Introduction

ISO 534 is an international standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that specifies 

methods for determining the thickness, density, and bulk of paper, board, and other related materials. This standard is 

essential for manufacturers, quality control professionals, and researchers in the paper and packaging industries to

 ensure consistency, performance, and compliance with global requirements.

Scope of ISO 534

The standard is divided into different parts, each addressing specific measurement techniques:

ISO 534:2011 – Focuses on the measurement of thickness, density, and bulk (bulk thickness and apparent bulk density).

ISO 534:2005 – Earlier version covering similar principles with possible variations in methodology.

The standard applies to:

Paper and board (both single sheets and stacks).

Corrugated fiberboard and other layered materials.

Testing instrument：PTT-03 Thickness Tester

Key Parameters Defined by ISO 534

1. Thickness Measurement

Thickness is a fundamental property affecting material strength, printability, and performance in packaging. ISO 534 

specifies:

Measurement Conditions: Tests must be conducted under controlled temperature and humidity (typically 23°C ±1°C 

and 50% ±2% relative humidity).

Apparatus: A micrometer with a defined pressure (typically 100 kPa) and contact area is used to ensure accuracy.

Procedure: Multiple measurements are taken across the sample, and the average is reported.

2. Density and Bulk

Density (Grammage): Calculated as mass per unit area (g/m²).

Bulk: Refers to the volume per unit mass (cm³/g), indicating fluffiness or compactness.

The standard ensures that measurements are repeatable and comparable across different laboratories and production 

batches.

Importance of ISO 534 Compliance

Adhering to ISO 534 ensures:

Quality Control: Manufacturers can maintain consistent product specifications.

Interoperability: Facilitates global trade by standardizing measurement methods.

Performance Evaluation: Helps in assessing material suitability for printing, packaging, and other applications.

Conclusion

ISO 534 plays a crucial role in the paper and packaging industry by providing standardized methods for measuring 

thickness, density, and bulk. Compliance with this standard enhances product reliability, supports quality assurance, 

and promotes international consistency in material testing.

For industries relying on paper and board, understanding and implementing ISO 534 is essential for maintaining 

competitiveness and meeting regulatory requirements.