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What is GSM in Paper?
BOXOX • PRINTING & PACKAGING
What is GSM in printing?
GSM means grams per square metre. It is a measure of basis weight, not a direct measure of thickness or stiffness. Two papers with the same GSM can feel different because fibre, coating, bulk and manufacturing vary.
PRACTICAL GUIDE
What to know before you specify it.
For brochures and publications, GSM influences opacity, hand-feel, postage weight and binding. For packaging, board selection should consider stiffness and structural performance in addition to GSM. When asking for a quote, share the current sample or intended use rather than choosing GSM by number alone.
USE IT IN A REAL JOB
A guide is not a substitute for the production specification.
The final choice depends on size, quantity, artwork, substrate, end use, finishing, budget and delivery timeline.