Buyer guide · Weight
Rug weight and GSM: how we check it
GSM is grams per square metre of finished rug. We weigh every piece and check it against the specification, within plus or minus 5%. Typical hand-tufted weights are about 3.5 to 4.5 kg per square metre, confirmed on your quote.
Last updated: 30 October 2026
Weight checks at a glance
- Check
- Every piece weighed against the specification
- Tolerance
- Plus or minus 5% on weight
- GSM
- Grams per square metre of rug
- Specified on
- Your quote, per construction
Terms at a glance
- Minimum order
- 1 piece
- Sampling cost
- Credited against your order
- Sampling
- 5 to 20 days
- Bulk production
- 8 to 16 weeks
- NDA
- Signed as standard before designs are shared
- Label, barcode, packaging
- Your own, on request
- Payment terms
- 50% advance, 50% before dispatch
What GSM means for a pile rug
GSM is grams per square metre: the weight of one square metre of the finished rug. For a pile rug it reflects the yarn, the pile height and the density. A heavier rug usually carries more yarn. A rug can be made lighter by reducing density while looking similar, which is why weight is a useful check.
To convert, 1 kg per square metre is 1,000 GSM. Total rug weight is GSM times the area in square metres.
Typical ranges (typical, not a promise)
For hand-tufted cut-pile rugs with a pile of about 10 to 12 mm, typical figures are about 2 to 2.5 kg per square metre of pile weight, and about 3.5 to 4.5 kg per square metre in total (roughly 3,500 to 4,500 GSM). These are typical ranges, not a guarantee, and your actual specification is confirmed on your quote.
For hand-knotted, handloom and flatweave rugs, weight depends on yarn, construction and density, so we set a figure per specification rather than quote a general range. See rug specifications.
How we check it
Each piece is weighed and checked against the specification, within plus or minus 5%. The reference weight comes from the approved sample, so the sample sets the standard for bulk. This sits alongside size and skew checks, covered in rug quality control, and the final checks in pre-shipment inspection.
What to ask any supplier
Ask for the target weight of the sample you approve, the tolerance in writing and how weight is verified on bulk pieces. Weight also drives freight cost, so it is worth fixing early. Common weight-related faults are listed in why handmade rugs fail quality checks.
Request a quote with a target weight
Send your design, size and estimated quantity. We reply within two business days, usually within one. Minimum order: 1 piece. Sampling cost is credited against your order. Payment: 50% advance, 50% before dispatch.
Buyer questions
Rug weight and GSM: your questions
What is rug GSM?
Grams per square metre: the weight of one square metre of the finished rug.
How do I convert kg per square metre to GSM?
Multiply by 1,000. For example, 4 kg per square metre is 4,000 GSM.
What weight tolerance do you work to?
Every piece is weighed, within plus or minus 5% of the specification.
What is a typical weight for a tufted rug?
Typically about 3.5 to 4.5 kg per square metre in total at 10 to 12 mm pile. This is a typical range, confirmed on your quote.
Why does weight matter if the rug looks right?
Weight shows how much yarn is in the rug. A lighter rug can look similar while having lower density.
Is the weight set by the sample?
Yes. The approved sample is the reference for bulk production.
Does weight affect shipping cost?
Yes, freight is partly driven by weight. Shipping terms are confirmed on your quote.
Can I specify a target weight?
Yes. Tell us the weight you need in your brief and we advise on construction and pile to reach it.