Cardstock weights and sizes vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to understand your options before deciding which one will work best for you. Do you know what type of cardstock paper you are using? There are so many different types of cardstock out there; it can be hard to keep track. If you're looking for a heavier weight than 110 lb (the standard), perhaps 220 lb or even 300 lb might fit your needs better. On the other hand, if you want something lighter that folds easily, 120 lb may be the right choice!
Keep on reading to get a better idea of the different types of cardstock paper weights, sizes, and finishes and how to use them!
What Is Cardstock?
Cardstock is a thicker, heavier, and more durable type of paper. It is the best paper for card making and paper crafting. It usually has a smooth surface and can be metallic, textured, or glossy. It is sturdier and heavier than your average paper, making it perfect for various arts and crafts. Moreover, it is more flexible and thinner than paperboard and cardboard. It is a versatile type of paper that can elevate any handmade creation and add a more professional look to brochures, pamphlets, business cards, greeting cards, invitations, and more.
Orange Cream Cardstock (10 sheets/set)
Cardstock Paper in Paper Crafting
In this day and age, you would think that it’ll be difficult to find things to make out of paper. However, thanks to the power of social media, the paper crafting industry has seen a considerable boom in recent years. Thick cardstock is a popular choice for card making, scrapbooking, mixed media art, and even journaling. Because it renders well to a wide variety of wet and dry techniques, this is the best paper for card making.
Glitter Gradient Cardstock Set - Pink Brilliance
Cardstock Texture and Finishes
While it is essential to understand cardstock sizes and weights, learning about the various texture and finishes is equally essential, especially in paper crafting.
- Vellum is a fine parchment paper that can range from semi-transparent to almost opaque. It is typically made of calf’s skin.
- Iridescent cardstock’s coating displays a spectrum of colors that shimmer and change as the observer's position changes.
- Textured cardstock is made up of various fiber or other content that gives it a unique texture. The standard textures include linen, canvas, wood grain, bark, etc.
- Glossy cardstock has a shiny or lustrous coating.
- Matte cardstock has a dull or lusterless coating.
- Glitter cardstock, as the name suggests, has a colored glitter coating.
Feel free to check Altenew's guide to card stock papers here!
Common Cardstock Questions
Are you still confused? We’re answering some of your burning questions about everything related to cardstock weights and sizes!
Is 65 lb or 110 lb cardstock thicker?
The rule of thumb is, the higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the cardstock is. A 65 lb cardstock would have a GSM of 176, whereas a 110 lb cardstock would have a GSM between 270 - 308. However, understanding paper weight is a bit tricky because it depends on the type and category of paper. A paper that has a higher “lb” doesn’t automatically make it thicker or heavier. For instance, a 67 lb Vellum Bristol Paper has a lower GSM than a 65 lb cardstock (cover).
How do you know what weight cardstock to get?
Cardstock weights have increased in recent years. The most popular cardstock weights are 80 lb, 90 lb, 110 lb, and 130 lb. Heavier cardstocks like 300 lb cover the gamut from super heavy-duty to really thin! Each paper weight is a specific thickness that will affect the versatility of your handmade projects. So what's the difference? Let's break it down:
- 80 lb cardstock - This is the thinnest option available with a very light feel to it. This paper is easy to fold but not as durable because there isn't much weight in the stock. Great for scrapbookers who need to make more folds or paper crafters who want a lightweight feel on their project.
- 90 lb cardstock - This is a thicker option that feels sturdy when you hold it in your hand and has some substance to it even when folded over multiple times (think greeting cards).
- 110 lb cardstock - The most popular cardstock weight is 110 lb, which is an excellent all-purpose weight for projects that need to be printed on both sides. It's a great medium for scrapbooking and handmade greeting cards.
- 130 lb cardstock - This is not just thicker and heavier; it has more texture too.
Classic Crest Solar White Cardstock (25 sheets/set) (110lb)
What sizes does cardstock come in?
To understand cardstock sizes, you need to know the different grades and categories of paper first.
- Book - 25 x 38
- Bond - 17 x11
- Cover - 20 x 26
- Bristol - 22.5 x 28.5
- Index - 25.5 x 30.5
- Tag - 24 x 36
Cardstock Sizes In Card Making
Each specific size caters to a different type of paper craft. The standard size for handmade cards is half of an 8 ½ inches by 11 inches card stock paper, folded in half. This is also known as an A2 size card. Although, you can always buy large thick cardstock and score or fold them according to your needs. Most crafts stores sell pre-scored or cut cardstock for easy card making and paper crafting. Since this type of paper is durable, it is easily customizable.
