Paper Weight Calculator
Calculate exact paper weight for your print job. Know your GSM before you order.
Or read our GSM guide — the only guide SA print buyers need to understand paper weight.
Enter Your Specifications
Select a product above for recommended GSM
Result
Enter your specifications on the left to calculate total paper weight.
Common Paper Weights
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GSM in paper weight?
GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter — the weight of one square meter of paper. Higher GSM means thicker, heavier paper. Standard copier paper is 80gsm. Business cards are typically 350gsm.
How do I choose the right paper weight for my project?
Use our product selector above — it recommends the ideal GSM for each print product. The general rule: business cards 300-400gsm, flyers 130-170gsm, letterheads 90-120gsm, brochures 150-250gsm.
Does paper weight affect printing cost?
Yes. Heavier paper (higher GSM) costs more because it uses more material. But choosing the right GSM for the job prevents overspending — going beyond recommended GSM rarely improves perceived quality enough to justify the cost.
What GSM should I use for business cards?
350gsm is the standard for professional business cards in South Africa. 300gsm is a budget option (thinner, may bend in wallets). 400gsm is premium but rarely necessary. Avoid anything below 300gsm.
Why use the product selector?
The product selector auto-fills the recommended GSM based on industry best practices. You can adjust it if needed, but starting with our recommendation ensures your printed materials have the right weight for their intended use.
Ready to Print Your Project?
Now that you know your paper weight, order your printing directly from Printulu.