What Does GSM Mean in Printing?
Compare common paper weights and understand how GSM affects the feel, flexibility, stiffness and suitability of printed products.
Quick answer
GSM means grams per square metre. It describes how much one square metre of a paper or material weighs. A higher GSM usually feels heavier and more substantial, but GSM does not directly tell you the exact thickness, stiffness or quality because different paper types can have different densities and constructions.
Key points
- GSM measures weight per square metre.
- Higher GSM generally means heavier paper.
- GSM is not exactly the same as thickness.
- Paper coating and density affect how thick it feels.
- 80gsm is common for office documents.
- 128gsm to 157gsm is common for flyers and booklet pages.
- 250gsm to 310gsm is common for covers, cards and postcards.
What does GSM stand for?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It represents the weight of one square metre of paper or another sheet material.
For example, one square metre of 80gsm paper weighs approximately 80 grams, while one square metre of 310gsm card weighs approximately 310 grams.
This measurement allows paper products to be compared even when the sheets have different dimensions.
How common GSM weights compare
The visual below shows a general progression from lightweight document paper to heavier card stock.
Common paper weights and uses
Light document paper
Lightweight paper commonly used for office printing, letters, forms, manuals and internal documents.
Premium document paper
Slightly heavier than ordinary office paper and often chosen for presentations, certificates and premium company documents.
Light art paper
A popular coated stock for economical flyers, booklet pages, brochures and promotional materials.
Standard premium art paper
Provides a more substantial feel while remaining flexible enough for folding and booklet production.
Light card stock
Heavier and more rigid than art paper. Often used when a printed item needs greater strength and structure.
Standard card stock
A substantial paper range commonly selected for business cards, invitations, covers and premium promotional products.
Paper GSM comparison table
| Paper Weight | General Feel | Common Products | Important Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70–80gsm | Light and flexible | Forms, documents and reports | May show through when printed heavily on both sides |
| 100–120gsm | Smoother and more substantial | Letterheads, proposals and certificates | Still suitable for ordinary document handling |
| 128gsm | Light coated paper | Flyers, brochures and booklet pages | Useful for economical colour printing |
| 157gsm | Premium but flexible | Flyers, menus and booklet pages | Good balance between quality and foldability |
| 210–250gsm | Light card | Covers, postcards and folders | May require scoring before folding |
| 260–310gsm | Thick and rigid | Business cards and premium covers | Folding may require creasing or scoring |
| 350gsm and above | Very heavy card | Luxury cards and specialised products | Not suitable for every printer or finishing process |
Does higher GSM mean thicker paper?
Higher GSM generally means the sheet is heavier, and it often feels thicker. However, GSM and thickness are not the same measurement.
Two papers with the same GSM may have different thicknesses because one may be more compressed, coated or dense than the other.
Paper density
A dense paper may feel thinner than a bulkier paper of the same GSM.
Coating
Gloss, matte and coated surfaces can change the feel, smoothness and apparent thickness of the sheet.
Paper fibre
Recycled, kraft, cotton and synthetic materials can have different structures even at similar weights.
Manufacturing process
Calendering and compression can make paper smoother and thinner without changing its GSM.
Does higher GSM mean better quality?
Not necessarily. The correct paper weight depends on the intended product.
An 80gsm paper may be the best choice for a 200-page manual because it keeps the book light and easy to handle. A 310gsm card may be appropriate for a business card but unsuitable for the inside pages of a booklet.
Paper quality also depends on whiteness, smoothness, coating, opacity, stiffness, print compatibility and finishing.
Which GSM should you choose?
Documents and reports
Use approximately 70gsm to 100gsm for ordinary text documents, reports, forms and manuals.
Flyers and brochures
Use approximately 128gsm to 157gsm for a balance of colour, flexibility and affordability.
Booklet text pages
Use approximately 80gsm to 157gsm depending on page count, printing method, colour coverage and desired feel.
Booklet covers
Use approximately 210gsm to 310gsm where a stronger and more protective cover is required.
Business cards
Use approximately 250gsm to 350gsm depending on the desired rigidity, finish and printing method.
Menus and postcards
Use approximately 250gsm to 310gsm for durability and a more substantial presentation.
How GSM affects booklet printing
Paper weight influences the overall thickness, weight, flexibility and binding of a booklet.
- Heavier pages create a thicker and heavier booklet.
- Thick staple-bound booklets may not close flat.
- Heavy paper can cause page edges to push outward.
- Perfect-bound books require accurate spine calculation.
- Wire-O binding capacity depends on total document thickness.
- Shipping cost increases as total booklet weight rises.
How GSM affects folding and finishing
Heavier paper is more likely to crack or split when folded, particularly when the fold passes through dark printed areas.
Thick stocks may require scoring or creasing before folding. Lamination can also affect flexibility and must be considered during finishing.
What Image Magic recommends
- Choose GSM according to the product purpose, not only by selecting the heaviest option.
- Use lighter paper for long manuals and high-page-count books.
- Use 128gsm or 157gsm for many colour flyers and brochures.
- Use heavier stock for covers, cards and products requiring rigidity.
- Confirm scoring, folding and binding requirements before choosing thick paper.
- Request a physical paper sample when feel and thickness are important.
Frequently asked questions
Is 80gsm paper thick or thin?
It is considered standard lightweight office paper and is commonly used for documents, forms and photocopying.
Is 157gsm suitable for flyers?
Yes. It is a popular choice for premium flyers, brochures, menus and colour booklet pages.
Is 250gsm suitable for business cards?
It can be used, but it feels lighter than 300gsm or 310gsm business cards. The preferred weight depends on budget and the required rigidity.
What GSM is best for a booklet cover?
Approximately 210gsm to 310gsm is commonly used, depending on booklet size, page count, binding and finishing.
Can thick paper be folded?
Yes, but heavier paper may need scoring or creasing first to reduce cracking and produce a cleaner fold.
Can GSM be converted directly to microns?
Not accurately without knowing the paper density and construction. Papers with the same GSM can have different thicknesses in microns.
Need help choosing the right paper?
Send us your product type, size, quantity, page count, printing colours, binding and preferred finish. Our team can recommend a suitable paper weight and material.
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