What is GSM in Paper?

When you are choosing paper, it is natural to go by how it looks or feels. But judging paper by touch alone is not always reliable. You might pick something that feels sturdy enough but ends up being too thin to properly hold ink, causing smudges, bleeding or pages that tear too easily. At the same time, buying paper that is more premium than you need can be costly, especially when you are dealing with high-volume printing.

Understanding GSM gives you the universal standard for comparing paper types. It makes it easier to avoid printing issues, get the quality you are after and feel confident you are using the right paper for the job.

So, what exactly does GSM mean, and how does it affect the final result?

What Does GSM Mean?

The term GSM stands for ‘grams per square metre’. It is a way of measuring how much a sheet of paper weighs based on the weight of a square metre of that paper.

Think of it this way: if you cut out a one-metre square piece of paper and placed it on a scale, its weight in grams would be its GSM. So, 80 GSM paper weighs 80 grams per square metre, while 300 GSM paper weighs 300 grams per square metre.

The Difference Between GSM and Thickness

It is easy to assume that heavier paper always feels thicker, but GSM and thickness are not quite the same thing. GSM measures weight and density, not thickness. While a higher GSM often results in a thicker, sturdier sheet, it is not a direct measurement of thickness itself.

GSM tells you how much a one-square-metre sheet of paper weighs. But two sheets of paper with the same GSM can feel very different depending on how they are made and the fibres used. For example, coated paper (such as glossy or matte paper) is often pressed and treated to achieve a smooth, even surface. Because it is more densely packed, coated paper can feel thinner than uncoated paper with the same GSM, even though they technically weigh the same per square metre.

What GSM Paper Should You Use?

Choosing the right GSM for your paper depends on what you are using it for. Different tasks require different qualities, from basic documents that need to be printed quickly and cheaply, to high-quality prints that need to leave a strong impression. Here is a guide to some of the most common GSM ranges and their typical uses:

70-90 GSM: Everyday Printing
This is the standard range for general-purpose printing. Most office printer paper falls into this category, typically around 80 GSM. It is lightweight, affordable and works well for high-volume printing like reports, memos, internal documents and everyday correspondence.

100-120 GSM: Professional Documents
Paper within this range feels noticeably thicker, stiffer and more durable than your average piece of paper. It is commonly used for higher-quality printing, such as business letters, reports, brochures and presentation handouts.

160-200 GSM: Posters and Premium Prints
This mid-weight range offers a sturdier feel without being too heavy. It is commonly used for posters, flyers, certificates or double-sided prints where you need something durable but still flexible.

200-300 GSM: Covers and Marketing Materials
Paper in this range is significantly heavier and often used for presentation covers, high-quality brochures, business cards or marketing materials that need to feel substantial and professional. Outside of the office, it is also commonly used for menus, greeting cards and book covers.

300-400 GSM: Card and Board
Anything above 300 GSM is considered card stock. This is ideal for business cards, packaging, premium invitations or marketing materials that need to be both durable and impressive.

Finding the Perfect Paper for Your Needs

At Westcountry Group, we make finding the right paper simple. With our wide selection of paper types and our free-of-charge Convenience+ storage service, you can rely on us to deliver exactly what you need, exactly when you need it.

If you are unsure which paper is best for your project, our friendly representatives are here to help. We can talk you through the options and recommend the best GSM for your requirements, making sure you get a result you are happy with.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your print project to life. Call 0330 030 0330, email: paperorders@westcountrygroup.com or visit the paper section of our website.