In the world of printing, there are many acronyms and terms that can be confusing. Even if you work in a printing company, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all the different terminology. But don’t worry! As you research the different types of print products available, you will begin to understand these terms better. One term you may come across is “gsm.” It may seem like an odd thing to measure when discussing the paper, but this acronym stands for “grams per square meter.” Yes, it sounds strange, but once we explain what gsm means in relation to paper, everything should make more sense! Keep reading to learn more about what gsm is and how it will affect your print quality when choosing different types of paper for your printing needs.
What is gsm?
Grams per square meter – or gsm for short – is the measurement of the paper’s thickness. Gsm is commonly used to describe the weight of paper, which is important because it determines the strength and durability of the paper. The higher the gsm, the stronger the paper will be. The gsm number is calculated by taking the paper’s thickness and dividing it by the number of sheets in the stack. For example, a stack of 20 lb paper has a gsm of 75. That means the paper is 0.016 inches thick, and there are 500 sheets in the stack.
Why is gsm important?
The gsm of paper is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a type of paper for your printing needs. It will determine the strength and thickness of the paper, which will have an effect on the quality and longevity of your prints. The durability of your prints will depend on the weight of the paper. The higher the gsm, the stronger the paper will be. The weight of the paper will also determine how thick it is, which you may want to take into consideration if you will be using the paper in an item such as a frame. If you are using paper to print items such as signage or posters that will be used outdoors, then you will want to select a paper with a higher gsm. The stronger paper will be more durable and can withstand outdoor elements such as rain, sun, and wind.
weight of paper gsm
We already explained what gsm is, but what is the weight of paper gsm? Simply put, the weight of paper gsm is the thickness of the paper. The thickness of the paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). So when you hear someone say the paper has a weight of 80 gsm, it means the paper is 80 grams per square meter. The weight of the paper is important because it will affect the quality of your print. The thicker the paper, the better the quality of your print will be. You will want to consider the type of paper you select when printing and the thickness of the paper. For example, if you want to print a brochure that will be stapled, you will want to select a thicker paper. Thicker paper such as cardstock is best used for printing invitations. If you want a thinner paper, such as regular copy paper, you will want to avoid glossy paper.
Different types of paper by gsm
Different types of paper are available in a variety of gsm, which means you can select the paper that’s right for your print needs. Paper Weight: What Is The Correct Paper Weight? There’s no set rule as to what the weight of paper should be. The weight of the paper is dependent on what type of paper you are using, and the type of print job you are printing. Generally, when printing, you will want to select a paper that has a higher gsm. The heavier the paper, the better the quality and longevity of the print. Here are some common paper weights you may come across: • Bond paper (52 gsm) – This is a common type of paper that is often used for school projects. It has a smooth finish and is great for printing black and white images. • Copy paper (32 gsm) – Although this paper is thin, it is extremely durable and can be used for a wide variety of printing jobs. It is best suited for printing black and white images. • Cover paper (80 gsm) – This type of paper is thicker than standard copy paper. It is often used for printing books and novels and has a high-quality finish. • Writing paper (30 gsm) – This paper is thinner than most other papers and is great for printing images with black or colored ink. It is often used for invitations and letters. • Cardstock (105 gsm) – This paper is thick, and is best for printing images on both sides. It is often used for invitations and business cards. • High brightness paper (75 gsm) – This is a bright white paper that is great for printing high-end images. It is often used for printing posters, postcards, and magazines.
Final Words
Hopefully, now you understand what gsm is and how it will affect your print quality when choosing different types of paper for your printing needs. The gsm of paper is one of the most important factors to consider when selecting a type of paper for your printing needs. It will determine the strength and thickness of the paper, which will have an affect on the quality and longevity of your prints. The durability of your prints will depend on the weight of the paper. The higher the gsm, the stronger the paper will be. The weight of the paper will also determine how thick it is, which you may want to take into consideration if you will be using the paper in an item such as a frame.
