# Grammage (gsm)

> Grammage is the mass of a sheet material per unit area, normally stated in grams per square metre (g/m² or gsm).

Canonical: https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/grammage
Last updated: 2026-10-26

Materials

## What it means in packaging

It helps specify and compare stock, but does not directly state thickness, stiffness or compression strength. Fibre furnish, layering and coatings can change how two stocks with identical grammage behave.

## A practical example

A 350 gsm carton board and a different 350 gsm board can need different crease settings and dimensional allowances.

## What to check

Request caliper and relevant performance data alongside grammage when choosing a production material.

## Use it in your project

- [Choose board, caliper and finishes](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/materials-and-finishes)
- [Templates, dimensions and options](https://dielinemaker.com/learn/templates-and-dimensions)

## Related terms

- [Caliper](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/caliper) — Caliper is the measured thickness of a sheet material, commonly expressed in millimetres or micrometres.
- [Paperboard](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/paperboard) — Paperboard is a relatively thick paper-based sheet used for applications such as folding cartons, sleeves and backing cards.
- [Coating](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary/coating) — A coating is a surface layer applied to paper, board or printed artwork to change its finish or performance.

## Related

- [Packaging glossary](https://dielinemaker.com/glossary)