Matt Finish
Coated matt (often called silk/satin) is the most popular for a soft, low-glare feel. Easier to write on than gloss and ideal for flyers, brochures and menus. As it’s still coated, it’s not ideal for everyday stationery.
Paper Weight Explained
Paper Weight Explained
120 gsm? 300 gsm? Need help?
When it comes to printing there are many weights and stocks. Use the quick guides below to understand paper weight, finish and ISO sizes so you can choose confidently.
Tip: “gsm” means grams per square metre — higher numbers = thicker/heavier stock.
Product Paper Weight Guide
Typical weights by product
- Letterheads & stationery: 90–120 gsm uncoated (bond).
- Flyers & menus: 135–170 gsm (matt or gloss).
- Posters: 170–200 gsm (silk/matt or gloss).
- Folded leaflets & brochures: 170–250 gsm inners.
- Covers, postcards & business cards: 300–450 gsm.
What does the number really mean?
GSM measures mass per square metre, not thickness. Different finishes (matt, gloss, uncoated) can feel stiffer or softer at the same gsm.
Paper Stock Explained
Bond, gloss, matt? Don’t worry — here’s a quick guide to the differences.
Gloss Finish
High colour pop and a smooth, shiny surface — great for photos, posters and brochures. The reflective surface can show fingerprints more readily than matt.
Bond Finish
Uncoated paper with a natural feel. Perfect for letterheads and forms where writing is required. Takes ink well and has a tactile, modern look.
Paper Size Explained
A1, A2, A3, A4, A5, A6 — the A-series doubles as it gets larger and halves as it gets smaller.
How the A-series scales
Two of one size placed side-by-side (portrait) make the next size up:
- 2 × A4 = A3
- 2 × A3 = A2
- 2 × A2 = A1
- 2 × A1 = A0
Halving works in reverse: A4 folded in two becomes A5, then A6, and so on.
A0841 × 1189 mm
A1594 × 841 mm
A2420 × 594 mm
A3297 × 420 mm
A4210 × 297 mm
A5148 × 210 mm
A6105 × 148 mm
A774 × 105 mm
ISO A-Series Paper Sizes
The length divided by the width is ≈ 1.4142 (√2). A0 has an area of 1 m². Dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimetre.
| Size | Millimetres (mm) | Inches (in) |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 × 1189 | 33.1 × 46.8 |
| A1 | 594 × 841 | 23.4 × 33.1 |
| A2 | 420 × 594 | 16.5 × 23.4 |
| A3 | 297 × 420 | 11.7 × 16.5 |
| A4 | 210 × 297 | 8.3 × 11.7 |
| A5 | 148 × 210 | 5.8 × 8.3 |
| A6 | 105 × 148 | 4.1 × 5.8 |
| A7 | 74 × 105 | 2.9 × 4.1 |
| A8 | 52 × 74 | 2.0 × 2.9 |
| A9 | 37 × 52 | 1.5 × 2.0 |
| A10 | 26 × 37 | 1.0 × 1.5 |
Values rounded; inch conversions shown to one decimal place.
