# What Paper Weight (GSM) for Flyers, Leaflets and Business Cards?

Source: https://dijitulmedia.co.uk/guides/what-paper-weight-for-flyers-and-business-cards/
Updated: 2026-10-12

> Most UK flyers are printed on 130 to 170gsm silk or gloss, premium flyers on 250 to 350gsm, business cards on 350 to 450gsm, and letterheads on 100 to 120gsm uncoated so they work in office printers. dijitul designs flyers from £95 + VAT and business cards from £75 + VAT, and can arrange printing on the right stock.

## Key facts

- GSM means grams per square metre: higher numbers are heavier and usually thicker
- Office copier paper is typically 80gsm
- Flyers: 130 to 170gsm for handouts, 250 to 350gsm for a premium feel
- Business cards: 350 to 450gsm, or thicker laminated or duplexed stock
- Letterheads: 100 to 120gsm uncoated, checked for laser printer compatibility
- Coating (silk, gloss, uncoated) changes the feel as much as the weight

## What gsm means

GSM stands for **grams per square metre**. It is the weight of one sheet of the paper measuring one metre by one metre. A higher gsm generally means a thicker, stiffer sheet, though two papers of the same weight can feel different depending on the coating and how they are made. Standard office copier paper is usually 80gsm, which is a useful reference point: anything printed for customers should normally feel noticeably more substantial than that.

## Quick guide by item

| Item | Typical weight | Notes |

| Mass door-drop flyers | 130gsm | Light, economical for large runs and postage |
| Standard flyers and handouts | 150 to 170gsm | The most common choice for A5 and A6 flyers |
| Premium flyers | 250 to 350gsm | Card-like; suits menus, price lists and launches |
| Folded leaflets | 150 to 170gsm | Heavier stock needs creasing before folding to avoid cracking |
| Business cards | 350 to 450gsm | 400gsm is a popular middle ground |
| Letterheads and compliment slips | 100 to 120gsm uncoated | Must feed through office printers |
| Brochure inner pages | 130 to 170gsm | Enough to stop show-through |
| Brochure covers | 250 to 350gsm | Gives the brochure structure |
| Postcards | 300 to 400gsm | Needs to survive the post |

These are typical choices, not rules. Your printer's stock list is the final word.

## Silk, gloss or uncoated?

- **Gloss**: shiny, makes photos and bright colours look vivid. Can show glare under lights and is hard to write on.
- **Silk** (also called satin): a smooth, low-sheen finish. The safe default for most flyers, leaflets and brochures because it shows colour well and is easy to read.
- **Uncoated**: natural paper feel, takes ink and pen well, colours look softer. Ideal for letterheads, notepads and brands wanting a crafted or eco look.

On top of the paper you can add finishes: matt or soft-touch lamination for business cards, spot UV to make a logo shine, foil blocking, or rounded corners. Each needs its own artwork layer, so mention them at the design stage.

## Business cards in more detail

A UK business card is 85 × 55 mm. At 350gsm a card feels sturdy; at 400 to 450gsm it feels premium. Above that, printers laminate or **duplex** two sheets together to make very thick cards, sometimes with a coloured core showing at the edge. Matt lamination protects the card from scuffs and makes colours look richer. If people will write on your cards, such as appointment cards, choose uncoated or a writable matt finish rather than gloss or lamination. See business card design.

## Practical tips

- Ask for a paper sample pack before a big run. Weight is hard to judge from a number, so feel the actual stocks before you choose.
- For door drops, check postal or distribution costs; heavier flyers can cost more to send.
- Heavy stock above about 170gsm should be creased before folding, or the ink will crack along the fold.
- Recycled and FSC-certified papers are widely available if sustainability matters to your customers.
- Match artwork to stock: dark, ink-heavy designs suit coated paper. Read how to prepare print-ready artwork.

Think about how the item will be used. A flyer handed out at an event and binned the same day does not need to be heavy. A price list kept on a customer's fridge for months, or a menu handled every service, needs a heavier stock or lamination to survive. Spending a little more on the paper for long-life items often costs less than reprinting worn copies.

## When to call dijitul

dijitul designs flyers and leaflets from £95 + VAT, business cards and letterheads from £75 + VAT, and brochures from £295 + VAT. We supply print-ready files for your printer, or arrange the print and quote for it through print management, recommending the right stock and finish. Ask for a quote.

## FAQs

### What is the best paper weight for flyers?

For most handout flyers, 150 to 170gsm silk is the standard choice: sturdy enough to feel professional without high print or distribution costs. For large door-drop runs, 130gsm keeps costs down. For premium flyers or menus, choose 250 to 350gsm.

### What gsm should business cards be?

Business cards are usually 350 to 450gsm, with 400gsm a popular middle ground. For a very premium feel, printers can laminate or duplex two sheets together. dijitul designs business cards from £75 + VAT and supplies print-ready files for any printer.

### Is 300gsm too thin for business cards?

It will work, but it can feel flimsy compared with typical business cards. 350gsm is a sensible minimum, and 400gsm with matt lamination feels noticeably more substantial. Thin cards bend easily in wallets and do not give a strong first impression.

### What paper weight should a letterhead be?

Usually 100 to 120gsm uncoated paper, which looks professional and still runs through most laser and inkjet office printers. Check your printer's maximum paper weight before ordering. Coated or very heavy paper can jam or smudge in office machines.

### Should I choose gloss or silk for flyers?

Silk is the safe default: smooth, low glare and easy to read, with good colour. Gloss makes photos pop but shows reflections and fingerprints. Uncoated suits natural or eco brands and anything people need to write on.

### Does heavier paper cost more to print?

Usually yes, both for the paper and sometimes for postage or distribution. The difference per item is often small on short runs, but it adds up on large door-drop campaigns, so balance feel against quantity.

## Prices and contact

Prices (all from, + VAT): Logo design £150; Brand identity pack £395; Business cards or letterhead £75; Flyer or leaflet £95; Brochure £295; Social media graphics pack £99; Photography, half day £295; Photography, full day £495; Product photography £25 per image; Video £695; 2D/3D CAD and design time £45 an hour. All prices are "from" and exclude VAT. Every job gets a fixed price before work starts. Printing, and travel for shoots beyond the Mansfield and Nottinghamshire area, are quoted separately. Contact: https://dijitulmedia.co.uk/contact/ · 01623 650333 · info@dijitul.uk