What GSM tells you
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures paper weight, but it does not tell the full story of stiffness, opacity or feel. Coating, fibre, bulk and finish can make two sheets with the same GSM feel different.
Useful starting ranges
- 80–100 GSM: office stationery, letterheads and lightweight inserts.
- 130–170 GSM: flyers, inner catalogue pages and folded leaflets.
- 200–300 GSM: premium flyers, covers, menus and light cards.
- 300–400 GSM: business cards, postcards and sturdy covers.
- Packaging board: selected by structure, product weight and dieline—not GSM alone.
Folding and finishing matter
A heavier sheet usually needs creasing before folding to avoid fibre cracking. Lamination, foil, embossing and spot UV can also change the feel and production sequence.
If the piece will be mailed, packed or displayed, confirm the final folded size and weight before choosing stock.
Approve a physical sample
For a new packaging, menu or premium card project, ask to see the proposed stock or approve a mock-up. A physical sample answers questions that a screen cannot: stiffness, surface, opacity and fold behaviour.
Need a quotation for your project?
Share the product, quantity, material, finish and delivery location.