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Fabric weight converter
Convert fabric weight between GSM (grams per square metre) and oz/yd², and work out grams per linear metre for a given width.
1 oz/yd² ≈ 33.906 g/m². Grams per linear metre depends on the fabric width.
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GSM is grams per square metre — the metric standard used across India, China and Europe. oz/yd² is ounces per square yard, still the working unit for most US buyers and for denim worldwide.
The conversion factor is fixed: 1 oz/yd² = 33.906 g/m². To go from GSM to ounces, divide by 33.906. To go the other way, multiply.
Denim is the one place where the imperial unit dominates even in Indian mills. A mill will quote you 12 oz denim, not 407 GSM, and buyers expect it that way.
Quick reference: common fabric weights
| Fabric | GSM | oz/yd² | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voile | 70 – 90 | 2.1 – 2.7 | Summer shirting, dupattas |
| Lawn / fine shirting | 100 – 120 | 2.9 – 3.5 | Shirts, blouses |
| Poplin | 120 – 140 | 3.5 – 4.1 | Formal shirting |
| Single jersey tee | 150 – 180 | 4.4 – 5.3 | T-shirts |
| Heavy jersey | 200 – 240 | 5.9 – 7.1 | Premium tees, polos |
| Light denim | 240 – 300 | 7 – 9 | Shirts, summer jeans |
| Mid denim | 300 – 400 | 9 – 12 | Standard jeans |
| Heavy denim | 400 – 480 | 12 – 14 | Rigid / selvedge jeans |
| Fleece | 280 – 340 | 8.3 – 10 | Sweatshirts |
| Canvas / duck | 400 – 550 | 12 – 16 | Bags, workwear |
Worked example
A US buyer asks for 8 oz fabric. 8 × 33.906 = 271 GSM. That is a light denim or a heavy twill.
Going the other way, a mill offers you 180 GSM jersey. 180 ÷ 33.906 = 5.3 oz/yd² — a standard mid-weight T-shirt fabric.
Greige, finished or washed?
A GSM figure is meaningless without knowing which stage it refers to. Fabric gains weight in finishing if it is compacted or coated, and loses it in desizing and washing. Greige to finished shifts of 5 to 12 per cent are normal.
When you specify weight, say so explicitly: "180 GSM finished, after wash" leaves no room for argument at inspection.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert GSM to oz/yd²?
Divide GSM by 33.906. For example 200 GSM divided by 33.906 is 5.9 oz per square yard.
How many GSM is 12 oz denim?
12 oz per square yard is 407 GSM. Multiply the ounce figure by 33.906.
What GSM is a good T-shirt?
Most T-shirts sit between 150 and 180 GSM. Below 140 feels thin and can show through; above 200 is a premium or winter weight.
Is GSM measured before or after finishing?
Both are used, which causes most disputes. Always state whether a GSM figure is greige, finished or after-wash when you specify or accept fabric.
Can you supply fabric to a specific GSM?
Yes. Give us the construction, width and target weight in GSM or ounces, and whether it is greige or finished, and we will match it and hold it lot to lot.