Have you ever found yourself in the office supply aisle, staring at reams of paper and wondering what the difference is between the ones labeled “70 GSM” and “80 GSM”? You’re not alone. For many of us, paper is just paper, but the truth is, choosing the right kind can make a big difference, especially for those important school reports, presentations, or even just for everyday printing. This article is here to demystify paper thickness for you, focusing on the two most common types of copy paper you’ll find in the Philippines: 70 GSM and 80 GSM. Our goal is to give you the practical knowledge you need to make smart choices when buying paper for school, office, or personal use.
The Basics: What is GSM?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of different paper types, let’s first understand the basic concept. GSM stands for “Grams per Square Meter.” It’s the standard international measurement for paper density. Think of it like this: it’s similar to how we measure the thickness or quality of fabric, where a higher number means a heavier, denser material. So, a 70 GSM sheet is lighter and less dense than an 80 GSM sheet. While GSM technically measures density and not thickness, a higher GSM generally means the paper will be thicker and more durable.
Understanding GSM is important because it’s the most common way to compare paper types and qualities. When you see a number like 70 or 80 on a ream of paper, you’re not just looking at a random label—you’re looking at a key piece of information that tells you how the paper will perform. So, it’s not just about color or size; it’s also about weight and density. Knowing this, kaya pala! This is what the labels mean.
The Main Event: 70 GSM vs. 80 GSM
Now for the main event—the showdown between 70 GSM and 80 GSM copy paper. These two are the most common choices for everyday printing, but they are not created equal.
- 70 GSM: The Everyday Workhorse
Think of 70 GSM paper as the standard, everyday paper. It’s the type of paper you’ll most likely find in a typical office or school. Its main benefits are its cost-effectiveness and its lightweight nature. Since it’s less dense, you get more sheets per ream for the same weight, which means it’s more budget-friendly. This makes it the perfect choice for high-volume printing tasks like printing drafts, creating photocopies, or making internal memos where the quality of the paper is not the most important thing. If you’re a student printing out a stack of worksheets for your whole class, using 70 GSM paper is a smart, budget-friendly choice.
- 80 GSM: The Premium Pick
On the other hand, 80 GSM paper is the “premium” choice. It feels better to the touch, has a more substantial weight, and is generally more durable. One of its biggest advantages is that it has less “show-through”—that’s when the ink from a print on one side of the paper is visible from the other side. This makes 80 GSM the ideal choice for double-sided printing, as the text and images on one side won’t distract from what’s on the other. It’s also great for important documents like reports, presentations, or even a student’s thesis, where the professional look and feel of the document are crucial. Using 80 GSM paper gives your work a polished, finished feel that 70 GSM just can’t match.
Why GSM Matters for Your Printer and Your Wallet
Choosing the right paper isn’t just about what looks and feels good; it’s also about practical concerns like your printer’s performance and your budget.
- Printer Performance:
Using the right paper can help prevent annoying paper jams. While most modern printers can handle both 70 GSM and 80 GSM paper without a problem, some printers are more sensitive to paper weight and texture. Extremely thin or very thick paper can sometimes cause issues. Sticking to the standard 70 GSM and 80 GSM for your everyday needs is a safe bet to keep your printer running smoothly.
- Cost-Effectiveness:
This is where the difference really adds up, especially for schools or businesses. A ream of 70 GSM paper is generally cheaper than a ream of 80 GSM paper. For high-volume printing, such as a school printing thousands of modules or a large office printing internal drafts, the savings from using 70 GSM can be significant. However, for a one-off important document like a resume or a client presentation, investing in 80 GSM paper is a worthwhile expense that makes a better impression.
Let’s look at a simple cost-comparison table:
| Paper Type | Cost per Ream | Cost per Sheet (Approx.) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 GSM | Lower | Lower | High-volume, everyday printing |
| 80 GSM | Higher | Higher | Important documents, double-sided printing Export to Sheets |
Beyond Copy Paper: A Glimpse at Other GSMs
While 70 GSM and 80 GSM are the most common for standard copy paper, it’s helpful to know where they fit in the broader world of paper. This gives you a wider perspective and helps you understand what’s out there.
- 100 GSM or 120 GSM: This is a step up in quality and is often used for things like professional stationery, high-quality flyers, or brochures. The extra weight gives it a more luxurious feel.
- 150 GSM to 200 GSM: At this point, we’re talking about heavy-duty paper. This is commonly used for things like magazine covers, posters, or certificates.
- 200 GSM or higher: This is considered cardstock. This type of paper is very thick and sturdy and is used for business cards, invitations, and art projects. You wouldn’t use this in a standard office printer, as it’s too thick and heavy.
So, when you see these numbers, you’ll know that 70 GSM and 80 GSM are at the lighter, more flexible end of the spectrum, designed for general use.
“What to Buy?” – A Simple Guide
So, after all this, you might be asking: “Anong papel ang dapat kong bilhin?” (What paper should I buy?). Here is a simple, quick-reference guide to help you decide.
- For Everyday Use: If you’re printing photocopies, drafts, or simple school reports, choose 70 GSM. It’s the most practical and cost-effective option for these tasks.
- For Important Documents: If you’re printing something like a resume, a presentation for a client, or need to print on both sides of the paper, choose 80 GSM. Its professional feel and reduced show-through will make your work stand out.
- For Specific Needs: If you’re creating flyers or invitations, look for paper with a higher GSM, like 100 GSM or more.
The choice is yours, but now you have the knowledge to make an informed decision.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between 70 GSM and 80 GSM paper is a small detail that can make a big impact on your printing projects. The right paper can enhance the look and feel of your documents, improve your printer’s performance, and even save you money in the long run. So ito pala ‘yon! The difference is not just a number on a label but a choice that affects the quality and cost of your printing.
When it’s time to stock up on office supplies, we recommend choosing Mostaco Marketing. We offer a wide range of products, including both 70 GSM and 80 GSM paper, to meet all your needs. What sets us apart is our free delivery service in Metro Manila. This means businesses, whether big or small, can save valuable time and money on logistics. Instead of worrying about getting to the store, finding parking, or carrying heavy reams of paper, you can simply place an order and we’ll deliver it right to your doorstep. This convenience is a game-changer for home offices and large corporations alike.
For your next office supply purchase, contact us to experience the convenience and quality that Mostaco Marketing has to offer. We are here to help you make smart choices for all your business needs.