{"id":1942,"date":"2020-12-22T21:06:31","date_gmt":"2020-12-23T02:06:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/?p=1942"},"modified":"2025-01-02T06:58:37","modified_gmt":"2025-01-02T11:58:37","slug":"gsm-vs-pt-unit-system","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/refinepackaging.com\/blog\/gsm-vs-pt-unit-system\/","title":{"rendered":"GSM vs. PT Unit System: Main Differences and Which is Best for Printing"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to printing materials, it’s common to see things <\/span>measured in units like GSM or PT.<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

But what do these unit systems actually mean? And what are their implications for your packaging and printing?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Understanding the difference between the <\/span>PT and GSM unit systems<\/b> will help you better evaluate the <\/span>weight and thickness of the paper or material you choose to print on<\/span><\/i>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Knowing this will impact the printing options you choose and will help you determine how to find the right balance between durability and \u201cprintability\u201d when it comes to your <\/span>custom packaging<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The Meaning of PT and GSM in Packaging and Printing<\/b><\/h2>\n

PT stands for The Point System<\/b> while <\/span>GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Both of these units of measurement are used to measure how thick stock is. Stock can be paperboard, cardboard or other packaging material. It’s used in <\/span>folding cartons<\/span><\/a> as well. The weight of the paper also plays a role and is measured in reams. One ream equals 500 sheets of uncut paper (where the paper is at its original, uncut size). You’ll often see paper noted as 80 lb or 80#, which means that one ream of that paper weighs 80 pounds.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In order to understand the point (PT) system, it’s important to know that a point equals .001 inches, so 10 points would mean that there is a stock thickness of 0.01 inches. <\/b>
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\n<\/span>GSM is the metric equivalent of points, <\/span>but is based on the metric system rather than on inches<\/span><\/i>. As you consider different paper levels, it’s important to understand that the thicker a packaging material is, doesn’t necessarily mean that it will be heavier. With that being said, the higher the GSM, the thicker the paper will be.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

So, how do you determine the weight of a particular printing material? <\/span>
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\n<\/span>By looking at the material itself. It helps to know what different <\/span>GSM weights of common materials<\/b> are so that you can have an idea of the thickness of the packaging you need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common GSM Paper Measurements<\/b><\/h2>\n