When looking at Notebooks When journaling or bullet journaling, you often come across the term GSM. It might sound a bit technical, but in reality, it's just a way to describe the thickness and quality of the paper. If you write a lot in journals, planners, or diaries, it can actually make a big difference to your experience.
In short, GSM tells you how thick the paper is and how well it typically handles ink from pens, Fineliners and Brush pens.
What does GSM mean?
GSM stands for “grams per square meter”. It simply means how many grams a square meter of paper weighs. The higher the number, the thicker and more robust the paper typically is.
In practice, this means that a notebook with a higher GSM often feels more solid, and ink from pens and markers has a harder time bleeding through the page.
Why does GSM mean something in a patient record?
When writing in a journal, you often use different types of pens. Sometimes fineliners are used, other times Gel pens or brush pens. If the paper is very thin, the ink can sometimes show through to the other side of the page. That is called ghosting.
With thicker paper, the risk of ink bleeding through or becoming visible on the reverse side is reduced. Therefore, the paper's GSM is particularly relevant for people who use journals creatively.
Typical GSM levels in notebooks
Here is a simple guide to the most common paper weights.
60 to 80 GSM
Thinner paper, often used in standard notepads or books. It works well with ballpoint pens or pencils, but can cause ghosting with many journaling pens.90 to 120 GSM
A very common level in journaling notebooks. The paper is thicker and more pleasant to write on, and most fineliners and gel pens work without issues. Many bullet journal enthusiasts also prefer this level because it provides a good balance between a comfortable writing experience and minimal ghosting.120 gsm and above
Thicker paper that gives a more robust feel. It is popular among people who use brush pens, paints or multiple layers in their journal. Many who do more creative bullet journaling also choose paper of around 140 GSM or more, because it can better handle markers, paints and layers without the ink bleeding through.
GSM, ghosting and different types of marker
Ghosting means that you can see the text or drawing from the other side of the paper. This does not necessarily mean that the ink has bled through, but it can still be distracting for some.
Paper with a higher GSM can often reduce ghosting, but it also depends on what pen you use. Some pens release more ink than others.
This is particularly true if you use felt-tip pens. There is, in fact, a big difference between water-based and alcohol-based felt-tip pens.
Water-based markers typically release less ink and are therefore gentler on the paper. Many brush pens and journaling markers are water-based, and they often work well in notebooks with standard paper thickness.
Alcohol-based markers bleed much more easily through the paper. They are made for marker paper and illustrations, and they will almost always cause bleed-through in an ordinary notebook.
If you mainly use journaling pens, fineliners or water-based brush pens, most notebooks will work fine. Alcohol-based markers, on the other hand, almost always require special paper.
Which GSM should you choose?
It mostly depends on how you use your journal.
If you primarily write with a ballpoint pen or a thin fineliner, around 90 GSM will often be more than enough. It is also worth remembering that the paper and the pen work together. A fineliner with very wet ink can behave differently than a gel pen or ballpoint pen, even on the same paper.
If you use lots of different pens, write headings with brush pens or draw in your journal, it might be nice to have slightly thicker paper.
GSM is only one part of the paper quality
Although GSM tells you something about the thickness of the paper, it is not the only factor that matters. The paper's surface, texture and quality also play a role in how it feels to write on.
Two notebooks can have the same GSM, but still feel different in use.
A little tip for journaling
If you are in doubt about which paper thickness you prefer, it can be a good idea to test different notebooks and pens together. Many people quickly figure out which combinations work best for them.
The most important thing is that your journal feels pleasant to use. When that’s the case, it becomes much easier to come back to it time and time again.
If you want to avoid ghosting altogether, it’s not just about paper thickness. The type of pen you use also plays a major role.
Frequently asked questions about GSM paper
Is a higher GSM rating always better?
Not necessarily. Thicker paper can be nice, especially if you use lots of different pens. But some people also prefer thinner paper, as it makes the notebook lighter and more flexible.
Which GSM is best for journaling?
For many people, around 90 to 120 GSM works really well. It provides a good balance between a comfortable writing experience and limited ghosting.
Can you still experience ghosting with a high GSM signal?
Yes, that could well be. Some pens release a lot of ink, and therefore you can still make out the lines on the back of the paper, even in thicker notebooks.
Is GSM the same as paper quality?
No. GSM only tells you something about the weight and thickness. The paper's surface and texture also have a big impact on what it feels like to write on.
What is ghosting?
Ghosting means that you can see the shadow of text or drawings from the other side of the paper. The ink has not bled through the page, but the paper is thin enough that you can still make it out.
What is bleed-through?
Bleed-through means that the ink actually penetrates the paper and becomes visible on the back. It happens more often with very thin paper types or with pens and markers that release a lot of ink.
