Paper thickness is not just a matter of feel; it plays a crucial role in determining a paper’s suitability for different purposes, such as printing books, marketing materials, card deck, or packaging. Understanding the paper thickness can help you choose right paper thickness that will significantly impact your work’s quality and outcome.
The terms and measurements associated with paper thickness can be confusing. From PT to mm, understanding these terms requires a little bit of guidance. In this page, we aim to demystify these concepts for you by delving into the details of paper thickness, providing you with a comprehensive paper thickness chart.
Understanding Paper Thickness
Paper thickness is a critical aspect of any paper product, affecting its durability, opacity, and overall quality. The measurement of thickness is typically expressed in points (PT) or millimeters (mm), and understanding these measurements is vital for selecting the right paper for your needs.
The thickness of paper can determine its suitability for specific applications. For instance, thick cardstock is often used for business cards and book covers, where durability is essential, while thinner paper might be more appropriate for commercial printing. Knowing the thickness helps in avoiding potential issues like unsatisfactory print quality.
Moreover, the thickness of paper can also influence its feel and appearance. A thicker paper often feels more luxurious and can convey a sense of quality and prestige. This perception can be particularly important in professional settings where the presentation is key.
What’s PT
PT, or point, is a unit of measurement used to express paper thickness. One point is equivalent to 1/1000th of an inch. This measurement is primarily used in the United States and is particularly useful when considering paper stiffness. The higher the PT value, the stiffer and thicker the paper.
In the printing industry, PT is often used to describe the thickness of cardstock and other stiff papers (such as kraft paper, grey board), where the physical feel of the paper is an important attribute. Understanding PT is essential for selecting the right paper for various projects. For example, a 10 PT paper is thinner and more flexible, while a 16 PT paper is much thicker, offering more rigidity and durability.
What’s MM
Millimeters (mm) are another unit used to measure paper thickness, more commonly used outside the United States. Unlike PT, mm provides a metric system measurement, offering a precise and universal standard for paper thickness across different regions and industries. They often used in combination with GSM to give a comprehensive picture of paper characteristics.
Understanding paper thickness in mm can be particularly useful if you are working with international printing suppliers who use the metric system. It provides a clear and consistent method of measuring and communicating paper thickness, ensuring that all parties have a mutual understanding.
When selecting paper, knowing its thickness in mm can help you make informed decisions about its suitability for various projects. For example, a uncoated paper with a thickness of 0.12 mm might be suitable for the interior of coloring book, while a coated paper with a thickness of 0.16 mm could be better for high quality children’s book.
Common Paper Thickness Chart
A paper thickness chart is an invaluable tool for anyone working with paper. It provides a quick reference for understanding the relationship between different units of measurement, such as PT and mm, and the types of paper products they correspond to.
GSM to MM chart:
Even if the weight is the same, different types of paper have different thicknesses. Generally, at the same gsm, offset paper is thicker than coated paper. The following are several paper thicknesses for reference only. Paper from different brands and suppliers may have slightly different thicknesses.
Uncoated Paper Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 70 gsm | 0.088 mm | 0.0035″ |
| 80 gsm | 0.098 mm | 0.0039″ |
| 100 gsm | 0.118 mm | 0.0046″ |
| 120gsm | 0.140 mm | 0.0055″ |
| 140 gsm | 0.165 mm | 0.0065″ |
| 160 gsm | 0.186 mm | 0.0073″ |
| 180 gsm | 0.212 mm | 0.0083″ |
Glossy Art Paper Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 80 gsm | 0.065 mm | 0.0026″ |
| 105 gsm | 0.088 mm | 0.0036″ |
| 128 gsm | 0.105 mm | 0.0041″ |
| 157 gsm | 0.136 mm | 0.0054″ |
| 200 gsm | 0.18 mm | 0.0071″ |
| 250 gsm | 0.26 mm | 0.0010″ |
| 300 gsm | 0.32 mm | 0.0123″ |
| 350 gsm | 0.37 mm | 0.0146″ |
| 400 gsm | 0.41 mm | 0.0161″ |
Matte Art Paper Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 80 gsm | 0.072 mm | 0.0028″ |
| 105 gsm | 0.095 mm | 0.0037″ |
| 128 gsm | 0.116 mm | 0.0046″ |
| 157 gsm | 0.148 mm | 0.0058″ |
| 200 gsm | 0.2 mm | 0.0079″ |
| 250 gsm | 0.25 mm | 0.0098″ |
| 300 gsm | 0.31 mm | 0.0122″ |
Coated One Side Paper Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 210 gsm | 0.28 mm | 0.011″ |
| 250 gsm | 0.35 mm | 0.0138″ |
| 300 gsm | 0.42 mm | 0.0165″ |
| 350 gsm | 0.49 mm | 0.0193″ |
| 400 gsm | 0.56 mm | 0.022″ |
Grayboard Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 600 gsm | 1 mm | 0.0394″ |
| 900 gsm | 1.5 mm | 0.0591″ |
| 1200 gsm | 2 mm | 0.0787″ |
| 1500 gsm | 2.5 mm | 0.0984″ |
| 1800 gsm | 3 mm | 0.1181″ |
Grayboard (One Side White) Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 700 gsm | 1 mm | 0.0394″ |
| 1000 gsm | 1.5 mm | 0.0591″ |
| 1300 gsm | 2 mm | 0.0787″ |
| 1600 gsm | 2.5 mm | 0.0984″ |
| 1950 gsm | 3 mm | 0.1181″ |
Kraft Thickness Chart
| Paper Weight(gsm) | Thickness(mm) | Thickness(Inch) |
| 60 gsm | 0.1 mm | 0.0039″ |
| 80 gsm | 0.12 mm | 0.0047″ |
| 120 gsm | 0.17 mm | 0.0067″ |
PT to GSM and MM Charts:
To convert points (pt) to millimeters (mm) of paper thickness, use the following conversion: 1 pt = 0.0254 mm. For example, 14 pt paper is 0.356 mm thick.
| PT | Card tstock(gsm) | Thickness(mm) |
| 8 PT | 200 gsm | 0.2032 mm |
| 10 PT | 210 gsm | 0.254 gsm |
| 12 PT | 250 gsm | 0.305 gsm |
| 14 PT | 300 gsm | 0.356 mm |
| 16 PT | 350gsm | 0.407 mm |
| 18 PT | 400 gsm | 0.457 mm |
Paper Weight vs Thickness: Comparison
While paper thickness and weight are related, they are not the same. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial for selecting the right paper for your project.
Paper Thickness: As discussed, this is the measurement of how thick a sheet of paper is, usually expressed in PT or mm. Thickness affects the paper’s durability, rigidity, and suitability for specific applications.
Paper Weight: This refers to how much a ream (usually 500 sheets) of paper weighs and is often expressed in grams per square meter (gsm) or pounds. Paper weight influences how the paper feels and its suitability for printing.
Understanding the relationship between paper weight and thickness can help you make informed decisions about the type of paper to use.
Talk to Us
At Chinaprinting4u, we understand the complexities involved in choosing the right paper for your projects. Our team of experts is here to assist you in navigating the world of paper thickness, weight, and quality.
Whether you’re looking for advice on selecting the right paper for a specific application or need help understanding paper thickness charts, we are here to help. Our goal is to provide you with the resources and guidance you need to make informed decisions and achieve the best possible results.
Feel free to contact us with any questions or for more information about our products and services. We’re committed to helping you find the perfect paper solutions for your needs.
Trustpilot