Paper weight, measured in GSM (grams per square metre), affects how a letterhead or envelope feels in the hand and how well it performs in everyday use — from running through an office printer to being posted. Here's what to consider when choosing.
What GSM Means in Practice
A higher GSM paper is thicker and more substantial-feeling; a lower GSM paper is lighter and thinner. Neither is automatically "better" — the right weight depends on how the document will be used. Very heavy stock can even cause jams in some office printers, while very light stock can feel insubstantial for formal documents.
Everyday Correspondence and Internal Use
Letterheads used for day-to-day printing — internal memos, routine correspondence, general office use — generally suit a lighter, standard-weight paper that runs smoothly through office printers and doesn't add unnecessary cost to high-volume printing.
Formal Documents, Contracts and Tenders
Letterheads used for contracts, tenders, formal client letters or anything meant to be kept rather than filed and forgotten can justify a heavier, more premium-feeling stock. The added weight and texture contributes to the impression of the document itself.
Matching Envelope Weight to Letterhead
Envelopes generally use a different (often slightly heavier) stock than the letter inside, since they need to protect the contents and hold up to handling in the mail. What matters for a consistent brand impression isn't that the GSM numbers match exactly, but that the paper tone, colour and finish align — see Matching Envelopes to Your Letterhead for more on this.
Eco-Friendly and Textured Options
Eco-friendly and textured paper stocks are available alongside standard matte and glossy options, for businesses that want a specific tactile quality or a lower-impact paper choice. These are worth sampling before a full order, since texture and tone vary more than with standard paper.
Questions to Ask Before Ordering
- Will this letterhead run through an office printer regularly, or is it mainly for formal, lower-volume documents?
- Does the paper need to match an existing set of business cards or other stationery in tone and finish?
- Is a textured or eco-friendly stock important for your brand positioning?
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a heavier letterhead automatically look more professional?
Not automatically — it depends on the context. A heavier stock suits formal, lower-volume documents, while a lighter stock is often more practical for everyday office printing.
Can I get a paper sample before ordering in bulk?
Contact our team to discuss paper options for your order.
Do letterheads and envelopes need to use the exact same paper?
Not necessarily the same weight, but the tone, colour and finish should be consistent for a matching brand impression.
