Paper Weights & Stock
From lightweight flyers to rigid cards
Hover each sheet to see its weight and thickness
What is GSM?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre — it measures how heavy (and typically how thick) a sheet of paper is. Higher GSM = thicker, more rigid paper.
For reference, standard office copy paper is about 80 GSM. A business card is typically 350–400 GSM. The difference is immediately obvious when you hold them.
Common paper weights
90–120 GSM — Lightweight. Good for letterheads, internal documents, and newspaper inserts. Feels thin and flexible.
130–170 GSM — Medium weight. Ideal for flyers, leaflets, and magazine pages. Has substance but still folds easily.
200–250 GSM — Heavy. Used for premium flyers, presentation folders, and book covers. Feels sturdy and professional.
300–350 GSM — Card stock. Standard for postcards, invitations, and greeting cards. Rigid enough to stand on its own.
350–400 GSM — Premium card. The standard for business cards and high-end packaging. Thick, luxurious feel.
400+ GSM — Extra rigid. Used for luxury business cards, rigid boxes, and special applications.
Paper types & finishes
Beyond weight, paper comes in different surface textures:
Silk / Satin — smooth with a subtle sheen. The most popular choice for business cards and brochures. Colors look vibrant, text is sharp.
Gloss — highly reflective surface. Makes photos pop with vivid color. Can show fingerprints.
Uncoated / Matt — no coating. Natural, tactile feel. Great for a premium, understated look. Ink absorbs into the paper, so colors appear slightly softer.
Textured — linen, felt, or laid textures add a distinctive tactile quality. Popular for wedding stationery and luxury branding.
Recycled / Kraft — eco-friendly options with visible fiber texture. Perfect for organic brands and sustainable packaging.
When in doubt, go heavier
People judge print quality partly by feel. A 350 GSM silk business card communicates "premium" before anyone reads a word. If you're choosing between two weights and unsure, pick the heavier one — the small cost difference is always worth the perceived quality upgrade.