How to Calculate GSM of Fabric?

Reviewed by Anurag Mishra (Sr. Technical Consultant)

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GSM is an important parameter for the evaluation of Fabrics and textiles. In this blog post, we will explore the concept of GSM and show you an easy way to calculate it yourself. We’ll also look at why GSM is an important factor to consider when manufacturing or purchasing fabrics and textiles. Read on to learn more about calculating GSM and its importance in the world of fashion design!

What is GSM?

GSM or grams per square meter is a metric measurement used to determine the density of a fabric. To calculate GSM, all you need is a scale and a ruler. Find out the dimensions of a square meter then weigh the material in grams to get its GSM.

For example, let’s say we have a piece of fabric that is 1 meter by 1 meter. Weighing this fabric would give us its GSM. If the fabric weighs 80 grams, then its GSM would be 80 g/m2.

No matter the size of the material, whether big or small, as long as you know its dimensions and weight, you can calculate its GSM!

How to calculate GSM?

To calculate the GSM of a material, you will need to know the basis weight of the material and the density of the fibers used to create the fabric. The basis weight is measured in ounces per yard (oz/yd) or grams per square meter (g/m^2).

The exact size of sample can be obtained using a GSM Cutter.

To find the GSM, simply divide the basis weight by the density of the fiber. For example, if you have a material that has a basis weight of 8 oz/yd and a density of 1.5 g/m^3, then the GSM would be 5.33 oz/yd or 186 g/m^2.

Keep in mind that the GSM will vary depending on how tightly woven the fabric is. A loosely woven fabric will have a lower GSM than a tightly woven fabric.

Why is GSM important?

GSM is an important metric for characterizing the properties of materials. It stands for grams per square meter, and it is a measure of the density of a material. The higher the GSM number, the denser the material.

  • GSM is important because it gives us a way to compare different materials on a common scale. For example, if we want to compare the density of two fabrics, we can simply look at their GSM numbers.

  • GSM can also be used to predict other properties of materials, such as thickness, stiffness, and absorbency. In general, the denser the material, the thicker it will be. And stiffer and more absorbent materials will also have higher GSMs.

  • So, if you need to know how dense a material is, or how thick or stiff or absorbent it might be, looking at its GSM is a good place to start.

What are the benefits of knowing GSM?

There are a few benefits of knowing the GSM of your fabric.

  1. For one, it can help you determine the right thread count for your project. If you're working with a thinner fabric, you'll want to use a finer thread. Conversely, if you're working with a thicker fabric, you'll want to use a heavier thread.

  2.  Additionally, the GSM can also affect the overall drape of your garment. Thinner fabrics will often have a more fluid drape, while thicker fabrics will be more structured.

  3. Knowing the GSM can help you choose the right fabric for your desired look and feel.

Tips for calculating GSM

To calculate the GSM of a material, you will need to know the basis weight and density of the material. The basis weight is the weight of a ream (500 sheets) of paper in its basic unit uncut size, which is typically given in pounds. To find the density, divide the basis weight by the ream's uncut size in inches.

For example, if 500 sheets weigh 20 pounds and have an uncut size of 39 inches by 54 inches, then the density would be 0.5 pounds per square inch (20 divided by 39). To calculate GSM, multiply the density by 1,000. In our example above, that would give us a GSM of 500 (0.5 multiplied by 1,000).

Conclusion

Calculating GSM of materials is an important parameter that needs to be kept in mind when it comes to maintaining quality standards and one that can help you manufacture international quality garments. With our simple explanation, we hope that understanding the concept behind this measurement has now been made easier for you.

Contact us today to learn more about the best quality GSM Cutter in India

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