Slimline cards have recently taken the card making world by storm. The cardstock sizes vary, but they should fit into a #10 envelope or a business envelope. Here are some of the commonly used sizes for card making and scrapbooking:
- 6” x 6”
- 8” x 8”
- 8.5” x 11” - This is the standard paper size. It is also a cardstock size and can be cut and used for handmade cards.
- 12” x 12” - This is the standard size for scrapbook layouts.
- 3.5” x 8.5” - The size for the popular slimline cards.
What is the weight of cardstock paper?
The basis weight of paper is measured in pounds (lbs) per 500 sheets or one ream. Take note that the actual weight and the paper weight are two different things. For instance, a regular 20 lb copy (bond) paper is also referred to as a 50 lb text (offset) paper. They might be different paper grades, but they have the same GSM.
You may find yourself wondering, what's the difference between cardstock weight and thickness? Cardstock thicknesses are measured in pounds of paper per ream, while cardstock paper weights measure grams per square meter.
The most common weight is 80 lb cardstock, weighing approximately 225 GSM (grams per square meter) or 400 sheets to a ream. This type of cardstock is usually used for invitations and business cards. The next step up from this would be 110 lb cardstock which weighs 360gms/m2 or 500 sheets to a ream - this type of paper can also be used for invitations, but it's more commonly found in postcards and handmade greeting cards.
12x12 White Cardstock (10 sheet/set) (80lb)
Cardstock Weights
GSM (Grams per Square Meter) is used to measure paper. Measurement is done from a sample sheet cut to one square meter in size. Regardless of the paper’s width or length, its weight is still measured from the square meter sheet. Thick cardstock usually has higher GSM and is, therefore, heavier and more durable than cardstock with lower GSM.
Learn more about the standard cardstock weight in GSM and when to use them.
- 350-450 GSM – This heavy cardstock is often used for business cards, handmade cards, and invitations.
- 210-300 GSM – Another thick cardstock that is still bendable, even though it is stiffer. This one is ideal for magazine covers, watercolors, paintings, and high-quality flyers.
- 120-140 GSM – This is perfect for promotional posters, movie theater posters, and shop posters.
- 90-100 GSM – This is also known as regular printer paper.
- 75-90 GSM – While not ideal for heavy inks and alcohol markers, this is the typical paper used in sketch pads or notebooks.
Things to Consider When Buying Cardstock
Paper is a material that we all use daily, but there are some things you want to consider when it comes to cardstock. Do you know what to look for when buying cardstock? From weight to texture, there are so many factors that go into finding the right cardstock paper. These are just a few questions you can ask yourself when buying cardstock paper for your next handmade project!
- What’s the weight of the paper?
- What cardstock size do you need?
- How heavy-duty do you need it for your project? If you’re going to do water-based techniques or mixed media art, you’re going to need thick cardstock.
- Is the cardstock acid-free, or will it turn yellow over time?
- What kind of finish do you need? Glossy, smooth, vellum?
Shop for black and white card stock papers now!
Now that we’ve explored the different cardstock weights and cardstock sizes, it’s up to you to decide which one suits your needs. Understanding the differences can help make or break your next DIY project. Remember, your artwork needs a great canvas. Start with a decent and high-quality cardstock paper, and everything else will follow. We hope this guide has helped clear some of the confusion for you! And if not? No worries - just let us know in the comment section below, and we’ll be happy to answer some more questions!
FAQs
As a general rule, cardstock is thicker, sturdier and more durable than standard paper. Cardstock is typically classified by weight, measured in pounds (lbs) per 1000 sheets of paper. Cardstock weight ranges from around 65 lbs (thinnest cardstock) to 110 lbs (thickest cardstock).
Which is thicker 65 lb or 100 lb cardstock? ›
As a general rule, cardstock is thicker, sturdier and more durable than standard paper. Cardstock is typically classified by weight, measured in pounds (lbs) per 1000 sheets of paper. Cardstock weight ranges from around 65 lbs (thinnest cardstock) to 110 lbs (thickest cardstock).
Which is heavier 65 lb or 110 lb cardstock? ›
110 lb cardstock is almost twice the weight of 65 lb cardstock, with 130 lb cardstock being the heaviest (as far as I know) so if you want the heavier of the two, go for the 110 lb cardstock instead of the 65 lb cardstock.
How do you determine the weight of cardstock? ›
The rule of thumb is, the higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the cardstock is. A 65 lb cardstock would have a GSM of 176, whereas a 110 lb cardstock would have a GSM between 270 - 308.
What is the difference between 65 and 67 lb cardstock? ›
65 lb.
This weight is slightly heavier, but very similar to the 67 lb vellum. It works great for layered greeting cards or scrapbook pages, because it is another lightweight cardstock that is sturdy but won't add too much extra thickness to the piece.
