as our 450gsm range, surpassing the standard 350gsm cards commonly available from most printers. Understanding GSM variations ensures you select the right paper weight to align with your product's purpose and quality expectations.

 

Which GSM Paper Is Best To Save Money

While it might seem tempting to choose the lowest GSM paper to save costs, you should still consider the purpose on which you want to use the paper for.

Lower GSM papers are indeed cost-effective, making them ideal for scenarios where durability isn't a primary concern. For instance, if you're distributing flyers to promote a one-night event, a 120gsm A5 flyer offers a budget-friendly solution. However, if your goal is to place these flyers in an exhibition goodie bag for attendees to take back to their workplaces, opting for a higher GSM, such as 350gsm, becomes essential. 

 

Guide to Paper Weight: Different GSM Paper Weights

There are many different forms of GSM paper weights. Here’s what each weight can mean for different printing products: 

• 70-90gsm: Typically used for the lined inside pages of notebooks due to its thin nature.
• 90-100gsm: Commonly used in household and office printers for various everyday printing needs.
• 120-150gsm: Frequently chosen for thin flyers, takeaway menus, and movie posters, offering a balance between weight and flexibility.
• 200-300gsm: A stiffer paper weight that can still bend, commonly used for magazine covers, high-quality flyers, and menus.
• 350-450gsm: A robust, card-like stock that's challenging to bend. It finds application in diverse print materials such as business cards, greetings cards, postcards, and table talkers.

 

Why Does the Weight of Paper Matter?

Paper weight plays a crucial role in knowing whether the paper is suitable for the project that you want it for. Consider the following example: Business cards, though small, contain vital information and are often exchanged between contacts, business partners, and potential clients. Hence, they demand a thicker, sturdier, and more durable paper, ensuring they make a lasting impression.

Another example is using flyers, which are used to announce sales or events that serve a temporary purpose. They convey information and are typically discarded after use. Therefore, they are often printed on lighter, flimsier paper with a lower GSM.

 

Common GSM Paper Sizes and Measurements

In addition to understanding paper weight (GSM), selecting the correct paper size is vital for your printing project's success. We discuss these in more depth in our article regarding printing paper sizes. Various products, such as business cards, brochures, books, and business letters, often come in standard sizes that cater to specific needs.

 

ISO A Paper Size Guide

The ISO A paper size system, measured in metres and millimetres, is an internationally recognised paper quality. It starts with A0, the largest format, which measures one square metre. Each subsequent size is measured by halving the previous size along its widest dimension. For example, cutting A0 in half is considered as A1, and so on. Here are some well-known ISO A sizes:

 

• A6 – 105 x 148 mm (4.13 x 5.83 in): Commonly used for postcards and a popular print size for photos.
• A4 – 210 x 297 mm (8.27 x 11.69 in): The standard size for letters, catalogues, magazines, and various documents.
• A2 – 420 x 594 mm (16.54 x 23.39 in): Can be used for smaller posters, maps, or diagrams.

 

ISO B Paper Size Guide

ISO B paper sizes are also widely recognised and used for poster sizing. These sizes are similar to the ISO A system, offering flexibility for various print and display needs.

 

• B0 - 1000 X 1414mm (39.37 X 55.67 in)
• B2 - 500 x 707mm (19.69 x 27.83 in)
• B4 - 250 x 353 mm (9.84 x 13.90 in)

ISO C Paper Size Guide

Lastly, there are the paper sizes and measurements for ISO C paper sizes. These are mainly designed for envelopes that correspond to the various A sizes of paper. Here are the most common ISO C sizes:

 

• C2 – 648 x 458 mm (25.51 x 18.03 in): Used for larger envelopes or packaging.
• C4 – 324 x 229 mm (12.76 x 9.02 in): Commonly employed for standard letter envelopes.
• C6 – 162 x 114 mm (6.38 x 4.49 in): Typically used for smaller envelopes or invitations.

 

Understanding these standard paper sizes and their measurements can greatly simplify the design and printing process for your projects. Whether you're creating promotional materials, sending out business letters, or designing posters, choosing the right size ensures that your content fits seamlessly onto the page, making your materials look polished and professional.

 

Does GSM Paper Have A Future?

For those who frequently order printed paper products, understanding the standard GSM requirements for your specific needs is exceptionally valuable. Make sure to choose an option that suits your business perfectly, and your consumers will be more likely to stick around, knowing that you invested in the right quality. Sometimes, you may wonder whether paper still deserves a purpose in the digital age. In which case, ask yourself, does paper have a future?

 

FAQs

What is good quality paper GSM?

"Good quality" paper GSM (Grams per Square Meter) can vary depending on the intended use of the paper. For regular office printing, 80-100 GSM is considered standard quality. For business cards, a GSM of 300-400 is often preferred for durability and a premium feel. For posters or flyers, 130-170 GSM is common. Essentially, the "good" GSM depends on the specific needs and preferences of the project.

Which is better 70 GSM or 80 GSM?

Neither is inherently "better," but they serve different purposes:

70 GSM: This is lighter and less expensive, making it suitable for high-volume printing or for documents that don't need to be very durable, like draft prints or internal documents.

80 GSM: This is a bit thicker and more durable, making it a standard for many office and home printers. It offers a more professional feel for documents and is less transparent than 70 GSM paper.

What is 200 GSM paper used for?

200 GSM paper is a mid-weight paper that's sturdier than regular office paper but not as thick as cardstock. It's often used for:

• Brochures
• Quality flyers
• Magazine covers
• Calendars
• Greeting cards
• Lighter-weight posters

How thick is 250GSM paper?

The thickness of paper isn't measured solely by its GSM, as the density and type of fibers can also play a role. However, as a general guideline, 250 GSM paper is roughly 0.25mm thick. It's considered a heavy paper, almost entering the cardstock category, and is used for premium brochures, covers, and other projects where a thicker, more durable paper is desired.

Sources

People at Siemens (2017) In our digital world, does paper still have a future? Medium. [online] Available at: https://medium.com/peopleatsiemens/in-our-digital-world-does-paper-still-have-a-future-24f49eb94b8a [accessed 20/10/23]