There are diverse systems used to measure their thickness and weight when it comes to paper and packaging products. Two common units are GSM (Grams per Square Matere) and PT (Point System). Each has its significance in the industry and understanding the difference between them is essential for making the proper choices in packaging, printing, and other paper-based products. We will explore what GSM and PT are and how they compare or how to use these measurements to select the best paper for your needs.
What are GSM and PT Units?
These two units of measurement are used to measure the thickness of the paper. Paper can be cardboard or any other packaging material. It is also used in folding cartons. The weight of paper also plays an important role and is measured in reams. One ream of paper is equal to 500 sheets of uncut paper.
You will often notice a paper that is rated as 80 lb or 80# indicating that a pile of this paper weighs 80 pounds. It is necessary to know that the Point System (PT) that one point is equal to 0.001 inches so 10 points would mean that the thickness of the stock is 0.01 inches.
GSM is the equivalent unit of measurement to points but it is based on the metric system instead of inches. It is important to understand that the thicker the packaging material the heavier it will be when looking at different types of paper.
The Point System (PT)
The Point System (PT) is a strategy used in different businesses to evaluate and assess certain characteristics that are related to the quality of materials like paper, texture, or plastic. PT assigns a numerical esteem to different attributes such as thickness, weight, and texture. Within the paper industry, for instance, PT measures the density or quality of paper, where the next point esteem ordinarily indicates way better quality. This system makes a difference in standardizing items, ensuring consistency, and helping in decision-making for generation or buy.
Grams per Square Meter (GSM)
GSM is a more common estimation utilized when talking about the weight of paper. The higher the GSM value, the heavier and thicker the paper. A standard piece of printer paper usually has a GSM of 80 which means one square meter of the paper weighs 80 grams. The paper used for books or magazines can range from 70 GSM to 200 GSM. Heavier papers like cardstock can go as high as 400 GSM.
Why is the GSM Unit System Important?
The GSM (Grams per Square Meter) unit system is important within the packaging industry because it measures the weight and density of packaging materials, such as paper, cardboard, and film. This makes a difference in assessing material efficiency, allowing businesses to select cost-effective and durable materials while minimizing waste. By using GSM, companies can guarantee their packaging meets the required measures and communicate successfully with suppliers about material specifications. It also helps in optimizing packaging designs for cost-effectiveness.
Understanding Common GSM Paper Measurements
|
GSM Range |
Material Type |
Description |
|
35-55 GSM |
Newspaper |
Very thin and delicate. |
|
90-100 GSM |
Printer Paper |
More durable than newspaper, but still susceptible to damage with handling. |
|
120-140 GSM |
Posters and Bulletins |
Can withstand the elements better, but may deteriorate with prolonged exposure. |
|
210-300 GSM |
Magazine Covers |
Better at maintaining form, even when bent |
|
350-400 GSM |
Card Stock |
Thick, used for invitations, business cards, and retail packaging. |
Why is the GSM and PT Unit System Important in Packaging?
It is important to understand how each system works when comparing GSM to PT. GSM is primarily used to measure packaging material efficiency and communicate with packaging manufacturers. It is easy to use and provides more information than PT units. GSM knows how to measure paper weight while taking into account packaging costs and material quality.
The PT unit system gives a point value that must be converted to GSM to better understand the thickness of the packaging. This makes the design process quite easy for packaging manufacturers. Using GSM or PT units gives you a high degree of confidence in the accuracy of your paperweight.
Converting Between the GSM and PT Unit System
Here is a table that gives a common conversion between GSM and PT thickness and weight:
|
Thickness (Point) |
Material |
GSM Weight |
|
13 point |
Pulp |
200 gsm |
|
14 point |
Uncoated |
270 gsm |
|
16 point |
C2S / Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) |
350 gsm |
|
18 point |
C2S |
400 gsm |
|
24 point |
Uncoated |
405 gsm |
|
24 point |
C2S / Solid Bleached Sulfate (SBS) |
460 gsm |
|
40 point |
Cotton |
600 gsm |
This is a rough guide as conversion can vary depending on the type of paper being used. The key takeaway is that higher GSM values usually correspond to thicker paper (higher PT).
How Can We Compare Paper Weights and Thickness?
The US system can be more confusing than the metric system, but to help formalize packaging across different systems, the US system takes into account the weight of the uncut sheet of paper. So if you see paper marked 92#, you know it is quite thin compared to paper that weighs 230#.
Paper has been around for so many centuries that society has experimented with all sorts of creative ideas to make it stronger and more resilient. This also means that proven methods can be applied immediately to help your packaging stand out from the competition.
How can I understand which GSM Paper Thickness is Important for me?
The GSM/PT ratio will help you determine the best packaging material for your premium product. Understanding the units will help you accurately measure paper weight and packaging material thickness. This section will also guide you in choosing the right one to engage with your potential customers.
Measurements will help you achieve the final look and feel of your product packaging. To achieve high-quality printing results, you need to invest in high-value GSM. GSM allows you to effectively communicate with packaging professionals and design decisions to provide customers with a great unboxing experience.
