grammage: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Technical / Industrial
Quick answer
What does “grammage” mean?
The weight of paper expressed as grams per square metre (g/m²).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The weight of paper expressed as grams per square metre (g/m²).
In the paper and printing industries, a standardized measure of the basis weight or substance of paper, board, or fabric.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Terminology is identical in both varieties. However, related terms like 'basis weight' are more common in American English for some paper types.
Connotations
Neutral, technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language, but standard within the paper/printing industries globally.
Grammar
How to Use “grammage” in a Sentence
The [paper type] has a grammage of [number] g/m².We need to check the grammage for the [product].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “grammage” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in procurement, specifications, and quality control for paper products.
Academic
Used in materials science, engineering, and design papers discussing paper properties.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of specific crafts (e.g., high-quality art printing).
Technical
The primary domain. Crucial for specifying paper in printing, packaging, and manufacturing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “grammage”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “grammage”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “grammage”
- Using 'grammage' to refer to the thickness or feel of paper instead of its precise weight measurement.
- Pronouncing it as /ˈɡræmɪdʒ/ in British English (the first 'a' is typically /æ/ in AmE, /a/ in BrE).
- Misspelling as 'gramage'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a measure of weight per area (g/m²). Thickness (caliper) is measured in micrometres (µm). A higher grammage often correlates with thickness but not always, as different materials have different densities.
Yes, the concept is analogous in textiles, often called 'fabric weight' and measured in grams per square metre (GSM) or ounces per square yard.
Standard office copy paper typically has a grammage of 80 g/m².
It is generally used as an uncountable noun when referring to the property (e.g., 'the grammage is important'). It can be countable when referring to specific types or values (e.g., 'different grammages are available').
The weight of paper expressed as grams per square metre (g/m²).
Grammage is usually technical / industrial in register.
Grammage: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡramɪdʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡræmɪdʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GRAMmage' – it's all about the GRAMs per square metre.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEIGHT IS DENSITY (The 'weight' of the paper conceptualizes its material density and sturdiness).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'grammage' most accurately used?