When you order print you'll see numbers like 130gsm, 350gsm or 450gsm. GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's the weight of the paper, and it's the easiest way to understand how thick and sturdy a product will feel.
A rough guide to paper weights
| Weight | Feels like | Typical uses |
|---|---|---|
| 80–100gsm | Office printer paper | Letterheads, notepads, NCR forms |
| 120–150gsm | A good quality magazine page | Flyers for letterbox drops, folded leaflets, posters |
| 170–250gsm | A sturdy brochure cover | Premium flyers, menus, booklet covers |
| 300–350gsm | Thin card | Postcards, invitations, premium flyers, vouchers |
| 400–450gsm | Thick card | Business cards, loyalty cards, swing tags |
Silk, gloss or uncoated?
- Gloss: shiny, makes photos pop, great for bold flyers and posters
- Silk: a smooth semi-matt finish, easy to read and elegant, our most popular choice
- Uncoated: a natural paper feel, easy to write on, ideal for letterheads and notepads
Which weight should you choose?
Handing out at events or letterbox drops? Lighter stocks keep costs down for large quantities. Want it to feel premium? Go heavier, because people associate weight with quality. Will it be folded? Heavier stocks need creasing to fold neatly, which we handle for you.
Examples from our range
- Business cards: 450gsm silk with lamination
- DL 6-page leaflets: 130gsm gloss to 350gsm silk
- Flyers, postcards and letterheads
Frequently asked questions
What does gsm mean?
GSM means grams per square metre. It measures paper weight, and a higher number means thicker, sturdier paper.
What gsm is best for flyers?
130–170gsm suits mass distribution, while 250–350gsm feels premium for menus and vouchers.
What gsm are business cards?
Good business cards are usually 350–450gsm. Ours are 450gsm silk.
Still unsure?
Ask us or call 07769 200277. We'll recommend the right paper for your job and budget.
Related: Print finishes explained · Flyer printing guide