Grammage

Grammage refers to the weight of paper, cardboard, or board measured in grams per square meter (g/m²). In simple terms, it describes how heavy one square meter of a material is. A higher grammage usually indicates a stronger, more stable material, while a lower grammage is generally lighter, thinner, and more flexible.

For example, standard office paper used in most printers typically has a grammage of around 80 g/m². This means that one sheet of this paper with an area of one square meter weighs 80 grams. The metric unit is therefore g/m², which stands for grams per square meter.

Grammage is an important factor when choosing paper or cardboard for printed products, folders, packaging, or presentation materials. The lower the grammage, the easier the material may bend, crease, or tear. A higher grammage, on the other hand, can provide more durability, a better feel, and a more premium impression.

From around 150 g/m², the material is often referred to as cardboard rather than paper. However, grammage alone does not always determine the actual stability of a product. A 300 g/m² folder, for example, may sound sturdy, but it can still feel relatively light depending on the material structure, processing, and intended use.

The advantage of lighter materials is usually the lower price. However, for many high-quality printed products, grammage plays an important role in the final impression. A thicker and more stable material often communicates durability, value, and professionalism. Visually, the most obvious difference is usually the material thickness, but the tactile effect is just as important. A firm presentation folder, hotel folder, or quotation folder often leaves a much more premium impression than a thin and flexible version.

Materials That Are Too Thin Cannot Be Embossed

Grammage is also highly relevant when a product is to be embossed. Embossing requires a certain material thickness and stability. If the material is too thin, it may not hold the embossed shape properly or may become damaged during the process.

Only from a certain material strength can a logo embossing be applied cleanly and with a high-quality result. Lighter materials are usually better suited for printed designs rather than embossing. This is why the choice of grammage should always be considered early in the design and production process, especially when premium finishing techniques are planned.

Which Grammage Do cardstock Products Have?

cardstock products are typically made from a combination of strong bookbinding board and a laminated outer material. Instead of relying only on a single sheet of heavy printed cardboard, the construction uses a solid board core, often between 1 and 2 mm thick, combined with a high-quality laminated surface.

This structure creates significantly more stability and a more premium feel than conventional printed cardboard with a grammage of around 300 to 400 g/m². The result is a durable, rigid, and high-quality product that is especially suitable for premium packaging, presentation folders, and custom-made brand materials.

For packaging in particular, this type of construction offers a clear advantage. It not only improves stability but also enhances the tactile quality and overall appearance of the finished product. A strong material structure helps protect the contents while presenting the product in a professional and valuable way.