Fabric GSM Converter
GSM (grams per square meter) is the global standard for measuring fabric weight. Whether you are sourcing fabric, checking quality, or calculating roll costs, this free tool gives you instant GSM to oz/yd² conversions, weight classification, shrinkage adjustment, and roll weight — all in one place. Used by garment manufacturers, merchandisers, and textile traders worldwide.
GSM to oz/yd² Converter
Grams per square meter
Ounces per square yard
Conversion formula: 1 GSM = 0.0294935 oz/yd² | 1 oz/yd² = 33.9057 GSM
Fabric Weight Classifier
Fabric Category
Roll Weight Calculator
Total Roll Weight
Kilograms
Post-Wash GSM Calculator (Shrinkage Adjusted)
Post-wash GSM
After accounting for fabric shrinkage
GSM Guide by Garment Type
Different garment categories have specific GSM requirements based on durability, drape, and end use. This guide helps you choose the right GSM for production from the start and avoid costly rework.
T-Shirts & Casual Tops
120 – 220 GSM120–140 GSM for lightweight summer tees. 150–180 GSM for standard everyday wear. 180–220 GSM for premium heavyweight tees with better print performance and a more structured drape.
Polo Shirts & Sportswear
160 – 260 GSMPiqué polo shirts typically run 180–220 GSM. Performance sportswear uses 160–200 GSM for breathability. Heavier athletic wear and training jerseys sit at 220–260 GSM for durability.
Hoodies & Sweatshirts
280 – 400 GSMLightweight hoodies start at 280 GSM. Standard mid-weight hoodies are 300–350 GSM. Premium heavyweight streetwear hoodies use 380–420 GSM for a thick, structured feel preferred in retail.
Denim Jeans & Jackets
200 – 450 GSMLightweight summer denim is 200–280 GSM. Standard jeans fall at 300–380 GSM. Heavyweight workwear and vintage-style denim range from 380–450 GSM. Denim jackets typically use 350–420 GSM.
Workwear & Uniforms
240 – 400 GSMIndustrial workwear starts at 240 GSM for basic protection. Heavy-duty uniforms for construction and manufacturing use 300–400 GSM. Canvas workwear and overalls go up to 400+ GSM for abrasion resistance.
Towels & Bathrobes
300 – 700 GSMGuest towels are 300–400 GSM. Standard bath towels sit at 400–550 GSM. Luxury hotel towels reach 550–700 GSM for maximum softness and absorbency. Bathrobes use 350–500 GSM terry fabric.
Activewear & Leggings
160 – 280 GSMRunning and yoga leggings use 180–220 GSM lycra blend. Compression tights are 200–260 GSM for support. Swim and athletic shorts use 160–200 GSM for quick-dry performance.
Shirts & Formal Wear
80 – 180 GSMDress shirts and formal blouses use 80–120 GSM poplin or broadcloth for a crisp, lightweight feel. Oxford button-downs run 120–180 GSM. Formal trousers and suit fabric sit at 200–280 GSM twill or suiting.
How to Measure Fabric GSM at Home
You do not need a professional GSM cutter to get an accurate reading. With a kitchen scale, scissors, and a ruler, you can measure fabric GSM to within acceptable industry tolerance. This method is commonly used by small manufacturers, fabric buyers, and quality checkers when lab equipment is not available.
- Cut a precise 10cm × 10cm square from the fabric. Use a ruler and sharp scissors or rotary cutter for accuracy. Avoid cutting from the edges of the roll where tension distortion is common.
- Weigh the fabric square on a kitchen scale. For best results, use a scale that reads to 0.1g accuracy. Place the fabric flat on the scale and wait for the reading to stabilise.
- Multiply the weight in grams by 100. This converts the 100cm² sample weight to grams per square meter (GSM). For example, a sample weighing 1.8g gives 180 GSM.
- For higher accuracy, cut three samples from different areas of the fabric — one from each end and one from the middle. Measure each separately and calculate the average. This accounts for density variation across the roll.
- Note that natural fibers like cotton can absorb moisture and show slightly higher GSM in humid conditions. For consistent results, store fabric in a controlled environment for 24 hours before measuring.
Industry standard uses a circular GSM cutter (100cm² die) with a precision balance for certified measurements. If you need to verify fabric against a supplier specification or ISO standard, use a calibrated lab setup. The manual method above is suitable for quick checks and small batch sourcing decisions.
