How to Choose the Right GSM for Your Printing Needs (70–350 GSM)

Prathab Naidu
Feb 12
3 min read

Updated: Feb 18

When a print job looks “cheap” or fails in use (curling, show-through, tearing, cracking on folds), the cause is often paper weight, measured as GSM.

What is GSM (and what it isn’t)?

GSM means grams per square metre, the weight of one square metre of paper. Higher GSM usually feels thicker and stiffer, and lower GSM feels lighter and more flexible.

But GSM doesn’t always equal thickness. A 150 GSM uncoated sheet can feel “bulkier” than a 150 GSM glossy coated sheet because coatings and fibre structure change the feel.

Quick GSM cheat sheet (70–350 GSM)

Use this as your fast picker (then fine-tune for finish and folding).

70–90 GSM — Everyday documents

Best for: letters, internal documents, high-volume printing, basic forms

Why: economical, runs well on most office printers

Watch-outs: can show-through with heavy colour, not ideal for premium feel

100–120 GSM — Better office + light marketing

Best for: letterheads, proposals, reports, certificates (basic), inserts

Why: looks more professional, less transparent than 80 GSM

130–170 GSM — Flyers and brochures (heavier feel)

Best for: flyers, menus (short-life), brochures, internal booklets (premium pages)

Why: more stiffness, better colour pop and handling

Watch-outs: some home/office printers may struggle above ~160 GSM

200–250 GSM — Covers, premium flyers, light cards

Best for: brochure covers, postcards, premium handouts, folders (light duty)

Why: noticeably sturdy, great for “first impression” pieces

Watch-outs: folding needs correct grain direction + scoring if the sheet is coated

300–350 GSM — Business cards & high-stiffness work

Best for: business cards, invitations, hang tags, packaging sleeves (light), cover cards Why: strong, resists bending, feels premium

Watch-outs: thick stocks often need creasing/scoring before folding; some finishes can crack on folds

Step-by-step: choose the right GSM the smart way

Step 1: Start with the job type (what are you printing?)

Office printing / forms: 70–100 GSM
Premium documents / proposals: 100–120 GSM
Flyers / brochures: 130–170 GSM (inner pages), 200–250 GSM (cover)
Postcards / invites: 250–350 GSM
Business cards: 300–350 GSM

Step 2: Think about “feel” and durability

Ask:

Will it be handled a lot (menus, handouts, counters)? → go heavier (150–250 GSM)
Does it need to stand up (table tent / display)? → 250–350 GSM (or board)
Is it a mail item? → thicker helps resist damage (200–350 GSM)

Step 3: Decide the finish (coated vs uncoated)

Coated (gloss/matte/silk): sharper images, stronger colour, more “printed” look
Uncoated: natural feel, more writable, more premium “paper texture” for certain brands

Remember: same GSM can feel different depending on coated/uncoated.

Step 4: Check folding and cracking risk

If you’re folding a coated sheet above ~170–200 GSM:

ask for creasing/scoring
ensure correct grain direction
consider matte/silk to reduce visible cracking on folds (depends on stock/ink coverage)

Step 5: Match GSM to your printer (if printing in-house)

Many office printers are happiest with 70–160 GSM. Above that, confirm:

maximum supported GSM
tray path (straight-through paths handle heavier paper better)
whether duplex printing is needed (heavy sheets can jam or misalign)

Common “best practice” combos

A4 brochure (8–16 pages): 130–150 GSM inner + 200–250 GSM cover
Flyer: 130–170 GSM (premium feel without going full card)
Corporate profile / proposal: 100–120 GSM (clean + professional)
Business card: 300–350 GSM
Certificates: 120–170 GSM (depends on whether you frame it)

3 mistakes people make (and how to avoid them)

Choosing GSM only by price → leads to flimsy feel or show-through
Using heavy GSM without considering folds → cracking and ugly creases
Ignoring coated vs uncoated → same GSM, different feel and print behaviour

Need help picking GSM for your exact job?

Goto the contact us page and share:

product type (flyer/brochure/card/packaging),
size (A4/A5 etc.),
print method (digital/offset),
finishing (lamination/UV/none),we can recommend the best GSM + finish—and a short spec you can send to your printer.

We most certainly have what you are looking for, we will reach out to you.