Paper thickness confuses buyers because the industry uses two units: gsm (grams per square meter, common in Asia and Europe) and pt (points, common in the US). One point ≈ 2.5 gsm for coated stocks, roughly. Knowing both lets you talk to any supplier.
What the numbers mean in practice
- 200–250 gsm (~8–10 pt): lightweight cartons, inserts, sleeves, cards. Feels thin in hand.
- 250–300 gsm (~10–12 pt): the workhorse for folding cartons — supplements, cosmetics, food boxes. Solid without being heavy.
- 300–350 gsm (~12–14 pt): premium folding cartons, rigid-box wraps, shopping bags. Noticeably substantial.
- 350–450 gsm (~14–18 pt): heavy cartons, bag handles with weight, specialty cards.
- Grayboard for rigid boxes: measured in millimeters — 1 mm for small jewelry boxes, 1.5–2 mm for medium gift boxes, 2.5–3 mm for large or luxury.
How to choose without guessing
Describe the feel, not just the number: "must not crease when a customer picks it up," or "must stack without bowing." Better yet, order a sample made at the proposed thickness with your product inside. A 350 gsm box holding a 200 g candle behaves differently than one holding a featherweight serum.
Two traps to avoid
First, thicker is not automatically better. Over-thick paperboard on a small box looks clumsy and costs more; the fold lines crack on heavy scores. Second, remember coating adds stiffness — a 300 gsm with full lamination can feel firmer than a bare 350 gsm.
When in doubt, ask the factory which thickness is standard for your product category. We make candle boxes in a handful of well-tested combinations daily; using a proven spec avoids surprises and often costs less.
FAQ
Does thicker paper increase shipping cost?
Slightly — paper weight adds up across a master carton, but the difference between 250 and 350 gsm rarely changes freight class. Volume of the assembled boxes matters far more than paper weight.
Can I get a thickness sample before ordering?
Yes, any serious factory will send a material chart with mounted swatches, or make a structural sample in your chosen gsm. Always test with your real product inside.