What is 60 lb cardstock used for? ›
Choose 60 lb uncoated text when you need to keep the cost low but have a thicker paper type than 50 lb uncoated text. It is the perfect paper type for manuals, journals, or other booklet printing that need to be written on, or for brochures to pass out at your trade show.
What is 65lb cardstock used for? ›
65 lb Cover Weight/176 gsm card stock is used in cases where you would need a lighter weight card stock. It is heavy enough to be used for post cards. It is great for layering pieces as it will not add excessive weight to an invitation or card. Paper punching, die cutting and folding is easy to do on 65 lb card stock.
What is 70 lb paper used for? ›
28lb Bond (70lb Text) – Weighing in at 105 grams, this type of paper is ideal for brochures and presentation pages because it folds so nicely and is flexible.
What is 80 lb paper used for? ›
The 80 lb card stock is the most common weight of card stock, and is used for DIY invitations, card making, scrapbooking, flyers, post cards, die-cutting, menus, craft projects, program, and business cards.
Which is heavier 80 or 100 cardstock? ›
Same Paper, Different Weight: Both are made out of the same raw materials and out to the same production equipment. So we know the 100lb paper is 25% heavier than the 80lb gloss text and therefore thicker than the 80lb paper.
220 - 280gsm - This is perhaps the most common weight used in cardmaking. Light enough to easily go through a printer and die-cutting machine, but sturdy enough for embossing. 280gsm - 350gsm - Getting thicker! This kind of weight is great for a more luxury effect and a far sturdier base.
What are common cardstock weights? ›
Our white cardstock comes in the following weights:
- 65 lb.
- 67 lb.
- 80 lb.
- 100 lb.
- 110 lb.
- 130 lb.
- 160 lb.
The HP OfficeJet Pro 9015 is an excellent printer for cardstock and is compatible with cardstock weights up to 110 lb. It offers 4800 x 1200 dpi color resolution across a range of cardstock finishes, with excellent ink absorption.
How do I choose the right cardstock? ›
A good rule of thumb is the higher the weight in pounds, the thicker the cardstock. The thicker the cardstock, the better your invitations will look and feel, especially if you're printing them yourself.
What is the best paper weight for greeting cards? ›
Greeting Card Paper GSM
The weight range for greeting card printing is between 250 to 400 gsm paper. Usually, 350 gsm card stock is considered the best paper weight for printing greeting cards. This guide to choosing the correct greeting card paper explains why there are different types and weights.
Is 65 lb cardstock good for Cricut? ›
65lb Cardstock – 65-pound cardstock is thinner than other weights and has a lower fiber count, meaning it won't be sturdy enough to use in most Cricut projects. 100lb Cardstock – This is the standard cardstock that you'll want to use with your Cricut machine.
What does 100 lb cardstock mean? ›
If 500 sheets of a paper's standard sheet size weighs 100 lbs., then the paper weight or basis weight of that type of paper will be 100 lb. So a larger standard size sheet of a lighter thinner text-weight paper can weigh more than a smaller standard size sheet of a thicker heavier cover-weight paper.
Can 65lb cardstock go through a printer? ›
Yes it will print on card stock, but when the paper come out it has a slight curve to it, But it will flatten if you just set a book on it for a moment.
Which paper is heavier 80 or 100? ›
The rule of thumb difference between 80 lb and 100 lb paper is that 80 lb paper feels thinner and lighter than 100 lb paper.
Is 65lb cardstock good for invitations? ›
A popular weight range for folding invitation cards is between 65lb-100lb cover. Layered invitation cards or those inside of invitation pockets and wraps can be made with a variety of weights, but we recommend keeping these rules in mind. Keep your invitation top layer light (80lb cover and under).
80 lb card stock is a type of paper that is usually thicker and stronger than most common printing paper. It is also referred to by names like “pasteboard,” “paper stock,” or “paperboard”.
What is 140 lb paper used for? ›
140 lb (300 gsm) paper is a medium thickness paper that accepts water soluble media very well, but if your style of painting involves a lot of wet-on-wet techniques, or you paint large washes, you might need to stretch this type of paper beforehand.
What does 90 lb paper mean? ›
Paper is measured in pounds per 500 sheets. The paper manufacturer will select a standard sheet size for their paper when getting the initial weight on 500 sheets (this standard size varies brand to brand and can be 17” x 22”, 35” x 23”, etc.). The weight of these 500 sheets determines the paper's weight.
