If you’ve ever ordered printed materials, you’ve probably been asked what paper weight you’d like, and then been presented with numbers such as 250gsm, 300gsm or 350gsm.

But what does GSM actually mean, and does choosing a heavier paper really make your print better?

What does GSM mean?

GSM stands for grams per square metre.

Put simply, it tells you the weight of the paper. Generally, the higher the GSM, the heavier and more substantial the paper feels.

However, GSM isn’t the same thing as “quality”.

A heavier paper isn’t automatically the right choice. The best paper depends on what you’re printing, how it will be used and the impression you want to create.

So, what’s the difference between 250gsm and 350gsm?

250gsm is a versatile choice for a wide range of printed materials. It feels considerably more substantial than everyday office paper while remaining practical and cost-effective.

It can work particularly well for flyers, leaflets, promotional materials and many other everyday print jobs.

350gsm is heavier and more rigid, giving the finished piece a more premium, substantial feel.

It’s often chosen for business cards and other materials where you want something that feels particularly robust or makes a strong first impression.

Does thicker mean better?

Not necessarily.

Imagine you’re producing 5,000 promotional flyers for a short-term campaign.

A very heavy stock might look fantastic, but if those flyers are going to be handed out quickly, you may be spending money on a feature your audience doesn’t particularly benefit from.

On the other hand, if you’re producing business cards that someone might keep in their wallet for months, that extra weight and rigidity could be exactly what you’re looking for.

The key is to match the paper to the purpose.

There are other things to consider

Paper weight is only one part of the decision.

You also need to consider the paper type, finish, colour reproduction, whether the material needs to be folded, how it will be handled and your budget.

Ask us!

This is where expert advice can save you time and money.

Tell us what you’re producing, how it will be used and what impression you’re trying to create.

We’ll help you choose a stock that makes sense for the job.