Hey there, fellow stationery lover! If you're anything like me, picking out a new notebook is both exciting and slightly overwhelming. With so many options—smooth or textured covers, dotted or lined pages, hardcover or softcover—it’s easy to get lost in the choices. But one factor that often gets overlooked (yet makes a huge difference) is paper thickness.
Why does it matter? Well, if you’ve ever excitedly opened a new notebook, only to find your favorite pen bleeding through like a horror movie scene, you know the struggle. Paper thickness affects how your pens, markers, or watercolors perform, how durable your notebook is, and even how it feels to write on.
So, let’s break it down—how do you choose the right paper thickness for your needs?
Understanding GSM: The Key to Paper Thickness
First things first: paper thickness is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker and sturdier the paper. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
-
60-70 GSM – Standard printer paper. Thin and prone to ghosting (seeing ink on the other side). Not ideal for heavy ink use.
- 80-90 GSM – Common in budget notebooks. Works for ballpoint pens but may ghost with gel pens or markers.
- 100-120 GSM – The sweet spot for most writers and bullet journalists. Handles fountain pens and mildliners well with minimal ghosting.
- 160+ GSM – Thick, almost cardstock-like. Perfect for heavy ink, watercolors, or scrapbooking.
What’s Your Writing or Art Style?
1. The Minimalist Writer (Ballpoint Pens & Pencils)
If you mostly use ballpoint pens or pencils, you can get away with 80-100 GSM. No need for ultra-thick paper—just something smooth and comfortable for everyday notes.
2. The Bullet Journal Enthusiast (Gel Pens, Mildliners, Fineliners)
If you’re into bullet journaling with fineliners (like Microns) or mildliners, you’ll want 100-120 GSM to prevent ghosting and bleeding.
3. The Fountain Pen User
Fountain pen ink is liquidy, so thin paper = feathering and bleed-through nightmares. Look for 120+ GSM with ink-resistant coating.
4. The Artist (Watercolors, Markers, Heavy Ink)
If you paint, use brush pens, or layer markers, you need 160+ GSM to prevent warping and bleed-through.
Happy journaling! ✨