1. What is GSM?

GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is a metric measurement of the weight per unit area of paper, fabric, or other sheet materials. It represents how many grams a single square meter of the material weighs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the GSM formula:

Where:

• \( Weight \) — Mass of the material in grams
• \( Area \) — Area of the material in square meters

Explanation: The formula simply divides the weight by the area to determine the weight per unit area.

3. Importance of GSM Calculation

Details: GSM is crucial in industries like paper manufacturing, textiles, and packaging as it determines the thickness and quality of materials. Higher GSM typically indicates thicker, heavier material.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter weight in grams and area in square meters. Both values must be positive numbers. For accurate results, measure weight precisely and calculate area carefully.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is a typical GSM for printer paper?
A: Standard printer paper is typically 80-100 g/m², while cardstock ranges from 120-300 g/m².

Q2: How do I measure area for irregular shapes?
A: For irregular shapes, divide into regular shapes (rectangles, circles) and sum their areas, or use graph paper to estimate.

Q3: Can I use other units with this calculator?
A: The calculator requires grams and square meters. Convert other units first (e.g., ounces to grams, square feet to square meters).

Q4: What's the difference between GSM and basis weight?
A: Basis weight (in pounds) measures weight of a ream (usually 500 sheets) of a standard size, while GSM is metric weight per area.

Q5: Why is GSM important in textiles?
A: GSM determines fabric thickness and durability. Lightweight fabrics might be 30-150 g/m², while heavy denim can be 400+ g/m².