How many paper bags are in 1 kg?

If you’re planning a bulk order of custom paper bags for your brand, one of the most practical questions is: how many pieces do I get per kilo of paper? The truth is, it depends—mainly on paper thickness (GSM) and bag size. But don’t worry; here’s a simple, brand-owner-friendly guide to help you estimate confidently.

The quick answer (rule of thumb)

• Small boutique bags (about 15 × 20 × 8 cm)
  • ~50–120 bags per kg depending on paper thickness

• Medium retail bags (about 25 × 30 × 10 cm)
  • ~20–45 bags per kg

• Large shopping bags (about 32 × 42 × 12 cm)
  • ~10–25 bags per kg

Thinner paper (e.g., 80–100 GSM kraft) yields more bags per kilo; thicker premium stock (150–230 GSM) yields fewer—but feels sturdier and more luxe.

Why the number changes

1. Paper thickness (GSM)
   GSM (grams per square meter) is the single biggest factor. Higher GSM = heavier sheet = fewer bags per kilo, but better structure and load-bearing.

2. Bag size & pattern
   Bigger panels use more paper: front/back, two gussets, and the bottom patch. Add a turnover (top fold) and reinforcement patch for rope handles and the weight increases slightly per piece.

3. Add-ons
   Rope/cord handles, eyelets, inner board reinforcements, and film lamination all add a bit of weight, reducing the pieces per kilo.

4. Finish & ink
   Inks add negligible weight; laminations (gloss/matte) add noticeable weight. Unlaminated kraft is lightest.

A simple way to estimate (your DIY cheat sheet)

Use this light-math approach for SOS/rope-handle gift bags:

Approx. paper area per bag (m²)
Area ≈ 2*(Width × Height) + 2*(Gusset × Height) + (Width × Gusset)
(adds front + back + two sides + bottom patch)

Weight per bag (kg)
Weight ≈ Area × (GSM ÷ 1000)

Bags per kg
Bags per kg ≈ 1 ÷ Weight per bag

Worked examples (unlaminated kraft)

• Small (15×20×8 cm)
  • 80 GSM ≈ ~120 pcs/kg
  • 120 GSM ≈ ~80 pcs/kg
  • 180 GSM ≈ ~53 pcs/kg

• Medium (25×30×10 cm)
  • 100 GSM ≈ ~43 pcs/kg
  • 150 GSM ≈ ~28 pcs/kg

• Large (32×42×12 cm)
  • 120 GSM ≈ ~20 pcs/kg
  • 200 GSM ≈ ~12 pcs/kg

Note: Adding rope handles, turn-ins, and thicker bottom boards will trim those counts slightly—but they also boost durability and perceived value.

Choosing the right balance for your brand

• For light items (cosmetics, apparel, stationery):
  100–120 GSM is a sweet spot for medium bags—good structure, great yield per kilo.

• For heavier items (small boxes, jars, merch bundles):
  150–180 GSM keeps the shape crisp and carries weight more confidently.

• For premium gifting:
  200–230 GSM with rope handles and reinforced bottoms feels special in-hand.

Craft Clothing’s Manila team can help you dial in the bag size + GSM + handle type so you hit both your branding goals and your target yield per kilo—without compromising craftsmanship.

Ready to spec your bags?

Tell us what you’ll pack, your preferred size, and your brand vibe. We’ll propose GSM, handle options, and finishing that fit your budget and timeline—complete with a free mockup so you can visualize the final look.

Explore our collection of custom paper bags and let’s start crafting a bag that carries your story—beautifully and reliably.