Paper Weights Guide
Understanding paper weights can be confusing. This guide explains GSM and Micron, and helps you choose the right paper or card for your project.
| Weight / Thickness | GSM (grams per m²) | Microns (thickness) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Paper | 80–100 GSM | ~100–120 µm | Everyday printing, office documents |
| Premium Paper | 120–160 GSM | ~150–200 µm | Stationery, posters, flyers |
| Light Card | 200–250 GSM | ~250–300 µm | Menus, covers, invitations |
| Heavy Card | 300–350 GSM | ~350–400 µm | Business cards, postcards |
| Board | 400+ GSM | ~500–1000 µm | Packaging, structural projects |
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It measures the weight of paper. The higher the GSM, the heavier and thicker the sheet feels.
Micron measures thickness in millimetres. 1000 microns = 1mm. This is often used for card and board.
GSM measures weight, while Micron measures thickness. A sheet can be heavy but not very thick (dense paper), or thick but lighter (fluffy or textured card). Choose based on feel, rigidity, and your printer’s capabilities.
For everyday printing, 80–100 GSM is fine. For invitations or covers, 200–300 GSM gives a premium feel. For packaging or structural projects, look at 400+ microns for strength.
Looking for finishes like Gloss, Matte, or Silk? See our Paper Types Guide.
