February 5, 2024
Paper has an endless list of uses. Whether it’s a matte paper used for drawing or a glossy paper for a leaflet, each style of paper has a host of different weights, measurements, standards and more, which can be hard to wrap your head around.
This guide explains why it is important to understand so that you can ensure you are choosing the right paper/board for your intended use.
Paper weight – explained
Paper weight is usually weighed in GSM (g/m²), which means Grams per Square Metre. The heavier the paper stock, the higher the GSM will be. Below we break down the common GSM’s and the general use for these weights of paper.
Paper weights
35 – 55gsm – this is the standard paper weight used for newspapers. Anything below this is not useful for printing on.
70 – 100gsm – this is the weight of standard office paper, magazines and book pages. The higher the gsm, the higher the paper quality.
100 – 120gsm – the weight of premium stationery that is used to make envelopes and letterheaded paper.
130 – 150gsm – this is a more durable weight, so is used for posters, flyers, leaflets and newsletters
Board weight
Paper that weighs above 170gsm is more commonly known as ‘board’. When you go above this weight, you can apply a second measure of weight in microns (1 micron = 1/1000 of a millimetre).
200 – 300gsm – premium quality brochure covers and flyers
320 – 350gsm – the standard weight of business cards and presentation folders
400gsm – invitations, good quality business cards
As this number goes up, so does the quality and durability of the board. This generally stops at about 700gsm.
Board that is different micron thicknesses can be measured as the same in GSM – so there are many variations to take into account. The table below shows the approximate micron thickness of different board weights.
GSM | Micron |
200gsm | 150 – 220mics |
250gsm | 190 – 285mics |
300gsm | 237 – 342mics |
350gsm | 284 – 395mics |
400gsm | 315 – 460mics |
Why does the weight of paper matter?
The weight of paper, often referred to as paper weight or grammage, is a critical characteristic that plays a significant role in various applications. Paper weight is typically measured in grams per square meter (g/m²) or pounds per ream (500 sheets) for imperial measurements. The importance of paper weight can be understood in the following aspects:
Durability and Thickness:
Heavier weight papers are generally thicker and more durable. This is crucial for applications where a sturdier material is needed, such as for business cards, postcards, or packaging materials.
Print Quality:
The weight of paper can impact print quality. Lighter-weight papers may be more prone to show-through or allow ink to bleed through the surface, affecting the clarity of printed text and images.
Professionalism:
In business and formal communication, the weight of paper can convey a sense of quality and professionalism. For example, a thicker and heavier paper is often chosen for important documents like resumes, business letters, or marketing materials.
Handling and Feeding:
The weight of paper also influences how well it feeds through printers and copiers. Printers have specific weight limits for optimal performance, and using a paper outside of these limits may lead to jams or other issues.
Perceived Value:
Heavier-weight paper is often associated with higher quality and can enhance the perceived value of printed materials. This is particularly relevant in marketing and branding, where the choice of paper can impact how a company’s materials are perceived by clients and customers.
Packaging and Shipping:
In the context of packaging, the weight of paper is crucial for ensuring that packaging materials provide adequate protection for the contents. For example, heavier paper may be used for packaging that requires additional strength and durability during shipping.
Art and Design:
Artists and graphic designers often consider paper weight when choosing a medium for their creations. Heavier-weight papers may be preferred for projects that require more substance and structure, such as fine art prints or illustrations.
Understanding the weight of paper allows individuals and businesses to make informed choices based on the specific requirements of their intended use. Whether it’s for printing, packaging, or artistic endeavours, selecting the right paper weight contributes to the overall effectiveness and quality of the final product.
Established in 1998, we have been providing graphic design and print services for over 25 years. Based in the South West of England (Exeter, Devon) we have worked with clients, large and small, from all over the world and across a variety of sectors.
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