The Dilemma

So you're looking for vacation rental supplies and are considering two towels. They look the same but one has a GSM of 400 and one has a GSM of 500. But what does that mean to you?

What is GSM?

GSM stands for Grams per Square Meter (g/m2), which is a unit of measurement used to indicate the weight or density of a fabric. This measurement is commonly used in the textile industry to specify the weight of towels.

 Why is GSM Important?

GSM is an important specification in the textile and paper industries because it accurately measures a material's weight or density, which can impact its performance, quality, and cost.

In the textile industry, a higher GSM generally indicates a heavier and more durable fabric, while a lower GSM indicates a lighter and more breathable fabric. The GSM can also affect a fabric's absorbency, softness, and texture, making it an essential consideration in product design, manufacturing, and quality control.

Overall, understanding GSM is important for manufacturers, designers, and vacation rental owners. It can help ensure that a suitable material is selected for a given use or application and that the desired quality and performance standards are met.

 What Towel GSM is Right for My Vacation Rental Property?

The GSM of towels used in vacation rental properties can vary depending on the property owner's budget, desired level of comfort, and target market.

Generally, a GSM of 400 to 600 is recommended for vacation rental properties. Towels with a GSM in this range provide a good balance between cost, durability, and absorbency, making them suitable for regular use by guests. 

However, if you want to provide a more luxurious experience for your guests, you may want to consider buying bulk towels with a higher GSM, such as 600 to 700. These towels are thicker and more absorbent, providing a more luxurious feel. 

Remember that higher GSM towels will be more expensive and require more care during washing and drying.

 Ultimately, the decision on what GSM to use for vacation rental towels should be based on your budget, the type of guests you are hosting, and the level of comfort and luxury you want to provide.

 How To Calculate GSM

To calculate the GSM (grams per square meter) of a 30" x 60" towel that weighs 15lbs/dozen, you can follow these steps:

1. Convert the towel dimensions to meters. One inch equals 0.0254 meters, so a 30" x 60" towel equals 0.762 meters x 1.524 meters.
2. Calculate the area of the towel in square meters. Multiply the length by the width to get the area. In this case, the area is 1.162568 square meters (0.762 meters x 1.524 meters).
3. Calculate the weight of the towel per square meter. Since the weight given is in pounds per dozen, we need to convert it to grams per square meter. There are 12 towels in a dozen, so each towel weighs 15 pounds / 12 = 1.25 pounds. One pound is equal to 453.592 grams, so the weight of each towel is 1.25 x 453.592 = 567.99 grams.

To get the weight of the towel per square meter, divide the weight of one towel (567.99 grams) by the area of the towel (1.162568 square meters).

So, the GSM of the towel is:

567.99 grams / 1.162568 square meters = 488.4 GSM

Therefore, the GSM of the 30" x 60" towel weighing 15lbs/dozen is approximately 488.4.

Or you can simply use our GSM calculator...