Origami Paper GSM to Thickness Calculator
Convert paper GSM to thickness in mm or mils for origami.
Enter weight and paper type to get caliper, suitability, and recommended fold count for projects.
Paper Weight to Thickness Estimation
GSM (grams per square meter) is the universal paper weight standard. Thickness — also called caliper — depends on density, which varies by paper type.
The simplified relationship: Thickness (mm) ≈ GSM / (density factor × 1,000)
Typical density factors by paper type:
| Paper Type | Density Factor | mm per 100 GSM |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue / kami (loose fiber) | 700 | 0.143 |
| Standard origami / kami | 800 | 0.125 |
| Copy / printer paper | 800 | 0.125 |
| Tant / textured origami | 850 | 0.118 |
| Washi / mulberry | 600 | 0.167 |
| Foil-backed origami | 1,200 | 0.083 |
| Cardstock | 900 | 0.111 |
Practical thickness ranges by GSM:
- 30-50 GSM: Tissue, dollar-bill paper. Excellent for complex folds, fragile.
- 60-80 GSM: Kami, tant. Standard origami. Holds creases well.
- 90-120 GSM: Heavy origami, light cardstock. Good for boxes and modular.
- 150-200 GSM: Heavy cardstock. Rigid; better for tato and decorative folds.
- 200+ GSM: Often too thick for traditional folds without scoring.
Maximum fold count: The classic limit is roughly 7 folds in half for any paper, regardless of size — each fold doubles thickness. After 7 folds, thickness exceeds length and folding becomes physically impossible without massive sheets.
For complex origami (insects, modular designs), thinner paper (50-80 GSM) is essential. Wet-folding designs need stronger fiber (washi or tant) to handle moisture without tearing.
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This calculator runs entirely in your browser, so the numbers you enter stay on your device. The math behind it is written by hand and tested against worked examples and standard references before the page goes live.
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