What is the Difference Between Paper Size and GSM (Weight)?

Paper size and GSM (grams per square meter) are two different characteristics of paper that serve different purposes. Here are the main differences between them:

• Paper size refers to the dimensions of the paper, such as A4, A5, or Letter size. Different paper sizes can have the same GSM, but their dimensions will vary.
• GSM is a unit of measurement for understanding the thickness of a sheet of paper. The higher the GSM, the thicker the paper will be. GSM is measured per square meter of the paper and does not vary depending on the dimensions of the paper.

Here are some common GSM ranges and their general uses:

• 35-55 GSM: Standard paper weight used for newspapers.
• 70-100 GSM: Standard office paper, magazines, and book pages.
• 100-120 GSM: Premium stationery for envelopes and letterheaded paper.
• 130-150 GSM: Durable weight for posters, flyers, leaflets, and newsletters.
• 170-350 GSM: Board weight, which is used for premium brochure covers, business cards, and presentation folders.
• Above 350 GSM: Standard weight of invitations and high-quality business cards.

Understanding the difference between paper size and GSM is essential when choosing the right type of paper for a specific purpose. For example, a thicker paper with a high GSM would be more suitable for business cards or invitations, while thinner paper with a lower GSM would be more appropriate for newspapers or general office use.

Comparative Table: Paper Size vs GSM (Weight)

The difference between paper size and GSM (paper weight) can be summarized in the following table:

Paper size is determined by dimensions (e.g., A0, A1, A2, etc.), while paper weight is measured in grams per square meter (gsm) and represents the thickness and durability of the paper.