Brochure Paper Weights: 130, 170, 250 GSM — When to Use Which

Brochure paper weight is the single biggest factor in how a brochure feels in someone's hand. Heavier paper communicates higher value. Lighter paper is cheaper at scale. Here's how to pick.

130 GSM (light, magazine-like)

Thin but printable on both sides without significant bleed-through. Folds easily without scoring.

• Feels like: a glossy magazine page or a flyer
• Best for: mass-distributed flyers, takeaway brochures, large-quantity print runs (5000+)
• Avoid for: premium brochures, anything you want clients to feel before reading
• Cost: the cheapest of the three

170 GSM (the workhorse)

Substantial enough to feel like a "real" brochure, thin enough to fold cleanly. The most common brochure paper in India.

• Feels like: a sales brochure from a corporate company
• Best for: most B2B brochures, real estate, education, healthcare, services
• Folds well for both bi-fold and tri-fold without scoring
• The right answer if you're not sure

250 GSM (premium, card-like)

Approaching card-stock thickness. Folds need scoring (a pre-fold crease) to avoid cracking. Feels expensive.

• Feels like: a luxury hotel brochure or a high-end product catalogue
• Best for: premium product launches, jewellery, real estate luxury segment, fine dining menus
• Avoid for: tri-fold (the second fold cracks at 250 GSM)
• Avoid for: high-volume distribution (cost adds up)
• Cost: ~40% more than 170 GSM

The fold/weight matrix

Some weight/fold combinations work poorly. Quick reference:

• 130 GSM + bi-fold ✓ — works fine
• 130 GSM + tri-fold ✓ — works fine
• 170 GSM + bi-fold ✓ — clean fold
• 170 GSM + tri-fold ✓ — clean fold
• 250 GSM + bi-fold ✓ — with scoring
• 250 GSM + tri-fold ✗ — second fold cracks; use 170 GSM instead

The lamination question

Lamination (matte or glossy) adds noticeable thickness and a more premium feel. For a 130 GSM paper with matte lamination, the hand-feel approaches 170 GSM unlaminated. If you want premium feel on a budget, 130 GSM + matte lamination is often cheaper than 250 GSM uncoated.