Pebble - A quirky off centre egg shape
Upper Arch - Classic, elegant lines
Lower Arch - Classic, elegant lines
Double Arch - Rounded top and bottom
Standard - Simple Straight Lines
Wavy - A fun finish
| Name | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Width (in) | Height (in) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| DL | 99 | 210 | 3.9 | 8.3 |
| 148 × 148 mm | 148 | 148 | 5.8 | 5.8 |
| 5" × 7" | 127 | 178 | 5.0 | 7.0 |
What Is GSM? A Simple Guide to Paper Weight
When choosing paper or cardstock for your stationery, invitations, or print projects, you’ll often see the term GSM. Understanding it makes selecting the right material much easier.
What Does GSM Mean?
GSM stands for “grams per square metre.”
It’s a universal measurement that tells you how much a sheet of paper weighs based on a 1m² area.
In short:
• Lower GSM = lighter, thinner paper
• Higher GSM = thicker, heavier cardstock
Why GSM Matters
GSM affects:
• Thickness – how sturdy or flexible the paper feels
• Opacity – how much show‑through you’ll get
• Durability – how well it holds up for menus, signage, or keepsakes
• Overall finish – from delicate sheets to premium, rigid card
Choosing the right GSM ensures your stationery looks and feels exactly the way you want.
GSM Quick Guide
| GSM Range | Description | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|
| 80–120gsm | Lightweight paper | Everyday printing, inserts, folded sheets |
| 150–200gsm | Medium-weight paper | Posters, flyers, order of service, programs |
| 250–300gsm | Standard cardstock | Invitations, menus, tags, premium stationery |
How GSM Helps You Choose the Right Paper
Whether you’re designing wedding invitations, crafting menus, or selecting materials for business stationery, GSM gives you a reliable way to compare thickness and quality across different paper types.
It’s especially useful when browsing textured, specialty, or eco‑friendly papers—helping you understand how each option will feel in the hand and perform once printed.
Understanding UK Envelope Sizes & What Fits Inside
UK envelopes follow the same A‑series sizing system as paper, but with a twist:
Each envelope is designed to hold the next size down.
So an A5 print fits in a C5 envelope, an A6 print fits in a C6 envelope, and so on.
Below is a simple, visual guide.
| Envelope Size | Dimensions (mm) | Fits Print Size | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| C7 | 81 × 114 mm | A7 | RSVP cards, small notes |
| C6 | 114 × 162 mm | A6 | Invitations, postcards, save‑the‑dates |
| C5 | 162 × 229 mm | A5 | Invitations, order‑of‑service, menus |
| DL (C5/C6) | 110 × 220 mm | DL (1/3 A4) | Slim invitations, vouchers, letters |
| C4 | 229 × 324 mm | A4 | Documents, certificates, menus |
| C3 | 324 × 458 mm | A3 | Large prints, artwork, posters |
How Envelope Sizing Works (The Easy Version)
• C‑series envelopes are designed to fit A‑series paper
• The number tells you the match:
• A6 print → C6 envelope
• A5 print → C5 envelope
• A4 print → C4 envelope
• If you fold an A‑size sheet, it fits the next envelope down:
• Fold A4 → A5, fits C5
• Fold A5 → A6, fits C6
This makes it super intuitive once you see the pattern.