Office stationery
80–120gsmUncoated sheets for letterheads, forms and documents that may pass through an office printer.
Start with the definition
GSM measures weight—not exact thickness.
GSM means grams per square metre. A 300gsm sheet has more mass per square metre than a 150gsm sheet, but that number alone does not describe stiffness, opacity, surface or exact caliper.
Coated, uncoated, recycled, textured and high-bulk papers can feel different at the same GSM. Use weight as a useful starting point, then consider the product, finish, folding and handling requirements.
| Paper weight | Typical feel | Common applications | Selection note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80–90gsm | Light, flexible office paper | Forms, invoices, internal sheets and economical letterheads | Suitable where writing and office-printer compatibility matter. |
| 100–120gsm | Smoother and more substantial | Premium letterheads, reports and booklet text pages | Adds presence without becoming card-like. Check office-printer compatibility. |
| 130–150gsm | Light coated promotional sheet | Flyers, leaflets, folded brochures and booklet interiors | Balances colour reproduction, folding and distribution cost. |
| 170gsm | Noticeably firmer coated sheet | Premium flyers, brochures, posters and menu inserts | Stronger feel while still commonly suitable for folding with correct production. |
| 200–250gsm | Light card with visible structure | Covers, postcards, invitations, heavier flyers and short-use menus | Folds may need scoring to avoid surface cracking. |
| 300gsm | Firm card | Covers, menus, postcards and some presentation folders | Offers structure; coating and lamination change rigidity and feel. |
| 350gsm | Substantial card | Business cards, premium covers and corporate presentation pieces | A common premium-card starting point, subject to product and finish. |
| 400gsm | Heavy, rigid card | Luxury business cards and high-impact cards | Finish, grain and production method become especially important. |
Quick starting points
Choose by what the piece must do.
Flyers and brochures
130–170gsmCoated stock that carries colour well while remaining practical for folds and larger quantities.
Menus and covers
200–300gsmHeavier stock for structure, presentation and durability, often paired with an appropriate finish.
Cards and folders
300–400gsmSubstantial card weights for business cards, covers and presentation pieces where rigidity matters.
These are starting references, not fixed production rules. Size, grain, coating, folds, lamination and printing method can change the best choice.