Quick Answer: GSM paper is paper measured by its weight in grams per square metre (gsm). A higher gsm usually means a heavier, thicker and sturdier sheet. Everyday office paper is about 80gsm, flyers are commonly printed on around 130 to 170gsm, and business cards and postcards usually sit around 300 to 400gsm. Choosing the right gsm paper affects how your print looks, feels, folds and posts.
What Does GSM Mean on Paper?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It tells you how much one square metre of that paper weighs. A sheet of 80gsm paper the size of one square metre weighs 80 grams, while the same size sheet of 300gsm card weighs 300 grams.
GSM is the standard way paper weight is described in Australia and most countries outside the US, so it is the number you will see on paper reams, print quotes and stock samples.
GSM Paper Weight Guide
| GSM range | How it feels | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 70 to 90gsm | Light, everyday paper | Office printing, letterheads, notepads |
| 100 to 130gsm | Light but more substantial | Booklet and magazine inner pages, flyers handed out in bulk |
| 150 to 170gsm | Medium weight | Flyers, posters, brochure pages |
| 200 to 250gsm | Heavy paper or light card | Brochure covers, presentation inserts, menus |
| 300 to 400gsm | Card | Business cards, postcards, invitations, book and folder covers |
These ranges are a starting point, not a rule. The best gsm paper for your job also depends on the coating, the finish and how the piece will be used.
Does Higher GSM Mean Better Quality?
Not always. A higher gsm feels more premium and holds up better to handling, but heavier is not right for every job:
- Folding: heavy stocks usually need creasing before folding to avoid cracking along the fold.
- Page count: a booklet with many pages becomes bulky and hard to bind if every page is heavy card.
- Postage: heavier pieces can cost more to post, which adds up on a large mail-out.
- Budget: heavier stocks generally cost more per sheet.
The right choice balances the impression you want to make with how the piece will be used, folded and delivered.
GSM vs Thickness
GSM measures weight, not thickness, although the two usually go together. Two papers with the same gsm can feel slightly different in thickness depending on how they are made and finished. A coated gloss stock often feels thinner and smoother than an uncoated stock of the same gsm, which feels bulkier and softer. If thickness matters, for example for a business card that needs to feel substantial, ask to see a sample.
Coated vs Uncoated GSM Paper
- Coated paper (gloss, silk or satin) has a smooth surface that keeps colours sharp and makes photography stand out. It suits flyers, brochures and magazines.
- Uncoated paper has a natural, slightly textured feel and is easy to write on. It suits letterheads, notepads, forms and stationery.
- Matt or silk finishes reduce glare and are easier to read under bright light.
Finishes such as lamination can also add durability and change how a stock feels. See our guide to print finishing options explained for more.
Choosing GSM Paper for Common Print Jobs
- Business cards: a card stock around 300 to 400gsm gives a solid, professional feel. See our business card design tips.
- Flyers: around 130 to 170gsm suits most flyers, while heavier stock suits small flyers and vouchers that need to hold their shape. See our flyer printing options.
- Magazines and booklets: lighter inner pages, often 100 to 130gsm, with a heavier cover. Our guide on how to print a magazine explains how to pair stocks.
- Posters: a medium-weight paper suits indoor posters, while outdoor posters often need a weatherproof material rather than a heavier paper.
- Letterheads and notepads: around 80 to 120gsm uncoated paper is easy to print on and write on.
If sustainability matters, Eplot offers 100% recycled stocks, both coated and uncoated, as well as FSC certified stocks. See our sustainability page for details.
See and Feel GSM Paper Before You Order
Numbers on a quote only tell part of the story. The easiest way to choose the right gsm paper is to hold it. Eplot can send you a printing sample pack, a swatch book of standard, premium and specialty stocks, so you can compare weights and finishes before you commit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gsm mean in paper?
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures how much one square metre of the paper weighs, and it is the standard way to describe paper weight in Australia.
What gsm is normal printer paper?
Standard office printer paper is usually 80gsm.
What gsm is best for business cards?
Business cards are usually printed on card around 300 to 400gsm, which feels sturdy and professional.
What gsm is best for flyers?
Most flyers are printed on around 130 to 170gsm. Heavier stock suits small flyers, vouchers and anything that needs to feel premium.
Is higher gsm paper better?
Not always. Higher gsm paper feels sturdier, but it can be harder to fold, bulkier in booklets and more expensive to post. Choose the weight that suits how the piece will be used.
About Eplot
Eplot is a commercial printer based at 28 Tope Street, South Melbourne, with 20 years in the printing industry. Our team runs HP Indigo digital printing, wide format printing, pre-press and finishing in-house, and manages specialty work through trusted print partners, so you deal with one dedicated account manager from quote to delivery. Eplot works with schools, universities, training organisations, property developers, corporates and small businesses across Melbourne.
Get Expert Paper Advice from Eplot
Not sure which stock to choose? Request a quote or call Eplot on 1300 660 228, and our team will recommend the right paper weight and finish for your project and budget.
