When shopping for printer paper or comparing different types of paper stock, you’ll often come across the term GSM. This simple yet important measurement helps determine how thick or heavy a sheet of paper feels, whether you’re printing documents or creating art prints. In general, the higher the GSM, the sturdier the paper. But that’s not the only industry it plays a key role in, which is why you’ll find out more about this measurement in this article.
Inhaltsverzeichnis
Definition: GSM
GSM (or gsm) stands for “grams per square meter” and is an international metric for paper weight and not paper thickness, whereas “pounds” is used in North America. Essentially, this measurement tells you how heavy a single square meter of that paper would be in grams. A sheet of 80 gsm paper, for example, is lighter and thinner than one that’s 300 gsm. This measurement, however, is also used in the textile industry and is crucial when selecting which fabrics can be used for which season or purpose.
Printing services at BachelorPrint
- Individual solutions & personal support
- High print quality & fast production times
- Wide range of print products for every need
Learn more!
Fabric weight
Fabric weight is also measured in grams per square meter to describe how heavy or dense a fabric is. This measurement helps determine how a fabric will feel, drape, and perform in different uses — from lightweight summer T-shirts to heavyweight hoodies. The formula for GSM value is:
(Weight of fabric in grams) ÷ (Area of fabric in square meters)
Example
A cotton shirt with 120-150 gsm is considered light and breathable, while a sweatshirt with 300 gsm will feel thick and warm. Fabrics with a higher gsm are also more durable and resistant to wear.
Lightweight fabrics
- Tulle
- Voile
- Batik
- Cupro
- Chambray
- Silk chiffon
- Cotton jersey
Midweight fabrics
- Muslin
- Viscose
- Chambray
- Light denim
- Cotton twill
- Bamboo jersey
- Midweight linen
Heavyweight fabrics
- Suede
- Denim
- Fleece
- Canvas
- Jacquard
- Corduroy
- Wool tweed
Paper weight
In the world of paper and packaging, GSM is a key specification that helps buyers understand paper quality, especially when it comes to duplex printing (double-sided printing). Copy paper is usually around 80-100 gsm, while brochures might use 170-250 gsm, and business cards often use 300 gsm or more. Higher GSM paper is thicker, more opaque, and more durable, which makes it ideal for professional printing.
GSM is measured with this formula:
(Weight of sample in grams x 10,000) ÷ (Area of sample in cm2)
GSM vs. thickness
A common misconception is that gsm equals thickness, but that’s not the case. While higher gsm usually means thicker material, the two measurements describe different properties:
- GSM measures weight per area (density).
- Thickness measures physical depth in microns (µm) or points (pt).
This distinction is important when you’re choosing materials based on texture or how they work with certain equipment, including different types of printers or sewing machines.
Affordable document printing from $0.10
- Crisp text, vibrant colors & multiple paper choices
- No need to visit a shop; simply order online anytime
- Print documents, copies & reports with professional quality
Learn more!
FAQs
GSM (or gsm) stands for grams per square meter, and it’s a standard measure of paper weight. It tells you how much a square meter of paper weighs in grams. The higher the gsm, the heavier and usually thicker the paper feels.
100 gsm paper is slightly thicker than standard copy paper. It’s considered a medium-weight paper that is commonly used for documents and letters.
GSM fabric weight refers to the weight of fabric per square meter, measured in grams. For example, lightweight fabrics like T-shirts might be 120-150 gsm, while heavyweight hoodies can be over 300 gsm. The GSM affects the fabric’s warmth and durability.
The formula for GSM of paper is:
(Weight of sample in grams x 10,000) ÷ (Area of sample in cm2)
