Essex Board
Essex board is a highly compact board for use in furniture construction. A smooth, lightweight alternative to plywood sheets, easy to cut and shape for pelmets and more.
Board Thickness
We stock and make bespoke board from 100 microns (0.1mm) up to 5000 microns (5.0mm) thick.
Thick boards (up to 5000 microns)
- These can be used as pallet tops instead of wooden tops
- Bookbinding, ring-binders and folders manufacture
- Textile swatch books
- They can be diecut into shapes, such as discs and panels for tubs and drums for chemical storage
Thin boards (eg 100-600 microns)
- Many uses – interleaving sheets (layer sheets), waterproof pallet tops & bottoms
- E-comm packaging – envelopes & boxes
- Fruit and vegetable trays
- Great for printing on
Board Thickness Chart
A quick reference guide for comparing packaging board GSM, approximate micron thickness, typical uses and board types.
Packaging board thickness reference
Use this chart as a practical guide when comparing common board weights for sleeves, cartons and rigid boxes.
| GSM | Approx. micron | Thickness range | Typical use | Board type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200–350 | 220–390 | Light | Sleeves, light cartons, inserts | Folding boxboard |
| 350–500 | 390–625 | Light / medium | Cartons, sleeves, small packaging | Folding boxboard / solid board |
| 500–750 | 625–940 | Medium | Premium cartons, backing board, display packaging | Solid board |
| 750–1000 | 940–1,250 | Medium / heavy | Rigid box components, luxury packaging, presentation boxes | Solid board / greyboard |
| 1000–1400 | 1,250–1,750 | Heavy | Rigid boxes, book covers, protective packaging | Greyboard / solid board |
| 1400–1700 | 1,750–2,125 | Extra heavy | Luxury rigid boxes, premium presentation packaging | Greyboard |
| 1700–2000 | 2,125–2,500 | Ultra heavy | High-strength rigid packaging and specialist board applications | Greyboard / specialist board |
How to use this board thickness chart
This chart is designed as a quick visual reference for buyers, designers and packaging teams comparing board thickness options. It groups common GSM ranges from 200 to 2000 GSM and shows approximate micron ranges alongside typical packaging uses.
Lighter board weights are often used for sleeves, cartons and inserts, while heavier board weights are more suitable for rigid boxes, book covers, presentation packaging and protective applications.
Micron figures are approximate and can vary depending on board density, material construction and supplier specification. Always confirm final board thickness before production.
GSM to Micron Calculator for Packaging Board
Convert GSM to an estimated board thickness in microns using typical density ranges for common packaging board materials.
GSM to Micron Calculator
Enter a GSM value and select a board type to get an instant estimated micron range.
How this calculator works
GSM measures the weight of board in grams per square metre, while microns measure thickness. The two are related, but the exact conversion depends on the density and construction of the board. This calculator uses approximate density factors to provide a practical estimate for packaging board selection.
Solid board is usually less dense than greyboard, so the same GSM can result in a thicker sheet. Greyboard is typically denser, which means a comparable GSM may produce a slightly lower micron thickness. Folding boxboard has been included as a general reference option for lighter carton and sleeve applications.
These figures are estimates only. Always confirm final specifications with the board supplier before production.
Popular Products
Highlighting our popular board and paper products commonly used in packaging, crafting, and display applications demonstrating our versatility as a company.
PE Paper / Lined Board
Used for packaging any wet or greasy product, or where a waterproof barrier is required between the product and its outside environment.
Brown Dyed Board
Brown dyed greyboard on two sides. Used in manufacture of board envelopes, “recycled look” cartons – printed and unprinted, art and craft work.
White lined greyboard
Uncoated white lined board with grey reverse. Used in manufacture of presentation boxes, mounting pictures and making showcards.
Expert customer support
Tell us what you need, and our expert team will work with you to find the perfect solution. If it's made of cardboard then we are the people to speak to!
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Recyclable, compostable, and food-safe.
Built to perform
Packaging that holds up and looks right.