Paper weight is one of the most important parameters affecting the quality and reception of your printed material. Expressed in grams per square meter (gsm), it determines the thickness and stiffness of paper. The right choice of weight can determine the success of the entire project.
In this guide, you'll find practical information to help you make an informed decision when ordering printing. You'll learn the differences between popular weights and find out when to use each one.
Basic Information About Paper Weight
Weight is the mass of paper per square meter of surface area. The higher the weight, the thicker and stiffer the paper. The standard in offset printing includes weights from 80 gsm to 350 gsm.
Remember: the same weight can give different sensations depending on the paper type. Coated paper 130 gsm will feel thinner than offset paper 130 gsm.
Paper Types by Weight
- Light papers: 80-120 gsm - for mass printing
- Medium papers: 130-200 gsm - universal application
- Heavy papers: 250-350 gsm - representative materials
Paper Weight for Different Types of Printing
Business Cards and Cards
Business cards require stiff paper that will sit well in a wallet and won't bend easily. Standard weight is 300-350 gsm on coated or offset paper.
Tip for Business Cards: If you plan to laminate business cards, you can choose a lower weight (250 gsm) - the laminate will add stiffness.
Brochures and Flyers
Weight selection depends on the number of folds and purpose. Simple A4 flyers work well on 130-150 gsm paper, while multi-page brochures require 200-250 gsm.
- Single-use flyers: 130-170 gsm
- Corporate brochures: 200-250 gsm
- Premium brochures: 300 gsm with finishing options
Catalogs and Brochures
Catalog covers are usually made on 250-300 gsm paper, and the inside on 130-170 gsm. This selection ensures appropriate stiffness while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Warning for Thick Catalogs: Too high weight for the inside pages of thick catalogs can make binding difficult and increase shipping costs.
Impact of Weight on Printing Costs
Weight directly affects printing costs. Each weight increase of 50 gsm can raise costs by 15-30%. Additionally, heavier papers generate higher transportation and distribution costs.
Cost Optimization
Instead of automatically choosing the highest weight, think about the purpose of the print. Sometimes it's better to invest in a better paper type at standard weight than choose basic paper with high weight.
Coated silk paper 170 gsm can look more premium than regular offset 250 gsm at similar price.
Practical Tips When Choosing Weight
Touch Test: If possible, always ask for paper samples. Touch often determines the first impression of the material recipient.
When choosing weight, consider the distribution method of materials. Prints sent by mail should be lighter, while materials distributed in person can be heavier and more representative.
Finishing and Weight
Some finishes require appropriately high weight. UV coating or hot-stamping work best on papers 250+ gsm. Thin papers may wrinkle or deform.
- UV coating: minimum 200 gsm
- Hot-stamping: 250+ gsm
- Embossing: 300+ gsm
- Perforation: optimally 200-250 gsm
Common Mistakes When Choosing Weight
Beginner's Mistake: Don't choose weight based on price alone. Too low weight can ruin the reception of even the best-designed material.
A common mistake is not matching weight to print format. Large formats require higher weight to maintain stiffness, while small formats may be too thick with high weight.
Check Before Ordering
- Does the weight match the print purpose?
- Does the selected paper work with planned finishes?
- Are costs balanced with budget?
- Is the weight appropriate for the format?
- Have you considered alternative paper types?
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