What is GSM (Grams per Square Meter)?

GSM (g/m²) stands for grams per square meter and is the international standard unit for measuring fabric weight. It represents the weight of one square meter of fabric in grams. GSM is widely used across the textile industry worldwide, particularly in Europe, Asia, and most manufacturing countries.

GSM is the preferred measurement in the metric system because it provides a standardized way to compare fabric weights regardless of fabric width or composition. A higher GSM indicates a heavier, denser fabric, while a lower GSM suggests a lighter, more breathable material.

Common GSM ranges for different fabrics:

• Lightweight fabrics (chiffon, voile): 30-150 GSM
• Medium-weight fabrics (cotton shirts, dresses): 150-250 GSM
• Heavy-weight fabrics (denim, canvas, upholstery): 250-500+ GSM
• T-shirts: 150-200 GSM
• Denim jeans: 300-400 GSM

What is OZ (Ounces per Square Yard)?

OZ (oz/yd²) stands for ounces per square yard and is the unit of measurement commonly used in the United States for fabric weight. It represents the weight of one square yard of fabric measured in ounces.

While GSM is the international standard, OZ remains prevalent in the American textile industry, especially for denim, canvas, upholstery fabrics, and technical textiles. Understanding both measurements is essential for international fabric sourcing and manufacturing.

Common OZ ranges for different fabrics:

• Lightweight denim: 5-8 OZ
• Medium-weight denim: 10-13 OZ
• Heavy-weight denim: 14-16+ OZ
• Canvas fabric: 8-12 OZ
• T-shirt fabric: 4-6 OZ

Quick Conversion: GSM ↔ OZ

• 1 OZ = 33.906 GSM
• 1 GSM = 0.0295 OZ

Conversion Formulas:

• To convert GSM to OZ: OZ = GSM ÷ 33.906
• To convert OZ to GSM: GSM = OZ × 33.906

Use these formulas for manual conversions, or simply use our free converter above for instant, accurate results.

Why Use Our GSM to OZ Converter?

• Instant, accurate fabric weight conversions between GSM and OZ
• Mobile-friendly and works seamlessly on smartphones, tablets, and desktops
• Essential for textile manufacturers, fashion designers, garment buyers, and fabric merchants
• Saves time compared to manual calculations
• Perfect for international fabric orders and specifications
• Helps ensure accurate fabric weight communication between suppliers and buyers
• No registration or download required – completely free to use

Common GSM to OZ Conversions

• 50 GSM = 1.47 OZ (lightweight voile, chiffon)
• 100 GSM = 2.95 OZ (light cotton, poplin)
• 150 GSM = 4.42 OZ (T-shirt fabric, jersey)
• 200 GSM = 5.90 OZ (medium cotton, polo shirts)
• 250 GSM = 7.37 OZ (sweatshirt fabric)
• 300 GSM = 8.85 OZ (light denim, canvas)
• 400 GSM = 11.80 OZ (medium denim)
• 500 GSM = 14.75 OZ (heavy denim, upholstery)

Practical Applications of GSM to OZ Conversion

International Fabric Sourcing: When ordering fabric from international suppliers, you’ll often encounter GSM measurements from Asian and European manufacturers, while US-based clients may request specifications in OZ. Our converter ensures accurate communication and prevents costly ordering mistakes.

Garment Manufacturing: Fashion designers and garment manufacturers need to convert fabric weights to ensure consistency across production batches, especially when sourcing from different countries or switching between domestic and international suppliers.

Quality Control: Textile quality inspectors use GSM and OZ measurements to verify fabric specifications meet buyer requirements. Accurate conversion is critical for maintaining quality standards and contractual compliance.

Product Development: When developing new garment lines, designers must understand fabric weight in both measurement systems to communicate effectively with mills, suppliers, and manufacturers across different regions.

E-commerce and Retail: Online fabric retailers serving international customers need to provide fabric specifications in both GSM and OZ to accommodate buyers from different countries and ensure customer satisfaction.

Understanding Fabric Weight: GSM vs OZ

Both GSM and OZ measure the same property—fabric weight—but use different unit systems. GSM is part of the metric system and measures weight per square meter, while OZ uses the imperial system and measures weight per square yard.

Why GSM is becoming more universal: As global textile trade expands, GSM has emerged as the preferred international standard because it’s easier to calculate, more precise, and aligns with the metric system used in most countries. However, the US textile industry continues to use OZ, making conversion knowledge essential for anyone in the global fabric business.

Key consideration: When comparing fabric weights, always ensure you’re using the same measurement system. A 200 GSM fabric is NOT the same as a 200 OZ fabric—200 GSM equals approximately 5.9 OZ, while 200 OZ would equal approximately 6,781 GSM (an extremely heavy industrial material).

Learn more about units of textile measurement Textile Measurement Units , a trusted universal educational platform All.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is higher GSM better?

A: Not necessarily. Higher GSM means heavier, denser fabric, which is better for durability and warmth but may be less breathable. Lower GSM fabrics are lighter and more breathable, ideal for summer clothing. The “best” GSM depends on your intended use.

Q: What GSM is good for T-shirts?

A: Standard T-shirts typically range from 150-200 GSM (4.4-5.9 OZ). Premium T-shirts may be 180-220 GSM (5.3-6.5 OZ).

Q: How do I measure GSM of fabric?

A: Cut a precise 10cm × 10cm square (100 cm² = 0.01 m²) and weigh it in grams. Multiply the weight by 100 to get GSM. For example, if the square weighs 1.5 grams, the fabric is 150 GSM.

Q: Can I use this converter for all types of fabrics?

A: Yes! The GSM to OZ conversion formula is universal and applies to all fabric types including cotton, polyester, denim, silk, wool, canvas, and blends.