Paper Weight (GSM) Chart: Choose the Best Paper for Printing, Packaging

What Are The Different Paper Sizes For GSM?

GSM measurement remains consistent across all paper sizes, which is one of its greatest advantages. Whether you're working with A4, A3, letter size, or any custom dimension, the GSM value stays the same. This consistency makes project planning and cost estimation much more straightforward.

Standard International Sizes (A Series)

The A series, based on ISO 216 standards, includes the most common paper sizes worldwide:

• A0: 841 × 1189 mm (largest standard size)

• A1: 594 × 841 mm (posters, technical drawings)

• A2: 420 × 594 mm (small posters, diagrams)

• A3: 297 × 420 mm (tabloid, large prints)

• A4: 210 × 297 mm (standard letter, documents)

• A5: 148 × 210 mm (notebooks, small books)

• A6: 105 x 148mm (handouts or postcards)

Each size maintains the same GSM rating regardless of dimensions. A 160 GSM A4 sheet contains exactly the same paper density as a 160 GSM A3 sheet.

North American Sizes

Common US and Canadian paper sizes also work with GSM measurements:

• Letter: 8.5 × 11 inches (216 × 279 mm)

• Legal: 8.5 × 14 inches (216 × 356 mm)

• Tabloid: 11 × 17 inches (279 × 432 mm)

• Executive: 7.25 × 10.5 inches (184 × 267 mm)

Business Card and Specialty Sizes

GSM applies equally to smaller formats:

• Business cards: Typically 85 × 55 mm at 300-400 GSM

• Postcards: Usually 148 × 105 mm at 250-350 GSM

• Greeting cards: Various sizes, commonly 250-300 GSM

Paper Weight Caculator for Different Sizes

Here's where GSM becomes incredibly useful. If you know the GSM and the paper dimensions, you can calculate the exact weight of any sheet:

Weight = (Length × Width × GSM) ÷ 1,000,000

For example, an A4 sheet (210 × 297 mm) at 200 GSM weighs:

(210 × 297 × 200) ÷ 1,000,000 = 12.474 grams

This calculation helps with:

• Shipping cost estimates

• Storage planning

• Equipment load calculations

• Postal regulations compliance

Size-Specific Considerations

While GSM remains constant, different sizes present unique challenges:

Large Format Papers (A0, A1): Higher GSM papers become increasingly difficult to handle and may require specialized equipment for printing and finishing.

Small Format Papers: Lower GSM papers may not provide adequate durability for items like business cards or postcards that receive frequent handling.

Custom Sizes: Non-standard dimensions don't affect GSM ratings, but they may limit your paper supplier options or increase costs.

In our experience, understanding how GSM translates across different sizes has saved considerable time and money in project planning. Whether you're ordering 10,000 A4 sheets or 1,000 custom-sized pieces, the GSM specification gives you a reliable foundation for decision-making.

The key takeaway is that GSM provides a universal language for paper weight that transcends size limitations. This consistency makes it an invaluable tool for anyone working with print materials, from small business owners to large-scale commercial printers.

Paper Thickness Conversion Chart

Understanding paper measurements can be confusing because different regions use different systems. The most common measurements include GSM (grams per square meter), pounds (lb), and microns for thickness.

GSM to Lbs Conversion:

• 80 GSM = 21.3 lb (text weight)

• 100 GSM = 26.6 lb (text weight)

• 120 GSM = 32 lb (text weight)

• 157 GSM = 41.8 lb (text weight)

• 200 GSM = 53.3 lb (text weight)

• 250 GSM = 66.6 lb (text weight)

• 300 GSM = 80 lb (text weight)

Thickness Measurements:

Paper thickness is measured in microns (μm) or mils. One mil equals 25.4 microns. Here's how different weights typically translate to thickness:

• 80 GSM paper: 100-110 microns

• 130 GSM paper: 150-160 microns

• 200 GSM paper: 220-250 microns

• 300 GSM paper: 350-400 microns

I've found that having a physical sample library helps tremendously when explaining paper weights to clients. The difference between 150 GSM and 200 GSM becomes immediately apparent when you can feel both papers side by side.

Pro Tip: Always request physical samples before placing large orders. Paper weight can vary between manufacturers, and seeing the actual thickness helps avoid costly mistakes.

Matte Coated Paper Thickness & Paper Weight Conversion

Matte coated paper offers a middle ground between glossy coated papers and uncoated stocks. The matte coating provides smooth printability while maintaining a sophisticated, non-reflective finish that's easy to read under various lighting conditions.

White Cardboard Paper Thickness & Paper Weight Conversion

White cardboard paper provides structural strength while maintaining printability, making it essential for packaging applications. This paper type bridges the gap between regular printing papers and corrugated cardboard.

Grey Cardboard Paper Thickness & Paper Weight Conversion

Grey cardboard paper, also known as chipboard, is made from recycled materials and provides an economical solution for packaging and backing applications. Its gray color comes from the mixed recycled content, but this doesn't limit its functionality.

Kraft Paper Thickness & Paper Weight Conversion

Kraft paper is renowned for its strength and durability, made through the kraft pulping process that removes lignin while preserving the strong cellulose fibers. This paper type is available in various weights and finishes, from lightweight wrapping paper to heavy-duty packaging materials.

C2S Art Paper Thickness & Paper Weight Conversion

C2S (Coated Two Sides) art paper is coated on both sides, creating a smooth, glossy finish perfect for high-quality color printing. This paper type is commonly used for magazines, catalogs, and premium marketing materials.

C1S Art Paper Thickness

C1S (Coated One Side) art paper has coating applied to only one side, making it more cost-effective than C2S while still providing excellent print quality on the coated surface. The uncoated side is ideal for writing or additional printing with different characteristics.

Wood Free Offset Paper

Wood free offset paper, also called wood-free uncoated paper, is made from chemical pulp with minimal mechanical pulp content. Despite its name, it's made from wood but processed to remove lignin, resulting in a whiter, more durable paper ideal for text printing.

FAQs About Paper Weight & Thickness

Conclusion

Choosing the right paper weight transforms your printed materials from ordinary to exceptional. Armed with this knowledge of GSM measurements, weight categories, and size relationships, you're equipped to make informed decisions that enhance your projects' quality and cost-effectiveness. Remember, the perfect paper weight balances your specific needs with practical considerations like budget, equipment capabilities, and end-use requirements.