At a glance
- Gsm measures mass per area.
- Thickness is read in µm or mm on the paper specification.
- Observe every applicable limit for the chosen path.
What gsm measures
A 300 gsm paper represents 300 grams per square metre. An A4 sheet therefore does not weigh 300 grams. The number compares media mass at equal area.
It does not directly measure thickness or stiffness. Composition and coatings can create substantial differences between papers of the same weight. Compare exact products, not just the numbers in their names.
Convert microns to read the manual
A thickness of 350 µm equals 0.35 mm, and 375 µm equals 0.375 mm. Use the upper figure when a specification gives a range, so the comparison does not use only the most favourable case.
If the printer publishes maximum thickness and weight for the same path, observe both. If one is missing, do not calculate it from the other: the comparison retains an evidence limit.
Choose without exceeding the tray
Matte 300 and Matte 330 belong to the same finish family. The thicker option may suit your preference, but only when the printer can receive the media under documented conditions.
- Read the current product’s thickness and weight.
- Identify the paper path and media type covered by the manual.
- Rule out known exceedances and keep missing data visible.
- For permitted media, compare a printed and cut sheet before a batch.
Papers in the current catalogue
Nominal supplier values, not an in-house print test. Prices and stock are checked on the product page. Where a value is missing, no compatibility is inferred.
| Paper | gsm · µm | Formats |
|---|---|---|
| Double-sided Matte Paper · Black Core · 300 gsm | 300 gsm 350 µm | A4 |
| Double-sided Matte Paper · Black Core · 330 gsm | 330 gsm 370-375 µm | A4 |
Questions about this guide
Is 330 gsm a stiffness measurement?
No. It is mass per area. Stiffness depends on media construction among other factors; comparing handling requires observation or an appropriate measurement.
What if only a photo-paper limit is published?
Keep the paper type and conditions associated with the figure. Do not extend it automatically to every third-party cardstock.
Sources
Manufacturer limits apply to the media and feed paths stated in each document. A documentary match is not a physical test of our cardstock.
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