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Graphic Design vocabulary · Print Production

Paper caliper

Meaning in graphic design, with examples

nounAdvanced term

In graphic design, paper caliper means: The measured thickness of a sheet of paper or board.

In Turkish: kağıt kalınlığı

How it is used

Distinguish thickness from GSM, which measures mass per unit area.

Example sentences

  1. Paper caliper affects the spine width of the finished catalogue.

    The thickness of many leaves accumulates across the book block.

  2. These stocks share a GSM but have different paper calipers.

    Equal mass per area does not guarantee equal sheet thickness.

Common collocations

  • measure paper caliper
  • paper caliper tolerance
  • GSMGrams per square metre: the weight of paper or card. Higher numbers usually mean thicker paper, for example 80 gsm for office paper and 350 gsm for business cards.
  • paper stockThe type of paper or card used for a printed piece, described by its weight, thickness, surface (coated or uncoated) and colour.

More terms: Print Production

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