What Does GSM Mean? Paper Weight Guide from 80gsm to 400gsm

GSM stands for grams per square metre — how much one square metre of the paper weighs. Higher GSM means thicker, stiffer, more premium-feeling stock. Standard office paper is 80gsm; a business card is typically 400gsm.

GSM chart: what each weight feels like

GSM	Feels like	Typical uses
80–100	copier paper	letters, internal documents
120–130	quality letterhead	letterheads, budget leaflets, booklet inner pages
150–170	standard flyer	flyers, posters, brochures
200–250	postcard	premium flyers, covers, invitations
300–350	greetings card	quality business cards, invitations, tags
400+	rigid board	business cards, appointment cards, product cards

Coated vs uncoated at the same GSM

Weight isn't the whole story. Silk/gloss coated stock feels smoother and prints sharper colour; uncoated feels natural, is writable, and suits craft or organic branding. A 350gsm uncoated card can feel bulkier than a 350gsm silk because uncoated papers are less compressed.

Which GSM should I choose?

• Door-drop leaflets: 130gsm — cheap, light for volume delivery
• Handout flyers: 150–170gsm — the standard flyer stock
• Posters: 170–200gsm — hangs flat, vivid colour (poster guide)
• Booklet covers: 250gsm over 130gsm text pages (booklet guide)
• Business cards: 400gsm — the professional standard (business card guide)
• Invitations: 300–350gsm, often uncoated or textured

Does higher GSM cost more?

Yes, but less than most people expect at typical quantities — moving a 500-flyer run from 130gsm to 170gsm changes the price by pounds, not multiples. The perceived quality jump is usually worth it for anything customer-facing.

FAQs

What GSM is normal printer paper? 80gsm — standard office/copier weight.

What GSM is a business card? Usually 400gsm. Below 350gsm, cards feel flimsy.

Is higher GSM better quality? Higher GSM means thicker and stiffer, which reads as premium — but the right weight depends on the job. A 400gsm door-drop leaflet would be expensive and hard to deliver.

What GSM can a home printer handle? Most home printers manage up to 200–250gsm; heavier stocks need commercial equipment, which is one reason cards and invitations are professionally printed.