ISO 1974:2012 specifies a method for determining the (out-of-plane) tearing resistance of paper. It can also be used for boards having a low grammage if the tearing resistance is within the range of the instrument. ISO 1974:2012 does not apply to corrugated fibreboard, but it may be applied to the components of such boards. It is not suitable for determining the cross-direction tearing resistance of highly directional paper (or board).