Paper Bag GSM Guide: How to Choose the Right Thickness
GSM (grams per square metre) tells you how thick and strong a paper bag is. Choosing the right GSM balances strength, feel and cost. Here's a simple guide for buyers.
What is GSM?
GSM is the weight of the paper per square metre. A higher GSM means thicker, stronger and more premium paper — but also more material cost per bag. Most paper carry bags fall between 70 and 150 GSM.
Recommended GSM by use
| Use | Typical GSM | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light retail / takeaway | 70–90 GSM | Economical, good for light items |
| Grocery & SOS bags | 90–120 GSM | Extra strength for heavier loads |
| Boutique / fashion | 120–150 GSM | Premium feel, holds shape |
| Luxury gift (duplex/art-card) | 200+ GSM | Rigid, high-end presentation |
Balancing strength and cost
Heavier paper carries more weight but raises your per-bag cost. For bulk export orders, even a small GSM change affects total price — so match the GSM to what the bag actually carries. Our team can recommend the right GSM for your product and budget.
Popular bag types
See how GSM applies across our kraft bags, SOS bags and gift bags, or request a quote and we'll advise.
Get an export quote today
Tell us your bag style, size and quantity — we'll send pricing and samples, and ship export-ready from India.
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