What Does GSM Mean in Packaging? Paper, Bag and Box Weight
GSM (grams per square metre) explained for packaging buyers: what it measures, typical GSM ranges for tissue, kraft paper bags, card and rigid box board, and when GSM is the wrong spec to ask for.
GSM stands for grams per square metre (g/m²) — the weight of a one-metre-square sheet of the material. It is the standard way to quote the substance of paper, card and fabric in packaging: a higher GSM means a heavier, and usually thicker and stiffer, sheet. When a supplier quotes a paper bag at 250 GSM, they mean the paperboard it is converted from weighs 250 grams per square metre before printing, lamination and handles.
How GSM is measured
The measurement is simple: a sample is cut to a known area, weighed on a precision scale, and the weight is scaled to one square metre. Because it ignores thickness entirely, two papers at the same GSM can feel very different — a dense, calendered sheet is thin and smooth while a bulky, uncoated sheet at the same weight feels thicker and more rustic. That is why GSM is a starting point for a spec, not the whole spec.
Typical GSM ranges by packaging material
| Material | Typical GSM | What it is used for |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue / wrapping paper | 17–28 | Gift wrap, void fill, interleaving between foil-stamped pouches |
| Kraft paper (bags) | 80–150 | Grocery and takeaway carrier bags, mailers |
| Kraft / art paper (premium bags) | 157–250 | Boutique and gift carrier bags with cord or ribbon handles |
| White / black card | 210–350 | Luxury gift bags, folding cartons, hang tags |
| Greyboard (rigid boxes) | 600–1,500 | Rigid gift and jewelry box shells (about 1–3 mm thick) |
| Corrugated board | Quoted by flute | Shipping cartons — specified by flute (E/B/C) and liner, not GSM alone |
| Polyester organza (pouches) | 25–60 | Sheer drawstring pouches — but denier and density matter more, see below |
Common industry ranges; exact mill specs are supplied with each batch or custom run.
For paper carrier bags specifically, the practical shorthand is: around 120–150 GSM for everyday kraft carriers, 157–200 GSM for printed boutique bags, and 210–300 GSM card for premium gift bags that need to hold shape with a rigid feel. Below about 100 GSM a carrier bag creases and tears at the handle holes; above 300 GSM you are paying for stiffness the contents rarely need.
When GSM is the wrong spec to ask for
- Sheer fabrics: bag-grade organza is so light (roughly 25–60 g/m²) that GSM barely separates grades — factories quote the filament denier (50D–100D) and thread density instead, because those predict sheerness and stiffness far better.
- Corrugated board: strength comes from the flute profile and liner combination, so board is specified as E/B/C-flute with liner weights, not a single GSM figure.
- Laminated or coated papers: lamination adds stiffness and moisture resistance without changing the base GSM — a 157 GSM bag with matte lamination can outperform an unlaminated 250 GSM bag.
- Thickness-critical jobs: if you need an exact thickness (e.g. board that must fit a slot or insert), ask for caliper in microns or millimetres, not GSM.
Organza is the classic example
Our wholesale organza guide explains why pouches are quoted by yarn denier and density rather than GSM, with the full spec table.
Read the organza wholesale guideWhen you request a quote, give the supplier the GSM and the context — contents, weight, whether the bag is laminated, and how it will be printed. A factory can then confirm whether the GSM you have in mind actually matches the job, or suggest the nearest stock board that does.
Not sure which weight your product needs?
Send the contents and target look — we will recommend a paper weight and bag construction and quote within one business day.
Ask for a recommendationFrequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What does GSM stand for in packaging?
GSM stands for grams per square metre (g/m²) — the weight of a one-metre-square sheet of paper, card or fabric. Higher GSM means a heavier, usually thicker and stiffer sheet. It is the standard unit for quoting paper bags, gift wrap, card and box board.
Is higher GSM always better for paper bags?
No. Beyond the strength the contents require, extra GSM just adds cost and bulk. Around 120–150 GSM suits everyday kraft carriers, 157–200 GSM printed boutique bags, and 210–300 GSM card premium gift bags. Lamination and construction often matter more than raw weight.
What is the difference between GSM and microns?
GSM measures weight per area; microns (or millimetres) measure thickness. Two papers at the same GSM can have different thicknesses depending on how dense or bulky the sheet is. Specify GSM for substance and caliper in microns when an exact thickness is critical.
What GSM is used for rigid gift boxes?
Rigid boxes are built from greyboard at roughly 600–1,500 GSM (about 1–3 mm thick), wrapped in printed art paper of around 128–157 GSM. The greyboard gives the box its structure; the wrap carries the branding and finish.
Why is organza not quoted in GSM?
Bag-grade polyester organza is extremely light — roughly 25–60 g/m² — so a few grams of difference barely changes the fabric. Factories quote the filament denier (50D–100D) and thread density instead, because those two numbers predict sheerness and stiffness far better than weight.
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