Paper Weights Explained: GSM & Their Best Uses

In print, GSM (grams per square metre) tells you the thickness and feel of paper stock. The right GSM can transform how your brochure, leaflet, or business card is perceived—affecting not just the design, but how it performs when folded, bound, or handled.

You might choose a lower GSM to reduce the bulk of a high-page-count brochure, or increase the GSM on a smaller item to give it more presence. Here’s a guide to the most common paper weights we offer, with recommendations based on years of professional printing experience.

60gsm – Ultra-Light Stock (ideal for newspapers, mass inserts)

This is the thinnest paper commonly used in commercial print. Found in newspapers and large-volume leaflet runs, it’s extremely lightweight and has a soft, almost translucent feel.

Ink Tip: To reduce see-through, keep ink density below 260%. This prevents text and imagery from showing through to the reverse side—especially on double-sided prints.

80gsm – Lightweight Value Stock (used for takeaway menus, budget flyers)

Still very thin but a little firmer than 60gsm, this weight is suited for price-sensitive print runs, such as single-use menus or discount handouts. It's lightweight enough for bulk distribution but not ideal for heavy ink coverage or high-end finishes.

90gsm – Entry-Level Leaflet Paper (used for folded flyers, mass mailouts)

With a slight boost in thickness and smoothness, 90gsm is great for simple folded leaflets or low-cost brochure interiors. It's light, flexible, and cost-efficient, particularly for projects where large quantities are needed.

100gsm – Slim Brochure Page Stock (ideal for large brochures, catalogues)

Used when your brochure has a large page count and you want to keep the spine slim. This paper balances print quality with practicality, allowing more pages without adding weight or thickness.

120gsm – Light Premium Text Stock (used for inner pages, handouts, folded inserts)

A step up in feel and finish, 120gsm is often used for the inner pages of quality brochures or folded inserts. It’s light enough to remain flexible, but heavy enough to suggest a touch of refinement.

130gsm – Lightweight Mid-Grade Paper (ideal for leaflets, inserts, tri-folds)

Perfect for folded flyers and marketing inserts, 130gsm holds colour well and gives a more polished look than thinner papers. It's commonly used for direct mail campaigns and promotional literature.

150gsm – Midweight Marketing Stock (used for event programmes, brochures, flyers)

A versatile weight that balances sturdiness and flexibility. Often chosen for brochures, handouts, or flyers where a more tactile feel is needed without moving into card territory.

170gsm – Premium Inner Page Stock (used for luxury brochures, photography pages)

Heavy enough to feel high-end but still flexible enough for folded materials. This stock is perfect for brochure interiors where vibrant imagery or detailed layouts are the focus.

200gsm – Flexible Card-Like Paper (used for light covers, menus, folded cards)

A thin card stock that still folds well. Ideal for short-run brochure covers, high-end leaflets, and menus. Offers a durable feel without the bulk of thicker cards.

250gsm – Light Card Stock (used for thicker covers, product sheets, folded menus)

Structured and smooth, 250gsm is perfect when you want your cover or printed piece to feel strong but not rigid. It adds strength and quality without making folding or binding difficult.

300gsm – Standard Card Weight (used for business cards, invites, postcards)

This is the classic go-to for premium business cards and promotional cards. Strong, dependable, and durable, it’s thick enough to make a statement while still working well with lamination and special finishes.

350gsm – Heavyweight Premium Card (ideal for luxe business cards, packaging cards)

If you're looking for something more substantial, 350gsm delivers. Great for premium packaging sleeves, rigid invitations, and luxury business cards with a high-end finish.

400gsm – Ultra-Thick Luxury Card (used for deluxe cards, duplexed prints, rigid invites)

This is the thickest stock we regularly use and is ideal when your print product needs to scream quality. Perfect for heavy-duty business cards, event invitations, and presentation materials. Extremely rigid, and pairs beautifully with foils, embossing, and soft-touch laminate.