GSM vs PT Units: Principal Differences and Which Is Most Suitable For Printing

Both of these systems of estimation are; used to estimate how thick materials are. Material can be cardboard, paper-board, or other packaging stock. It is; utilized in folding cartons too. The weight of the stock also plays an important role and is estimated in reams or packets. One ream or packet equals 100 sheets of raw paper. You will frequently notice paper written as 80 lb or #80, which suggests that one ream or packet of that paper weighs 80 pounds or 36kg approx.

By; knowing the point system (PT), it is essential to understand that a point equals .002 inches, thus 20 pt would mean that; there is a material thickness of 0.02 inches.

Gram Square Meter (GSM) is the metric equivalent of PT, though; is based on the metric method rather than on inches. As you analyze various paper levels, it is essential to know that the thicker a packaging stock is, does not inevitably mean that it will be more substantial. With that being noted, the higher the Grammage, the thicker the stock will be. Thus, how do you define the weight of an especial printing stock? Analyzing the material itself can help to; understand the different GSM weights of general stocks are; so that you can have an opinion of the density of the packaging you require. 

• 35-55 GSM Or 3-6 PT: Newspaper - thin and delicate.
• 90-100 GSM Or 7 PT: Printer paper - callous to being handled. 
• 120-140 GSM Or 8PT: Posters and bulletins - deteriorate if exposed to light constantly repeatedly. 
• 210-300 GSM Or 9-12PT: Magazine covers - better fit to keeping their shape or layout. 
• 350-600 GSM Or 14-22PT: Most commonly related to card stock or kraft stock - thick material to print packaging boxes, invitations, and business cards.

Conversion Between the GSM and PT Units:
GSM units consider the material weight, yet the PT unit does not. There are, yet, conversion tables that interpret this method, and we can transform to and from PT to GSM and vice versa if necessary. Underneath is a rough GSM to PT conversion table to assist you to; know how the conversion method might study in your bizarre situation.

Thickness of Stock	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

It is worth seeing that considering most people use the metric units, GSM is more popular overall, yet, we can manage both units reciprocally. 

How To Analyze Paper Thicknesses And Weights:
The US-based units can be more complex than the metric unit, but to; help create packaging uniform among the different methods, the U.S. version takes into; consideration the weight of the uncut stock (the “base weight” of the packet or ream). Thus if you notice paper printed with #92, you will understand it is rather lightweight or thin compared to stock with a weight of #230.

Why Does Understanding The Weight Of Stock Paper (or other stock) Matter, Anyhow?
You do not remember enough about the mailers that come into your house on regular basis – till you are; instantly faced with paper articles like the cover, book, bond, tag, index, text, and more. Though, the distinctions between various sizes and styles of stock are a great thing. The paper has been; founded for so many decades. Mankind has studied all types of artistic ideas to make them strong and ever-lasting. It also suggests that tried and true system can be; put to practice immediately to make your packaging stand apart from the rival(s).

Read More: Window Patching - Understanding the Window Patching Practices in Printing And Packaging

What Do These Distinctive Systems Mean For Product Packaging? 
Choosing between PT and GSM is only one of the choices you will have to make when you; measure the benefits and variations of diverse types of packaging stock. Knowing how thick you need your printed packaging to; be will not only influence its strength. Yet, also the way it is; printed and the characteristics you can apply. Few packaging stocks will have a softer surface, which offers printing on them carefully. Others are; rougher and more coarse, which enhance their strength, yet also affects how simply different printing methods can be; obtained. Simultaneously, the packaging has to be long-lasting because it requires preserving its product while displaying them carefully and in a way that presents the package stand apart. Is it desirable to have packaging that is the “most useful for both worlds” – something that invokes features while keeping sturdiness as it goes over the printing, labeling, and transportation process? The solution is YES! 

Talk To Packaging Professional To Assist You Choose On GSM Vs PT Units:
Analyzing different varieties of the stock weight, density, GSM, and PT units and how to pick the parity between strength, stiffness, “print capability” and other benefits can be remarkable – although that does not mean you have to execute that decision by yourselves. At Halcon Packaging, we understand that the layout, printing, and customized packaging world can be; a complex situation to navigate. That is why we are here to accompany you throughout the process from start to end and assist you to experience incredible effects that ideally place your product. We take exceptional pride in taking the opportunity to know your idea and your intentions for your item. Either it is standing apart with a distinct layout to; separate your goods from the competitors or providing your product a modern and refined look that was; produced for unboxing. We have the experience to obtain the outcome that truly exceeds your expectations.

We embrace the possibility to assist you beyond all features of your item’s packaging ideas. Even if you are not precisely sure what you need, we have visual artists on the team who can assist bring your imagination to life. Once you have chosen the layout, we can help you pick the right packaging stock that benefits; protect your item while displaying it flawlessly from every perspective. Moreover, we can also promote your product to stand apart in more than simply the graphical function. Utilizing modern printing technology, we offer choices that are both eye-grabbing and interesting to observe. From spot UV and foil stamping to lamination and soft coating that preserves and improves the usefulness of your goods, everything we do is; done with comfort in understanding: both yours and your clients.

Are you interested in studying more about our complete packaging layout and printing solutions? Contact us today for a non-obligation quote. We will take the opportunity to clarify any questions you might have about PT versus GSM in printing or any other queries you might have about the packaging and printing process. 

We understand you have strived hard to build an outstanding product – now it is a point to opt for custom packages that are; fairly; as incredible!