Buying guide
GSM Explained for Paper Crafters
One number predicts whether paper will behave. Most craft frustration traces back to ignoring it.
Gsm stands for grams per square meter. It is the weight of a single sheet one meter square, and it is the most reliable single predictor of whether a paper will do what you want.
The bands, and what each is for
70 to 100 gsm
Printer paper. Folds endlessly, which makes it right for origami and paper chains, and wrong for anything glued.
120 to 160 gsm
Light craft paper. Fine for layering and collage where it sits on top of something sturdier.
200 to 250 gsm
Proper craft weight. Holds a score line, takes wet adhesive without wrinkling, cuts cleanly. Our patterned paper sits at 250 gsm.
270 to 350 gsm
Card weight. Greeting cards, invitations, gift tags and anything that needs to stand up on a table. Our foil tags are 300 gsm.
Converting from US pound weights
American paper is often sold in pounds, which is confusing because the number depends on the paper type. Rough equivalents:
- 65 lb cover is about 175 gsm
- 80 lb cover is about 216 gsm
- 100 lb cover is about 270 gsm
- 110 lb cover is about 300 gsm
Text weight versus cover weight
80 lb text and 80 lb cover are very different papers. Cover is roughly twice as heavy. If a listing says pounds without saying which, assume text and be pleasantly surprised.
Weight is not thickness
Two papers at the same gsm can feel different. A bulky uncoated stock is thicker than a dense coated one at the same weight. Gsm tells you mass, caliper tells you thickness, and for most craft decisions gsm is the number that matters.
Matching weight to project
Greeting cards
270 to 300 gsm. Below 250 the card flops when it stands.
Scrapbook layouts
250 gsm for base pages, lighter for layered elements.
Die cutting
200 to 300 gsm cuts best. Heavier stock needs a fresh blade and may need a second pass.
Invitations with foil
300 gsm minimum. Foil stamping presses into the sheet, and thin stock shows the impression on the reverse.
The test if you have no numbers
Hold a sheet by one corner. Flops immediately, it is under 150. Bends but holds shape, roughly 200 to 250. Stays nearly rigid, 300 or above.
Shop craft paper by gsm
Related reading
FAQ
1. What does gsm mean?
Grams per square meter, the weight of one square meter of the paper. It is the most reliable indicator of how a paper will behave when cut, folded or glued.
2. What gsm is best for greeting cards?
270 to 300 gsm. Below 250 the card will not stand up properly on a mantelpiece.
3. How do I convert lb to gsm?
Roughly: 65 lb cover is 175 gsm, 80 lb cover is 216 gsm, 100 lb cover is 270 gsm, 110 lb cover is 300 gsm. Check whether the listing means text or cover weight, as they differ by about half.
4. What gsm works in a die cutting machine?
200 to 300 gsm cuts cleanly. Heavier stock needs a fresh blade and sometimes a second pass.
5. Is higher gsm always better?
No. Heavy paper does not fold well for origami or layering. Match the weight to the job rather than defaulting to the thickest option.
6. Does gsm tell me how thick the paper is?
Not exactly. Gsm is mass, not thickness. Two papers at the same gsm can differ in bulk, though for most craft decisions gsm is the useful number.