GSM is the paper’s weight per square metre. A higher GSM usually means a heavier sheet — but it does not automatically mean a thicker or stiffer one. Two 350 GSM cards can feel very different depending on the board and the finish.
A quick guide by product
- Butter paper: 30–40 GSM. Thin enough to fold around food, strong enough to hold grease.
- Tissue paper: 17 GSM. Light and soft — it is there to wrap, not protect.
- Carry bags: 100–150 GSM. Go heavier if your product is over 2 kg.
- Hang tags and visiting cards: 350–600 GSM. This is where weight signals quality in the hand.
When GSM is not the answer
For boxes, strength comes from structure — flute type and number of plies — not GSM alone. A 3-ply E-flute mailer protects a serum bottle better than a thick single sheet ever could.
Not sure what to pick? Send us the product, weight and how it ships. We will recommend a spec and explain why.
