GSM Calculator: Fabric Weight per Metre, per Kg and from a Sample
Converts fabric GSM into grams per running metre, metres per kg and oz/yd², and works out GSM from a weighed sample.
- GSM is the weight of one square metre of fabric in grams.
- Grams per running metre = GSM × fabric width in metres. A 250 GSM fabric in 44 inch (1.118 m) width weighs about 279 grams per metre.
- GSM of a sample = its weight in grams ÷ its area in square metres. A 10 × 10 cm piece weighing 2.5 g is 250 GSM.
- 1 oz/yd² = 33.906 GSM.
- 100 metres weigh
- 27.94 kg
- Metres in 1 kg
- 3.58 m
- In oz per sq. yard
- 7.37 oz/yd²
How the gsm calculator works
Width in metres = width in inches × 0.0254, so 44 inches is 1.118 m and 58 inches is 1.473 m.
Weight of one running metre (grams) = GSM × width in metres. Weight of a roll (kg) = grams per metre × metres ÷ 1,000. Metres in one kg = 1,000 ÷ grams per metre.
To test a sample, cut an exact square (10 × 10 cm is easiest, an area of 0.01 m²), weigh it on a jewellery scale and divide the grams by the area. Cut it straight and weigh it dry: a crooked cut or damp fabric gives a wrong answer.
GSM tells you weight, not quality on its own. Two velvets with the same GSM can feel different because of the pile, the yarn and the backing.
Worked example
| GSM | 280 |
|---|---|
| Width | 58 inches (1.473 m) |
| Metres | 100 |
| Sample | 10 × 10 cm weighing 2.8 g |
| Grams per running metre | 412.5 g |
|---|---|
| Weight of 100 m | 41.25 kg |
| Metres per kg | 2.42 m |
| oz per sq. yard | 8.26 |
| GSM of the sample | 280 |
Frequently asked questions
What does GSM mean in fabric?
GSM means grams per square metre: the weight of one square metre of the fabric. Higher GSM means a heavier, usually thicker fabric. Light chiffon is often under 60 GSM, while velvet is usually well above 200 GSM.
How do I calculate GSM of fabric at home?
Cut a straight 10 by 10 cm square, weigh it on a jewellery scale and multiply the grams by 100. A square that weighs 2.5 grams is 250 GSM. Use a larger square for very light fabric so the scale can read it.
How do I convert GSM to grams per metre?
Multiply the GSM by the fabric width in metres. For 44 inch fabric the width is 1.118 metres, so 200 GSM fabric weighs about 224 grams per running metre.
How many metres of fabric are in one kg?
Divide 1,000 by the grams per running metre. A fabric that weighs 250 grams per metre gives 4 metres per kg. This is useful when a supplier quotes by weight and you sell by the metre.
How do I convert GSM to oz per square yard?
Divide the GSM by 33.906. For example, 340 GSM is about 10 oz per square yard. To go the other way, multiply the ounces by 33.906.
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