Printing · Design & ordering help
Paper & Size Guide
A quick guide to paper sizes, paper weights (gsm) and which to choose for business cards, flyers, posters, booklets and more, so you can order with confidence.
What we offer
Everything you need, designed and printed in Rivonia, Johannesburg.
A-sizes explained
From A6 postcards to A0 posters.
Paper weights (gsm)
What 80 gsm, 150 gsm and 350 gsm mean in your hand.
Common product sizes
Business cards, DL flyers and more.
Bleed and safe areas
How to set up artwork so nothing is cut off.
Still unsure?
Send us your file and we will check it for free.
Paper sizes
| Size | Millimetres | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| A0 | 841 x 1189 | Large posters, plans |
| A1 | 594 x 841 | Posters, plans, mounted boards |
| A2 | 420 x 594 | Posters, menus, displays |
| A3 | 297 x 420 | Posters, certificates, menus |
| A4 | 210 x 297 | Flyers, letterheads, booklets |
| A5 | 148 x 210 | Flyers, booklets, invitations |
| A6 | 105 x 148 | Postcards, small flyers, vouchers |
| DL | 99 x 210 | Folded leaflets, compliment slips, invitations |
| Business card | 90 x 50 | Standard South African business card |
Paper weights
| Weight | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 80 gsm | Normal office paper | Copies, forms, letterheads |
| 115 to 170 gsm | Smooth, slightly thicker | Flyers, leaflets, posters, booklet pages |
| 250 to 300 gsm | Light card | Booklet covers, postcards, certificates |
| 350 gsm and up | Thick card | Business cards, invitations, swing tags |
Bleed and safe area
Add 3 mm of bleed on every side (extend background colours and images past the edge), and keep text at least 3 mm inside the trim line. See our artwork checklist.
Shop these products
Order online, or WhatsApp us and we will add them to your quote.
Good to know
Before you order.
Heavier is not always better
Thick card feels premium but cannot be folded neatly without scoring. Ask us which weight suits folded jobs.
Coated or uncoated?
Coated (gloss or silk) paper makes colours brighter. Uncoated paper is easier to write on.
Frequently asked questions
What is gsm?
Grams per square metre. The higher the number, the thicker and heavier the paper.
What size is a business card in South Africa?
The common size is 90 x 50 mm.
What is bleed?
Extra artwork past the edge of the page, usually 3 mm, so there are no white edges after trimming.
More printing help
Guides and services to get your print right.
Ready to print?
Send us your artwork or idea and we will get back to you with a quote.
