The decision to make.
Weight per area and weight per length are different.
GSM means grams per square metre. Weight per linear metre depends on the measured cloth width as well as weight per area. Do not compare the two numbers as if they describe the same unit.
Use the right reference.
For an illustrative calculation, a cloth weighing 300 g/m² at a stated width of 1.5 m has 450 grams per linear metre. This is an example calculation, not the specification of a supplied fabric.
Bring it to the garment task.
Keep total width and usable cutting width separate. Edges or other excluded areas can matter to the garment marker; confirm the width basis with the actual fabric reference.
Produce a usable record.
Record original units before converting. Have the garment team use the usable width, repeat and size range for consumption planning. A width target is not evidence that every candidate meets it.
A worksheet for the next decision.
Scroll the table horizontally on small screens.
| Decision | Record in the brief | Resolve with evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | Exact sample, version and intended face | Physical sample identity |
| Observation | What was seen, measured or trialled | Relevant reference or assessment |
| Requirement | Fixed points versus targets | Agreed brief and actual specification |
| Next step | Specific unresolved decision | Named sample or review task |
Keep these points with the reference.
- Sample identity and version
- Garment and purpose of review
- Relevant measurements with units
- Physical or documentary evidence
- Accepted points and open questions
- Next action and responsible party
Solve the next buying problem.
Are grams per square metre and grams per linear metre interchangeable?
No. Area weight describes mass per square metre. Linear weight also depends on the width used for the calculation. Always preserve the unit and identify whether width includes the selvedges. Confirm the exact article specification rather than comparing bare numbers from unrelated samples.
How can I check a unit conversion?
Illustrative arithmetic: a cloth listed at 300 g/m² and a width of 1.50 m corresponds to 450 grams for one linear metre if the same width basis is used: 300 × 1.50 = 450. These are example values, not a Fred Textile specification. Usable cutting width may differ from total width.