Papers and boards

From sketch paper to pizza boxes, papers and boards are everywhere. Each is chosen for a reason.

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)

Measuring paper and board

Paper and board are made mainly from wood pulp (cellulose fibres). Many are made partly or wholly from recycled fibres.
The weight of paper is measured in gsm: grams per square metre. Higher gsm means heavier, usually thicker paper. Most printer paper is 80 gsm.
Heavier, stiffer sheets are called card or board. Board thickness can also be measured in microns (thousandths of a millimetre).

Paper sizes

The A sizes are used in the UK and most of the world. Each size is half the one before: two A4 sheets make one A3 sheet.
SizeMeasurements (mm)
A5148 × 210
A4210 × 297
A3297 × 420

Common papers and boards

Different papers and boards suit different jobs:
MaterialPropertiesTypical use
Layout paperThin, slightly see-throughSketching and tracing ideas
Cartridge paperThick, slightly textured, good for drawingDrawing and rendering
Corrugated cardFluted middle layer: strong, light and cushioningPackaging and delivery boxes
Foam boardFoam between card layers: light, rigidModels and displays
Duplex boardDifferent finish on each sideFood packaging
Worked example

A company needs to post fragile mugs. Which board should it use for the boxes, and why?

  1. The boxes must be strong but light, to keep postage costs down.
  2. Corrugated card has a fluted (wavy) middle layer.
  3. This makes it strong, light and good at absorbing knocks.

Answer: Corrugated card, because it is strong, lightweight and cushions the mugs.

Key idea

Paper is measured in gsm (grams per square metre); printer paper is usually 80 gsm. Each A size is half the one before: A4 is 210 × 297 mm. Corrugated card is strong and light; foam board is light and rigid for models.

Key words
gsm
Grams per square metre: the unit used for the weight of paper and card.
Corrugated card
Card with a wavy (fluted) middle layer, making it strong, light and cushioning.
A sizes
A4 is 210 × 297 mm; A3 is 297 × 420 mm. Each size is half the one before.

All KS3 Design and Technology key terms and definitions →

Quick check

Try two quick questions

See if it has sunk in. Answers are marked straight away.

Extra practice

2 more questions

Try each one, then tap to check.

  1. Which tells you how heavy paper is per square metre?

    1. Its colour
    2. Its A-size
    3. Its gsm
    4. Its thickness in cm
    Show the answer

    Answer: Its gsm

    gsm is grams per square metre.

  2. How many A5 sheets can be cut from one A4 sheet?

    Show the answer

    Answer: 2

    Each A size is half the one before: A4 = 2 × A5.

Check you have got it

Answer 6 quick questions with instant marking. If you get one wrong, GCSE-ready shows you why and gives you another go. It is free, and you do not need an account.

Practise this lesson free (6 questions)All KS3 Design and Technology lessons

Video for this lesson coming soon. Subscribe on YouTube

Sources and references

Last updated 2 October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us and we will fix it.

Related lessons