Three weight systems, one source of confusion
Jute, hessian and burlap are the same fabric, but its weight gets quoted three different ways. oz/yd² (ounces per square yard) is the UK and US imperial base. GSM (grams per square metre) is the EU metric base. oz/40″ (ounces per 40-inch length) is the Bangladesh and India export-spec base, and it is not the same as oz/yd². Confusing the three is the single most common cause of a hessian spec mismatch.
oz/yd² to GSM: the conversion
1 oz/yd² equals 33.906 GSM. Multiply oz/yd² by 33.906 to get GSM, or divide GSM by 33.906 to get oz/yd². Typical hessian weights:
| oz/yd² | GSM (approx) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 7 oz | ~237 GSM | Light packaging, wrapping, craft |
| 9 oz | ~305 GSM | Standard bags and cloth |
| 10 oz | ~339 GSM | Heavier sacks, upholstery base |
| 12 oz | ~407 GSM | Construction, landscaping, heavy sacks |
What oz/40″ actually means (the Bangladesh base)
Bangladesh and Indian mills quote cloth weight as ounces per 40-inch length at the loom width, written oz/40″. This is a linear measure, not per square yard, so 10 oz/40″ and 10 oz/yd² are different fabrics. If a quote says oz with no base, ask which one. The safe move is to confirm the figure in GSM, which is unambiguous.
How to specify hessian so there is no mismatch
State the weight in GSM, or state oz with the base spelled out (oz/yd² or oz/40″), and give the cloth width. At Zayin we quote both bases on every cloth order so your incoming inspection matches your purchase spec. Tell us the GSM or the oz and base and the width, and we confirm the exact cloth.