What is GSM in paper ?

GSM stands for”grams per square metre”. GSM is a unit of measurement that refers to how much one square meter of paper weighs. So when we say 160gsm that actually means that one square meter of this paper will weigh 160grams. Typically, the higher gsm, the heavier and thicker the paper will be.



How to measure paper weight ?

One method of measuring paper weight is the metric weight, which is measured in grams. This method measures the paper weight by weighing a 1x1 meter square of the paper and recording the weight in grams per meter square(g/㎡). We need two tools to measure paper weight, one is Electronic Balance, other one is Paper Sampler Cutter. g/㎡ = 100*g/c㎡. What we’re gonna do now, we just use the Paper Sampler Cutter to cut a 100c㎡ sample, then put the sample on the scale to see the weight.

GSM = 100 times of the weight of the 100c㎡ sample (100*the number given by the scale).

Look at the below 9 steps:



How to measure PE weight ?

In the same way, we put the round sample in the alcohol and soak it for 3-5 minutes, after the paper fibers get soft, we can separate a thin PE film out. then put the PE film on the scale. Same formula: GSM = 100*the weight of round PE film.

Leave me a comment with any questions or email me at chris@guimapaper.com