Paper Thickness and Weight Explained: Is 120gsm Really Thicker?
Want to know the REAL THICKNESS of 120GSM paper? Discover how this PAPER WEIGHT compares to others and if it's the right GSM for your next project.
Paper thickness can be confusing, especially when measured in gsm. While 120gsm is commonly used, many people aren’t sure how thick or sturdy it really feels. This article explains what 120gsm means in practical terms and compares it with other paper weights to help you choose the right type.
How thick is 120gsm paper?
120gsm paper is approximately 100 to 120 microns thick, depending on the material and finish. It’s thicker and sturdier than standard 80gsm office paper, offering a more premium feel while still being flexible enough for everyday printing, brochures, and professional documents.
When to Choose 120gsm Paper
- For professional letters or formal documents that need more weight than standard 80gsm.
- When printing resumes or cover letters that should feel more premium but not overly thick.
- To produce quality flyers or brochures that still fold well and don’t feel like card.
- For double-sided printing with less risk of ink bleeding through.
- When you want a smooth finish that runs easily through most home printers.
- As a step up from 100gsm without moving into the stiffness of 200gsm stock.
Paper Thickness and Weight Explained
Let’s get this out of the way: gsm stands for grams per square metre, and it’s the unit of measurement used to describe paper weight. It tells you how much a square metre of paper weighs in grams—not how thick the paper feels between your fingers. Confusing? A bit. But helpful? Definitely.
Generally speaking, the higher the gsm, the thicker the paper. An 80gsm sheet, like the ones used in everyday printers, is light and flexible. A 100gsm sheet is a touch heavier—great for more polished documents. By the time you get to 120gsm, you’re in sturdier territory, ideal for letterheads or quality printer paper.
It’s worth noting that gsm doesn’t directly equal paper thickness. Two sheets with the same gsm might feel different because of factors like fiber content or coating. If you want something really thick—think 350gsm for business cards—you’re stepping into the realm of card stock and specialty papers.
120gsm vs Other Paper Types
So how does 120gsm stack up? Compared to standard office paper at 80gsm, it’s noticeably sturdier but still smooth enough for everyday use. It’s the kind of paper you’d use when you want to look just a bit more professional without breaking the budget—ideal for presentations or letterheads.
Jumping up the scale, you’ll find 170gsm often used in glossy brochures, while 200gsm is good for premium flyers. 250gsm gets closer to card territory, with 300 gsm and 350gsm being classic business card stock. Those feel like thin cardboard and don’t bend easily.
If you’re curious how 120gsm fits into your needs, check out this printer paper in 120gsm. It’s a sweet spot for documents that need substance without bulk. And yes, it still runs smoothly through most home and office printers.
Viking Advanced Colour Printing A4 Printer Paper 120 gsm Smooth White 250 Sheets
Navigator Colour Documents A4 Printer Paper 120 gsm Smooth White 250 Sheets
Navigator Colour Documents A3 Printer Paper 120 gsm Smooth White 500 Sheets
HP ColorChoice A4 Printer Paper 120 gsm Matt White 250 Sheets
Color Copy A4 Printer Paper White 120 gsm Satin 250 Sheets
Paper Weight Guide for Touch Feel
Here’s where most articles stop short: how does paper actually feel in your hand? 120gsm paper has a slightly creamy texture compared to 80gsm, which is more flimsy and prone to wrinkling. It gives off a subtle air of importance—ideal if you’re sending out greeting cards or formal letters.
If you’re crafting or printing something that needs sturdiness—like a fancy flyer or cover sheet—gsm paper in the 120–170 range is reliable. But if you want to avoid limp or see-through pages, don’t go below 100gsm. Meanwhile, papers above 200gsm start feeling like a lightweight board—best for packaging or card stock.
Still not sure? Do a crumple test. A thinner sheet like 80gsm balls up easily; a thicker paper like 200gsm resists that bend. You could also look for the micron rating—essentially the paper thickness measured in thousandths of an inch or micrometre. Not always listed, but handy when comparing across brands.
| GSM | Typical Use | Paper Feel |
|---|---|---|
| 80gsm | Standard printer and copier paper | Light, flexible, easily creased |
| 100gsm | Professional documents and internal letters | Smoother, slightly heavier than standard |
| 120gsm | Letterheads, reports, formal communication | Firm, smooth, quality appearance |
| 170gsm | Glossy brochures, flyers | Thick and durable, with coated finish |
| 200gsm | High-end flyers, invitations | Substantial, resists bending |
| 250gsm+ | Card stock, covers, packaging | Very thick, similar to light cardboard |
Conclusion
Choosing the right paper thickness matters more than you’d think. At 120gsm, you’re looking at a quality step up from standard office paper—perfect for presentations, resumes or client documents that need to feel a bit more professional and durable.
At Viking, we combine decades of experience with smart workplace solutions to help you make practical, cost-effective choices—whether you’re printing in bulk or crafting standout materials. If you’re weighing up your options, our range of gsm paper can help strike the right balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 120gsm paper thicker than standard printer paper?
Yes, 120gsm paper is thicker than standard printer paper, which is usually around 80gsm. The extra paper weight adds a more premium feel, making it suitable for documents like letterheads or presentations. It also resists bleed-through better, especially with ink-heavy prints or double-sided pages.
Can 120gsm paper go through a home printer?
Most home and office printers handle 120gsm paper without issues. It’s still flexible and smooth enough to pass through the machine, unlike heavier card stock such as 250gsm or 350gsm. Always check your printer’s specifications to be sure, especially when using thicker paper or glossy finishes.
Is 120gsm suitable for brochures or flyers?
120gsm paper is a good choice for standard brochures or flyers where a more professional touch is needed. It’s thicker than everyday paper, yet not so heavy that it feels like packaging or a greeting card. For luxury prints or folded materials, you might consider 170gsm or 200gsm.
How does 120gsm compare to 100gsm by feel?
The difference between 100gsm and 120gsm may seem small by grams per square metre, but it’s noticeable by touch. 120gsm has more structure and a slightly firmer surface. It’s often preferred when you want to stand out without going too thick, such as with gsm paper used in branding materials.
