Grammage

Grammage, often referred to as grammage paper weight in casual conversation, is the technical measure of a sheet’s mass relative to its surface area. It is expressed in grams per square metre (gsm) and standardized under ISO 536. Unlike the American “pound” system, which relies on the weight of a specific base size, gsm is an absolute value independent of sheet dimensions. This makes it the preferred metric for international printing specifications, ensuring that a 350 gsm card stock has the same physical density whether produced in Europe or Asia.

For business cards, grammage directly correlates with perceived quality and rigidity. Standard cards typically range from 300 to 400 gsm. Higher values indicate thicker, stiffer material that resists bending, while lower values may feel flimsy. Understanding this metric allows designers to select the appropriate physical substrate to match the intended tactile experience of the final product.