Thread count. Denier. GSM. Every material has its own language — and once you know it, you start noticing the difference. You can tell a lot about a piece of paper before you've read a word on it. How it sounds when you turn the page. Whether someone chose it, or it was simply what was to hand. All of that starts with one number. GSM.
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's the measurement that tells you how heavy a piece of paper is, and – more usefully – how it feels and holds up. Whether it's substantial in hand, like a wedding invitation heavy enough to announce itself before it's even opened, or light enough to fold into an envelope and mail across the world.
So much of paper - and what we put on it – is about feeling. GSM is fact.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for grams per square metre. It's the standard way of measuring paper weight.
Generally speaking, the higher the GSM, the thicker and more substantial the paper feels. Lower GSM papers are lighter and more flexible, while higher GSM papers tend to feel sturdier.
While GSM is a useful way to compare paper, it isn't the only measure of quality. The finish, texture and print quality all play a part in how the paper looks and feels in your hands.
Low GSM
Think: Newspaper, printer paper, tracing paper.
High GSM
Think: A luxe business card, a wedding invitation, a hardback book cover.
Why does paper weight matter?
Paper weight changes the experience of using your stationery.
A heavier card creates a memorable first impression, whether it's a card that stands up on a shelf, or a special gift tag. Lighter papers are better suited to everyday writing, making notebooks and journals comfortable to fill page after page.
The right GSM isn't about choosing the thickest paper available. It's about choosing the right paper for the moment.
Is a higher GSM always better?
Not always. Different products call for different paper weights.
A heavyweight cardstock feels beautifully substantial for wedding stationery, but it wouldn't work for the pages inside a notebook. Likewise, writing paper needs enough weight to prevent show-through while still feeling effortless to write on.
Rather than asking whether a higher GSM is better, it's more useful to ask which paper weight is best suited to the way you'll use it.
What GSM is best for wedding stationery?
For wedding invitations, a heavier cardstock creates a premium feel while travelling well in the post and substantial enough to treasure long after the day itself. Papier's wedding invitations are printed on 324gsm cardstock as standard, offering a luxurious finish with crisp print quality. Many designs are also available on our 650gsm double-thick cardstock for an even weightier feel.
After all, your invitations are often the first glimpse guests have of your celebration. The paper should feel just as special as the day itself.
What paper weight does Papier use?
Every Papier product is designed with its purpose in mind. Rather than using the same paper weight across our collection, we choose the perfect GSM for each one – whether that's pages that are a joy to write on, cardstock that they’ll want to keep in a drawer forever, or paper that lets your photos shine.
Is 324gsm paper good quality?
Yes. A paper weight of 324gsm is considered premium cardstock, making it an excellent choice for wedding invitations and other keepsakes.
It has a sturdy feel without being overly thick, allowing colours, illustrations and typography to print beautifully while creating a lasting first impression.
How do I choose the right paper weight?
The right weight depends on why you’re using the paper. Daily writing wants something light — for comfort and flexibility. For invitations, announcements and notecards, a heavier cardstock feels more substantial and creates a more memorable experience – in other words, paper that arrives with presence. Photo books want a weight heavy enough to hold ink properly, so colours stay vivid and true rather than sinking into the page. Think about how the paper will be held, written on, or displayed. The right GSM should enhance the experience from the very first touch.
ftravellGSM is the fact. The rest is instinct.
GSM is a helpful way to understand paper weight, but it's only part of what makes stationery special. The finish, texture and print quality all shape how a page looks and feels. Together, they turn everyday moments into something worth keeping – whether it's a guest book you'll treasure, a notebook you'll fill cover to cover or a photo book you'll reach for years from now.
At Papier, we believe great paper should do more than feel beautiful. It should make every page – whether it's written, shared or kept – feel worth holding on to.
