Complete guide to GSM ranges, caliper (thickness), brightness and applications for Khanna Paper Mills duplex boards. Use this to identify the right grade before placing your order.
💬 Not Sure Which GSM? Ask UsGSM stands for Grams per Square Metre — the weight of one square metre of the board. It is the universal measure of paperboard weight and density in the packaging industry.
Higher GSM generally means greater thickness (caliper), more stiffness, and more material — which is why higher GSM grades cost more per tonne but give you a heavier, stronger box.
GSM and caliper (mm thickness) are related but not the same — a high-bulk board can be thicker than a denser board of the same GSM. Always specify both GSM and application when ordering.
GSM (Weight)
Mass per unit area. Determines cost per tonne. Higher GSM = heavier board = more material.
Caliper (Thickness)
Physical thickness in mm or micrometres. Determines box rigidity and die-cut behaviour. A high-bulk board can be thick at lower GSM.
Point System (Old)
You may hear "18pt" or "24pt" — 1 point = 0.254mm. 18pt ≈ 0.46mm ≈ ~350 GSM. 24pt ≈ 0.61mm ≈ ~450 GSM.
Khanna Paper Mills duplex boards — whiteback (ACB) and greyback (DGB/OGB) grades. All grades available at Krishna Trading Co., Siraspur, Delhi.
| GSM | Caliper (mm) | Equiv. Points | Brightness | Grade | Primary Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 230 | 0.28–0.30 | 11–12 pt | 82–85% | OGB / ACB | Inner cartons, garment tags, thin mailers |
| 250 | 0.30–0.34 | 12–13 pt | 83–86% | All grades | Shoe boxes, cosmetics, small retail cartons |
| 275 | 0.33–0.37 | 13–14.5 pt | 84–87% | DGB / OGB | Corrugated liner, high-volume cartons |
| 300 | 0.36–0.40 | 14–16 pt | 85–88% | All grades | Pharma cartons, FMCG boxes, cosmetics |
| 325 | 0.39–0.44 | 15–17 pt | 85–88% | DGB / ACB | Food packaging, premium retail cartons |
| 350 | 0.42–0.48 | 16.5–19 pt | 85–88% | All grades | Medicine cartons, heavy retail, display boxes |
| 400 | 0.50–0.56 | 20–22 pt | 84–87% | DGB | Heavy industrial cartons, corrugated outer |
| 450+ | 0.58–0.65 | 23–26 pt | 83–86% | DGB | Export cartons, max stacking loads, industrial |
Caliper and brightness values are typical ranges. Actual values may vary by lot. Request COA (Certificate of Analysis) for critical specifications.
Most medicine cartons use 300–350 GSM whiteback (ACB). The smooth surface supports fine print for drug information, barcodes and serialisation. Use ACB for food-contact compliance.
Recommended: 300–350 GSM ACB
Standard FMCG outer packaging (cereal, detergent, personal care) typically uses 250–300 GSM. Whiteback for premium brands; greyback for economy lines.
Recommended: 250–300 GSM ACB or OGB
Corrugated liner requires 230–300 GSM greyback (DGB/OGB). Stiffness and surface printability are key. Higher GSM for outer face, lower for inner liner.
Recommended: 230–300 GSM DGB or OGB
Export cartons and those bearing stacking loads need 400–450 GSM DGB. Maximum stiffness, bulk and burst strength. Essential for sea-freight shipments.
Recommended: 400–450 GSM DGB
Still not sure which GSM to order?
Tell us your box dimensions, application and quantity — we'll recommend the right grade.
Using 400 GSM for a carton that only needs 300 GSM adds cost without benefit. Match GSM to the structural requirement of your specific box.
Two boards can have the same GSM but different calipers depending on bulk. For die-cutting and machine compatibility, always verify caliper alongside GSM.
Greyback in a pharma carton can cause regulatory issues. Whiteback in a corrugated liner wastes cost. Match grade (whiteback vs greyback) before selecting GSM.