What GSM Paper Should I Choose? A Guide to Paper Weight for Printing
Share
Choosing the right paper weight can make a big difference to how your finished print looks, feels and performs. If you have seen options such as 100gsm, 150gsm, 250gsm or 350gsm and wondered what they actually mean, this guide will help you choose.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It measures the weight of a paper stock: a one-square-metre sheet of 150gsm paper weighs 150 grams.
As a general rule, a higher GSM means a heavier and usually stiffer sheet. However, GSM is a measure of weight rather than exact thickness. Two papers with the same GSM can feel different because the coating, fibres and manufacturing process affect their bulk and stiffness.
Quick GSM paper guide
| Paper weight | Typical feel | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100gsm | Light everyday paper | Office documents and internal paperwork |
| 100–120gsm | Quality lightweight paper | Letterheads, stationery and correspondence |
| 130–170gsm | Substantial paper | Flyers, leaflets, booklet pages and promotional print |
| 200–300gsm | Heavy paper / light card | Premium flyers, menus, covers and invitations |
| 350gsm+ | Card-like | Business cards, postcards and premium promotional pieces |
What GSM should I choose for letterheads?
For business stationery, around 100–120gsm uncoated is a useful range. It feels more substantial than everyday copier paper while remaining practical for writing and office printing.
Uncoated paper is particularly suitable when the finished item needs to be written on. If you are ordering company stationery, browse our business printing services.
What GSM should I choose for flyers and leaflets?
For most promotional flyers, 150gsm is an excellent everyday choice. It is light enough for handouts and larger campaigns while still feeling professional.
If you want something more substantial, 250gsm gives a noticeably heavier, more premium feel and is useful when the piece needs to last longer. Heavier card stocks can work well for premium handouts, menus and promotional pieces.
See our flyer, leaflet and menu printing options.
What GSM should I choose for booklets and brochures?
Booklets normally use a lighter stock for the inside pages and can use a heavier cover to add structure. A 115–150gsm inner is a practical range for many brochures and programmes, while a heavier cover can make the booklet feel more substantial.
The best combination also depends on the number of pages. As page count increases, very heavy inner stocks can make a booklet bulky, so heavier is not automatically better.
Browse our brochure and booklet printing.
What GSM should I choose for posters?
Around 150–170gsm works well for many short-term indoor posters. If the poster will be handled regularly or needs a more substantial feel, a heavier stock such as 250gsm may be more suitable.
Remember that paper weight is only part of the decision. Outdoor displays need a material designed for the environment rather than simply a heavier paper.
What GSM should I choose for business cards?
Business cards need enough stiffness to survive wallets, pockets and regular handling. 350gsm and above gives the card-like feel most customers expect from professional business cards.
Our standard business cards are printed on 350gsm stock, while other premium options are available when you want a heavier or more distinctive finish.
Does higher GSM always mean better quality?
No. The best paper is the one that suits the job. A 350gsm flyer may feel premium, but it can be unnecessarily heavy for a large door-drop campaign. Likewise, using very light paper for a business card would not give the durability customers expect.
Paper finish matters too. Silk gives a smooth professional finish and works well for colour and imagery, while uncoated stock has a more natural feel and is easier to write on.
GSM is not the same as thickness
This is an important distinction. GSM tells you the weight of the paper per square metre. Physical thickness is measured separately, often in microns. Different stocks can therefore have the same GSM but feel different in the hand.
Which paper weight should I choose?
If you want a simple starting point:
- Letterheads: 100–120gsm uncoated
- Everyday flyers: around 150gsm
- Premium flyers and menus: around 250gsm
- Booklet inner pages: around 115–150gsm
- Business cards: 350gsm+
These are guidelines rather than fixed rules. The artwork, intended lifespan, finish and how the item will be used should all influence your choice.
Need help choosing?
Wright Print is an independent UK printer based in Rochdale. If you are unsure which paper stock is right for your order, contact our print team and we can point you in the right direction. You can order online for UK delivery or collect free from our Rochdale print site.
If you are preparing artwork as well, our guide to 3mm bleed and safe areas is a useful next read.