Notebook Paper GSM & Thickness— Choose the Right Paper
- Leo Xia
- May 14, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 10, 2025
Notebook paper typically ranges from 70–120 GSM wood-free or recycled offset sheets, valued for balanced thickness and opacity. Premium options include ivory paper for planners, kraft for eco-branding, coated stock for smooth ink control, and ultralight fountain-pen papers like Tomoe River. The best choice depends on writing tools, durability needs, and sustainability goals.
Quick Content Reach:
Why the paper inside a notebook is a strategic decision？
I’ve spent two decades watching notebook launches rise or flop on the strength of one detail: the paper. Get it right and your product becomes a daily companion; miss the mark and buyers complain about bleed‑through, warping, or ethics. In this deep‑dive I’ll answer the exact question buyers type into Google—“what kind of paper is used for notebooks?”—and map every option to real‑world use cases.
The four properties every buyer should verify
Property | What it is | Why it matters |
Weight (GSM) | Grams per square metre—common notebook range: 70‑120 gsm Interwell | Dictates thickness, opacity, shipping cost |
Opacity | Ability to block show‑through; tested under TAPPI T425 Industrial Physics | Critical for double‑sided printing and markers |
Brightness & Whiteness | How much light is reflected vs. colour tone Mile Venture LLPIndustrial Physics | Impacts eye strain and ink colour fidelity |
Surface finish | Smooth, vellum, laid, coated, waterproof, etc. | Affects pen feel, drying time, bleed control |
Core notebook paper types (with evidence)
Wood‑free offset (70‑100 gsm)
Made from chemically pulped fibre with no lignin, this is the global workhorse for school and office books. Standard 80 gsm stock weighs 2.53 kg per 500‑sheet ream and balances cost, bulk, and opacity. Book Printing China
Ivory/cream offset (80 gsm)
An off‑white sheet that reduces glare and feels premium in planners. Brands market it as “Ivory” or “Natural” paper; fountain‑pen users praise its warmth and minimal bleed Amazon.
Recycled offset (80‑120 gsm)
Post‑consumer fibre now commands a global market worth ≈ USD 316 million by 2030, growing 3 % CAGR Virtue Market Research. Expect slightly higher caliper and a softer surface, but buyers gain an eco‑story that retailers love.
Kraft (70‑120 gsm)
Unbleached and brown, kraft evokes sustainability and pairs well with foil stamping. Its long fibres improve tear strength—ideal for field notebooks.
Coated matte & gloss (90‑135 gsm)
A calcium‑carbonate layer smooths the surface. Coating controls ink spread, so lighter stocks can still resist bleed. Users on r/bulletjournal confirm matte‑coated 80 gsm survives most gel pens Reddit.
Ultralight fountain‑pen papers (52–68 gsm)
Tomoe River and similar sheets prove that thin doesn’t equal poor; 68 gsm grades show almost zero feathering even with wet inks AmazonGoodInkPressions.
Premium vellum (Clairefontaine 90 gsm)
French‑made, super‑smooth vellum ranks among the most bleed‑resistant stocks per fountain‑pen communities AmazonAmazon.
Waterproof & mineral papers
Stone paper (calcium carbonate + HDPE) and treated wood‑pulp sheets (“Rite in the Rain”) let field biologists write in storms. They are tear‑resistant and 100 % waterproof, though recyclability is debated WIREDWIRED.
Compliance & sustainability checklist
FSC/PEFC certification – proves responsible forestry and is now requested by 7 of my top 10 U.S. retail clients Beech Tree Paper
Acid‑free / pH‑neutral – prevents yellowing and brittle pages; essential for archival planners and government projects PackoiReddit
Worker‑safety audits (BSCI, ISO 45001, ISO9001) – retailers increasingly blacklist factories without them.
Matching paper to the use case
Use case | Recommended stock | Evidence |
Bullet journals & fountain pens | Tomoe River 52/68 gsm, Clairefontaine 90 gsm | Users report negligible ghosting RedditGalen Leather |
Academic planners (highlighter‑heavy) | 100 gsm wood‑free offset | Higher bulk prevents show‑through |
Sketchbooks & mixed media | 120–160 gsm textured; consider cold‑press | Thickness resists wet media |
Corporate promo notebooks | 80 gsm ivory + kraft cover | Combines premium feel with cost control |
My in‑house paper validation protocol
GSM & caliper scan on an inline vision system—alerts if weight drifts ±3 gsm.
Opacity test to TAPPI T425 standard; we reject sheets <88 % contrast ratio. Industrial Physics
Bleed‑through grid: five inks, one highlighter, 24‑hour dry time.
Humidity chamber (40 ℃ / 90 %RH, 8 h) followed by warp measurement.
Every test is recorded on body‑worn cameras so customers see unedited footage—part of our ISO 9001 traceability.