Fabric Type GSM Reference Table
Standard GSM ranges across common fabric types and constructions. Values represent industry averages and may vary by supplier, fiber blend, and finish.
| Fabric Type | GSM Range | oz/yd² Range | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chiffon | 30–70 | 0.9–2.1 | Evening wear, scarves, lingerie |
| Georgette | 40–80 | 1.2–2.4 | Blouses, dresses, saris |
| Lawn | 60–100 | 1.8–2.9 | Summer dresses, handkerchiefs |
| Voile | 50–90 | 1.5–2.7 | Curtains, blouses, dresses |
| Poplin | 80–120 | 2.4–3.5 | Shirts, dresses, sportswear |
| Oxford | 120–180 | 3.5–5.3 | Button-down shirts, casual wear |
| Twill | 150–250 | 4.4–7.4 | Pants, jackets, suits |
| Canvas | 200–400 | 5.9–11.8 | Bags, workwear, upholstery |
| Denim | 200–450 | 5.9–13.3 | Jeans, jackets, workwear |
| Fleece | 180–350 | 5.3–10.3 | Jackets, blankets, activewear |
| French Terry | 220–340 | 6.5–10.0 | Hoodies, sweatshirts, joggers |
| Terry (Towelling) | 250–450 | 7.4–13.3 | Towels, bathrobes, spa wear |
| Bath Towel | 400–600 | 11.8–17.7 | Standard & luxury bath towels |
| Bathrobe Terry | 350–500 | 10.3–14.7 | Hotel robes, spa robes |
| Interlock | 140–220 | 4.1–6.5 | T-shirts, underwear, activewear |
| Single Jersey | 120–200 | 3.5–5.9 | T-shirts, casual wear, leggings |
| Double Jersey | 180–280 | 5.3–8.3 | Polo shirts, dresses, sportswear |
| Rib Knit | 150–250 | 4.4–7.4 | Cuffs, collars, necklines |
| Piqué | 170–260 | 5.0–7.7 | Polo shirts, collared tees |
| Lycra Blend | 160–280 | 4.7–8.3 | Activewear, swimwear, form-fitting garments |
Frequently Asked Questions
GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter. It measures the weight of fabric and indicates its thickness and density. Higher GSM means heavier, thicker fabric, while lower GSM indicates lighter, thinner material. GSM is the standard unit used globally in textile manufacturing and is the primary spec requested in most purchase orders between factories and buyers.
Multiply the GSM value by 0.0294935 to get oz/yd². For example, 200 GSM × 0.0294935 = 5.9 oz/yd². To go the other way, multiply oz/yd² by 33.9057 to get GSM. The converter above handles both directions automatically as you type.
Lightweight fabric typically ranges from 80 to 150 GSM. This includes poplin, voile, and lawn. Ultra lightweight fabrics are under 80 GSM (chiffon, georgette) and are mainly used for eveningwear and scarves. Medium weight fabrics range from 150–250 GSM (twill, oxford, interlock) and are suitable for everyday garments and uniforms.
Cut a 10cm × 10cm square of fabric and weigh it in grams on a kitchen scale. Multiply the result by 100 to get GSM. For example, a 2.2g sample gives 220 GSM. For better accuracy, cut three samples from different areas and average the results. The full step-by-step method is covered in the measuring guide section above.
When fabric shrinks during washing, the fibers compress and the weave or knit structure becomes denser. Because the same weight of fiber now occupies a smaller area, the GSM measurement increases. This is why pre-wash and post-wash GSM values differ on tech packs and quality reports. Use the shrinkage calculator above to estimate the post-wash GSM based on your fabric's known shrinkage rate.
Use the formula: Weight (kg) = (GSM × Width in inches × Length in meters × 0.0254) ÷ 1000. This converts the width from inches to meters and the total weight from grams to kilograms. The roll weight calculator on this page runs the calculation automatically once you enter GSM, width, and length.
Standard t-shirts use 120–180 GSM. Lightweight summer tees run 120–140 GSM and are breathable but may be slightly sheer in pale colors. Everyday mid-weight tees at 150–180 GSM are the most common and print well with screen printing or DTF. Premium heavyweight t-shirts at 180–220 GSM feel more structured and hold their shape after repeated washing, making them popular in streetwear and branded merchandise.
Denim GSM ranges from 200 to 450 depending on the weight category. Lightweight denim (200–280 GSM) is used for summer jeans and denim shirts. Medium weight denim (300–380 GSM) covers standard everyday jeans. Heavyweight denim (380–450 GSM) is used for workwear, raw denim, and vintage-inspired styles that require durability and structure.
Standard industry tolerance for GSM is ±5%. Lab measurements using a calibrated GSM cutter and precision balance are accurate to within 1–2%. Home measurements with scissors and a kitchen scale are accurate to within 5–8% when done carefully. For critical quality checks or supplier disputes, always use a certified lab. For sampling and sourcing decisions, the home method is sufficient.
Yes. GSM applies to all fabric constructions — woven, knit, non-woven, and technical fabrics. However, the feel and performance at a given GSM differs significantly by construction. A 200 GSM single jersey knit will feel much softer and stretchier than a 200 GSM woven poplin, even though both weigh the same per square meter. Always reference fabric type alongside GSM when comparing specifications.
GSM is a weight measurement, not a thickness measurement. Two fabrics with identical GSM can have very different physical thicknesses depending on fiber type, yarn structure, and weave or knit construction. A dense woven fabric may be thin but heavy, while a lofty fleece may be thick but lighter per square meter. In textile specifications, GSM is the standard metric because it is objective and consistent. Thickness is more commonly specified for technical textiles, outerwear, and foam-bonded fabrics.
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