350 GSM vs 400 GSM vs 450 GSM: choosing paper weight
Last updated 2026-08-22
In short
GSM is grams per square metre — paper weight, not thickness. 350 GSM is the standard business card and cover weight, 400 GSM feels noticeably premium, and 450 GSM and above reads as luxury. Flyers use 130–170 GSM and brochure text pages 150 GSM.
GSM is not thickness
Two 350 GSM stocks can differ in caliper depending on bulk and coating. If thickness matters — for card slots or dispensers — specify microns as well as GSM.
Matching weight to use
Below 130 GSM paper is letterhead territory. 150–170 GSM is flyer and brochure text. 250–300 GSM is postcards and covers. 350–450 GSM is business cards, tags and folders.
Typical GSM by print product
| Product | Typical GSM |
|---|---|
| Letterhead | 100–120 GSM |
| Flyer | 130–170 GSM |
| Brochure text | 150 GSM |
| Brochure cover | 250–300 GSM |
| Postcard | 300 GSM |
| Business card | 350–450 GSM |
| Presentation folder | 350 GSM |
Frequently asked questions
Is higher GSM always better?
No. A 400 GSM flyer costs far more, weighs more to distribute and folds badly. Match the weight to the job.
What GSM is a standard business card?
350 GSM in the UAE, with 400 GSM common for premium cards.