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GSM stands for grams per square meter, and it is the single most useful number for specifying kraft paper. It tells you the weight of one square meter of the paper, measured under the ISO 536 standard, and it correlates closely with how thick, strong, and durable that paper feels. A higher GSM generally means a heavier, sturdier sheet. The practical question for most buyers is not what GSM means but which GSM to order, so this guide gives you a chart by application and a simple way to choose.
Kraft Paper GSM Chart by Application
Kraft paper commonly runs from about 40 GSM up to 300 GSM and beyond. Use this as a starting point, then confirm with samples:
| GSM range | Feel | Typical applications |
| 40–80 GSM | Light, flexible | Food wrap, tissue, light product wrapping, void-fill paper |
| 80–120 GSM | Medium-light | Wrapping paper, labels, kraft bags, lighter mailers |
| 120–150 GSM | Medium | Shopping bags, heavier wrapping, mailer paper |
| 150–250 GSM | Heavy | Corrugated liner and medium, sturdy packaging |
| 250–300+ GSM | Very heavy | Heavy-duty industrial liner, structural packaging, paperboard |
For context, ordinary newsprint sits around 45–55 GSM, while a business card is roughly 300–350 GSM, which helps you picture where a given kraft weight falls.
GSM Is Not the Whole Story
GSM is the best starting specification, but two things are worth understanding so you do not over-order.
First, GSM measures weight, not thickness or strength on its own. Two papers at the same GSM can differ in caliper and performance depending on fiber and finish. Fiber type matters: virgin kraft made from fresh softwood has longer fibers that interlock for higher strength, while recycled kraft has shorter fibers and somewhat lower burst strength at the same weight. If strength is critical, ask about burst strength, not just GSM.
Second, heavier is not always better. For grease or moisture resistance, a barrier treatment or coating matters far more than raw weight, so ordering a higher GSM to fix soak-through usually wastes material. Match the GSM to the structural job, and handle barriers separately.
How to Choose Your GSM in Three Steps
- Define the job. Is the paper wrapping, filling void, forming a bag, or acting as a box liner? Each maps to a band in the chart above.
- Note the stress. Consider load, folding, carry time, and abrasion. Heavier loads and rougher handling push you toward the higher end of the band.
- Test with samples. Order a sample pack spanning your range and test with your actual product before committing to a production spec.
We can supply kraft and industrial paper across the full 40 to 300+ GSM range, with test data on each grade. Request a quote or sample pack and we will help you lock in the right weight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does GSM mean for kraft paper?
GSM means grams per square meter, the weight of one square meter of the paper measured under ISO 536. A higher GSM usually means a heavier, thicker, stronger sheet, which is why it is the primary specification buyers use.
What GSM kraft paper do I need?
It depends on the job. Roughly, 40–80 GSM suits food wrap and void fill, 80–150 GSM suits wrapping and bags, and 150–300+ GSM suits corrugated liner and heavy industrial packaging. Confirm with samples under real conditions.
Does higher GSM mean stronger paper?
Usually, but not always. Fiber type and finish also matter, so a virgin-fiber sheet can outperform a recycled one at the same GSM. For grease or moisture resistance, a barrier coating matters more than weight.
Is GSM the same as paper thickness?
No. GSM measures weight per area, while thickness (caliper) is a separate measurement. They correlate, but two papers at the same GSM can have different thickness depending on fiber and finish.
Specify With Confidence
GSM is the fastest way to get kraft paper right: match the weight to the structural job, remember that fiber and coating affect performance, and confirm with samples. Get it right and you avoid both failures in service and paying for paper that is heavier than you need.