Conclusion: choose paper that elevates your brand
When you ask what kind of paper is used for notebooks, the real answer is: the paper that aligns with your buyer’s writing tools, durability expectations, and sustainability commitments. As a manufacturer running plants in China, Cambodia, and a partner site in South Korea, I'm proud to say that we can be your reliable partner!
Ready to spec the perfect sheet for you notebook? Contact our team for a quick 3-5‑day custom sample. Let’s turn good ideas into notebooks people keep.
—Leo Xia, CEO, Lion Paper Products
FAQs:
Q1: What is GSM, and why does it matter in notebook paper?
GSM (grams per square meter) is the weight of paper and directly affects how thick, durable, and opaque your notebook pages feel. Typical notebook paper ranges from about 70–120 GSM. Lower GSM is lighter and cheaper but can have more show-through, while higher GSM feels premium, handles markers and highlighters better, and resists tearing. However, heavier paper also increases the weight of each notebook, which can raise both material and international shipping costs for large orders.
Key data (paper weight & use)
GSM range | Characteristics | Typical use cases |
70–80 | Light, economical, more show-through | School notebooks, office pads |
80–100 | Balanced, good opacity | Everyday notebooks, basic planners |
100–120 | Thick, premium feel, minimal show-through | Journals, premium planners |
Q2: Are there eco-friendly paper options for notebooks?
Yes. Eco-friendly notebook papers include FSC-certified recycled paper, responsibly sourced virgin paper, kraft paper, and acid-free paper designed for long-term use. At Lion Paper, we supply a broad range of certified eco-materials that can support your ESG goals and retailer requirements. Our materials can be specified to comply with major international standards such as FSC, CPSIA, and California Proposition 65, helping you reduce environmental impact while keeping products safe and legally compliant in key markets.
Key data (eco paper options)
Paper type | Eco features / benefits |
FSC-certified paper | Responsible forestry, traceable supply chain |
Recycled paper | Uses post-consumer fibre, reduces waste |
Kraft paper | Minimal processing, natural look & feel |
Acid-free paper | Long-lasting, lower degradation over time |
Certified materials | Can meet CPSIA, Prop 65, and similar rules |
Q3: What is acid-free paper, and how is it different from regular paper?
Acid-free paper is manufactured to be pH-neutral and lignin-free, so it resists yellowing and becoming brittle over time. This makes it ideal for archival-quality notebooks, long-term planners, project records, and premium branded stationery. Regular acidic paper can gradually discolour and weaken, especially in light and humidity. Choosing acid-free paper helps your notebooks stay cleaner and more professional-looking for years, which is especially important for government, education, creative, and gift markets.
Key data (acid-free vs regular paper)
Feature | Acid-free paper | Regular paper |
pH value | Neutral / near-neutral | Often acidic |
Lignin content | Removed or very low | Higher lignin |
Aging | Resists yellowing and brittleness | Yellows and becomes brittle faster |
Best for | Archives, planners, premium notebooks | Low-cost, short-term use notebooks |
Q4: What’s the difference between 80 GSM and 100 GSM paper?
80 GSM paper is lighter and more economical, well-suited for everyday writing, school use, and standard office notebooks. 100 GSM paper is noticeably thicker and more opaque, giving a more premium feel and better performance with highlighters, gel pens, or fountain pens. It significantly reduces show-through and ghosting on the reverse side of the page. When choosing between them, balance your target retail price, brand positioning, and the types of pens your customers typically use.
Key data (80 GSM vs 100 GSM)
Parameter | 80 GSM paper | 100 GSM paper |
Thickness/feel | Light, flexible | Thicker, more substantial |
Opacity | Standard, some show-through | Higher opacity, less show-through |
Best for | School, office, budget notebooks | Journals, planners, premium notebooks |
Cost & shipping | Lower material & shipping cost | Higher cost and slightly heavier |
Q5: Do you ship internationally? Can I get custom samples?
Yes. We regularly export notebooks and paper products worldwide, including to the USA, UK, Germany, Spain, Australia, Singapore, Qatar, South Africa, and many other markets. Our team can support you with suitable Incoterms, packing details, and documentation for smooth customs clearance. We also offer custom notebook samples with a typical turnaround of about 7 days after artwork confirmation, so you can test paper weight, printing quality, and binding before committing to full production.
Key data (shipping & samples)
Service | Details |
Export regions | USA, UK, EU, Australia, Asia, Middle East, Africa |
Logistics support | Carton specs, documents, freight coordination |
Sample service | Custom samples, ~7-day turnaround |
Sample purpose | Check GSM, print colour, binding, packaging |
Are you looking for a reliable manufacturer? Reach out to Lion Paper for a free quote and consultation. Let’s collaborate on creating custom writing paper products that will set your brand apart from the competition.
