If you've ever ordered print and been stumped by a dropdown asking for "80gsm" or "350gsm," you're not alone. Paper weight is one of those things the print industry treats as common knowledge — but for most people, it's completely opaque.
Here's everything you need to know, explained simply.
What Does GSM Mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's a measure of how much a single square metre of that paper weighs. The higher the number, the heavier and thicker the paper.
That's it. Everything else follows from that.
A Practical Guide to Common GSM Ranges
60–80gsm — Everyday copy paper
This is the paper in your office printer. Lightweight, economical, and perfectly fine for internal documents. Not great for anything that needs to feel substantial or be handled repeatedly.
90–120gsm — Quality documents and flyers
A noticeable step up from copy paper. A good choice for letterheads, simple flyers, and newsletters where you want a slightly more professional feel without a big jump in cost.
130–170gsm — Premium flyers and brochures
This is the sweet spot for most marketing materials. Heavy enough to feel quality in the hand, light enough to fold without cracking. Most commercial brochures live in this range.
200–250gsm — Covers and postcards
Start to feel like card rather than paper. Ideal for postcard mailers, folder covers, and anything that needs to survive being passed around or posted without getting dog-eared.
300–400gsm — Business cards and premium packaging
This is proper card stock. Business cards typically sit at 350–400gsm. It has a satisfying rigidity that signals quality instantly. Not suitable for folding without a score.
The Key Question: What Will It Be Used For?
Rather than memorising numbers, ask yourself:
- Will it be folded? Stick to 170gsm or below, or ensure heavier weights are scored before folding.
- Will it be posted? Consider weight limits and postage costs — heavier paper adds up fast across a large run.
- Does it need to feel premium? Go heavier. The tactile impression paper makes is immediate and powerful.
- Is it purely functional? Save budget with a lighter weight and spend elsewhere.
A Common Mistake
Ordering too light for the job. A 90gsm flyer can look great on screen but feel insubstantial when someone picks it up — and first impressions count. When in doubt, go one weight class higher than you think you need.
Want to see how paper weight affects your total print cost? Enter your job specs into the PrintAtlas calculator and compare weights side by side in seconds.