TL;DR: GSM stands for Grams per Square Metre — it measures the weight and roughly the thickness of paper or board. Higher GSM = heavier, stiffer material. Retail folding cartons use 300-400 GSM; luxury rigid box boards use 1,200-2,000 GSM greyboard.
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GSM Definition
GSM (Grams per Square Metre, also written g/m2) is the standard measurement of paper and board density used worldwide in packaging, printing, and publishing. It tells you how much one square metre of that material weighs in grams.
It is not a direct measurement of thickness (caliper), but in practice GSM and thickness are closely correlated for the same paper type. A 350 GSM coated paperboard is noticeably stiffer and thicker than 250 GSM of the same material.
GSM Reference Table for Packaging
| GSM Range | Material Type | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| 60-90 GSM | Standard writing / copier paper | Inserts, packing tissue paper |
| 100-170 GSM | Light card stock | Hang tags, gift tissue wraps |
| 200-250 GSM | Medium coated board | Lightweight folding cartons, inner cartons |
| 300-350 GSM | Standard SBS / C1S board | Retail folding cartons (cosmetics, food, supplements) |
| 400-450 GSM | Heavy coated board | Premium retail cartons, thick-wall folding boxes |
| 600-900 GSM | Thick grey board / duplex | Rigid box wrapping paper, premium packaging base |
| 1,200-1,500 GSM | Solid grey board | Rigid box lid and base (wrapped with paper) |
| 1,800-2,500 GSM | Heavy grey board | Ultra-premium rigid boxes, watch boxes, jewellery boxes |
How GSM Affects Packaging Quality
Rigidity and Stack Strength
Higher GSM board resists crushing and deformation. For retail cartons that stack on shelves, 350+ GSM provides sufficient stiffness. Below 250 GSM, folding cartons tend to feel flimsy and are more prone to denting during shipping.
Print Quality
Heavier coated boards (C1S, C2S) hold ink more evenly than uncoated or lower-GSM stock. For photographic printing or fine-detail artwork, 300+ GSM coated board gives the best colour reproduction.
Shipping Weight and Cost
Higher GSM increases box weight. For e-commerce brands shipping via courier, a 50g heavier box on 1,000 units adds 50kg extra shipping weight. At air freight rates of $4-8/kg, that is $200-400 extra per shipment. Balance protection needs against dimensional weight.
GSM by Packaging Application
Cosmetics and Beauty Packaging
Standard: 300-350 GSM coated board (C1S — coated one side). Premium: 400 GSM with soft-touch lamination or spot UV. Luxury rigid boxes: 1,200-1,500 GSM greyboard + 157 GSM wrap paper.
Food Packaging
Food-contact boards must be food-grade certified regardless of GSM. Typical range: 250-400 GSM SBS (Solid Bleached Sulphate) board for direct food contact; 300-350 GSM FBB (Folding Box Board) for outer cartons.
Electronics Packaging
Outer retail box: 300-400 GSM coated white board. Inner protective inserts: E-flute corrugated or EVA foam. Corrugated shipper: B-flute or C-flute (equivalent to 700-1,000+ GSM board weight).
Jewellery Boxes
Rigid greyboard 1,500-2,000 GSM for box body. Wrapped with 128-157 GSM art paper printed to your design. Interior lined with velvet, EVA foam, or PU leather.
How to Specify GSM When Ordering
When requesting a quote from a packaging supplier, always specify:
- Material type (e.g., C1S coated board, SBS, kraft, grey board)
- GSM (e.g., 350 GSM)
- Any certifications required (FSC, food-grade)
- Surface finish (gloss lam, matte lam, soft-touch, uncoated)
Saying “I want a thick, premium box” is not a specification. Saying “350 GSM C1S with matte lamination and spot UV” is a specification that any manufacturer can quote accurately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What GSM is a standard cardboard box?
Retail folding cartons are typically 300-350 GSM. Corrugated cardboard boxes (shipper boxes) use E-flute or B-flute corrugate — the face liner paper is 120-200 GSM but the composite board is much thicker.
Is higher GSM always better?
Not necessarily. Higher GSM adds cost and weight. For lightweight products that do not require structural strength, 300 GSM is sufficient. Over-specifying GSM wastes money on materials and shipping.
What is the difference between GSM and caliper (thickness)?
GSM measures weight per unit area; caliper measures physical thickness in mm. A 350 GSM coated board is typically 0.40-0.50mm thick. Uncoated boards of the same GSM are slightly thicker because they are less compressed.
What GSM is used for luxury packaging?
Luxury folding cartons: 400-600 GSM. Luxury rigid boxes: 1,200-2,000 GSM greyboard wrapped in 128-157 GSM art paper. The greyboard provides rigidity; the art paper provides the print surface.
Can I request a specific GSM from Packjaki?
Yes. Packjaki produces folding cartons in 300, 350, and 400 GSM coated board, and rigid boxes in 1,200, 1,500, and 2,000 GSM greyboard. Custom specifications available on request.
