Understanding fabric GSM

GSM explained

GSM is short for 'Grams Per Square Metre' and refers to the weight of textile fabric.

As an example, a square piece of fabric, 1m x 1m in size (100cm x 100cm) weighs 250 grams; therefore, the average fabric weight is referred to as 250gsm. When calculating GSM you must keep the size in 'metres' and the weight in 'grams'.

The GSM value of fabric simply tells you how heavy the fabric is. The GSM value helps you compare the relative weights between different types of fabrics.

We use the GSM value on some of our tablecover product listings to help customers understand how the overall fabric weight differs between different designs. GSM values are particularly helpful when comparing our different Acrylic Coated tablecloths; the higher the GSM number the heavier the fabric. GSM values are the total fabric weight, which includes the base fabric and the coatings.

With regard to Acrylic Coated Fabrics, used for tablecloths, our fabrics start at approx' 200gsm and increase to approx' 280gsm. A 200gsm fabric is a relatively lightweight fabric, 280gsm is a much heavier fabric weight, usually found on jacquard woven fabrics.

The GSM value on its own does not give an indication of the product quality itself, but it does give an understanding of how the textile will feel and drape on a table top.

A fabric can use low grade, coarse yarns in the fabric weave, this will produce a heavier GSM. Finer yarns are used to produce a tighter woven fabric, used in high quality digital printed textiles and produce a lower GSM value; these are just a couple of examples that demonstrate GSM alone is not an overall measurement of quality.