Gel strength, also known as 'bloom' value, is a measure of the strength and stiffness of the gelatin, reflecting the average molecular weight of its constituents, and is usually between 30 and 300 bloom.

• Less than 150 is considered to be a low bloom
• 150–220 a medium bloom
• 220–300 a high bloom).

Powdered and leaf gelatin are usually interchangeable, but for best results try to use the type specified in the recipe.

As a general rule, two gelatin leaves is equivalent to one teaspoon of powdered gelatin.

• Bronze Gelatin leaves have a bloom strength of 125 and weigh 3.3 grams.
• Silver Gelatin leaves have a bloom strength of 160 and weigh 2.5 grams.
• Gold Gelatin leaves have a bloom strength of 200 and weigh 2 grams.
• Platinum Gelatin leaves have a bloom strength of 250 and weigh 1.7 grams.