What is 100 lb paper thickness? ›
What is the difference between 100 lb Text and 100 lb Cover?
| Paper Thickness |
|---|
| Paper Type | Approx. Caliper (Thickness) |
|---|
| 65lb Opaque Cover — uncoated | .009″ |
| 80lb Opaque Cover — uncoated | .011″ (11pt thick) |
| 100lb Opaque Cover — uncoated | .014″ (14pt thick) |
23 more rowsJan 6, 2023
Extra Heavy Duty 130lb Cover Cardstock - Bright White - 350gsm 17pt Thick Paper for Inkjet & Laser Printers - 8-1/2" x 11" - 15 Pack.
What is 16 pt cardstock in lbs? ›
12-point cover or 110-pound. A more common cover stock for paperbacks, graphic novels, and other larger perfect-bound covers. 16-point cover or 130# cover. A heavy cover stock, suited to projects that will be handled a lot or require a heavier cover, like catalogs, trade paperbacks and oversize perfect-bound products.
What is the difference between 14pt and 100 lb paper? ›
These are the 3 most common kinds of paper used to print classic business cards. But, there are even more upgraded business card paper weight options available. To help you visualize the difference between the 3 paper stocks: 100 lb gloss cover is thinner, less dense, and more bendable than 14 point and 16 point paper.
How thick is most cardstock? ›
It comes in a variety of thicknesses. 10pt, 12pt, 16pt and 24pt are all common thickness for cardstock prints. 12pt cardstock is one of the most popular choices for today cardstock printing needs although there are other sizes on the market.
What weight cardstock can you print on? ›
Cover Paper
Also called cardstock, cover paper is most common for business cards, menus, invitations, postcards and rack cards. Cover weights range from 60 to 120 pounds. Cover paper can typically be run through your office copier/printer, as long as you have your print settings correctly setup.
Can you print 80 pound cardstock? ›
Generally, home printers are able to handle 80-pound or 10-point cardstock – any thicker, and the paper may jam. Coatings are added to many kinds of cardstock to give the paper a glossy, polished appearance.
Light Weight - Up to 169 gsm. Medium Weight - 170-216 gsm. Heavy Weight - 217-284 gsm. Extra Heavy Weight - 285 gsm & Up.
What is the thinnest card stock? ›
Cardstock
- 10 pt. – Our thinnest available cardstock which makes it ideal for folding. ...
- 14 pt. – Popularly used for business cards, presentation folders, and booklet covers.
- 16 pt. – Slightly thicker cardstock option best suited for invitations.
- 17 pt.
An eighty-pound weight is usually the best cardstock for making boxes. You can obviously play with the cardstock weight a little bit depending on what you plan to put inside the box.
What are good paper weights? ›
TEXT WEIGHT PAPER
- 20LB Text. Typically used as all-purpose paper, for copying machines, etc.
- 24/60LB Text. Typically used for laser/ink printing and letterheads.
- 28/70LB Text. Typically used for letterhead and other important documents.
- 80LB Text. A bit heavier than letterhead paper.
Paper thickness is measured in thousandths of inches, referred to as “points.” So, 18pt paper is equal to . 018 inches thick. Typically, paper thickness is used when describing different types of cover stock. A business card, for example, is printed on 12-14pt stock.
What is standard paper weight? ›
The standard office copy paper weight is most commonly called “20 lb. bond”. Standard office copy paper weighs approximately 10.0 lbs per 1000 sheets.
How do I print high quality on cardstock? ›
How to print on thick paper/cardstock
- Open your document and select File > Print.
- Before sending your document to print, select Properties which will open your printer's driver settings.
- Find the Paper Settings tab, this will allow you to select various media types that your printer can handle.
- Select your Paper Type.
brand Extra Thick 100lb Cover White Cardstock works great for those looking for an impressively thick stock for their invitations, greeting cards, etc. This 100lb Cover White Cardstock is our heaviest cardstock and is a 96 brightness. This stock measures 8 1/2" x 11" and is inkjet and laser printer compatible.
What setting to use on Cricut for 110 lb cardstock? ›
Make sure you are using the double-cut or multi-cut 2x (Cricut Maker) setting for ALL papers greater than 80 lb. For intricate cuts, the Intricate Cut setting is recommended by Cricut.
What is the difference between cardstock and cardstock paper? ›
What is Card Stock? Card stock, sometimes spelled “cardstock”, is thicker and more durable than regular printer paper, but it's thinner and more flexible than cardboard. This balance between durability and flexibility makes cardstock ideal for a number of crafting and design applications.
When it comes to paper weight, the heavier the weight (higher lbs), the thicker the paper. Thicker paper stock feels sturdier, is less susceptible to wrinkling and conveys higher quality. The most common paper weight is 20 lbs, but marketing projects frequently use paper ranging from 20 lbs to 32 lbs paper weight.
How thick should cardstock be? ›
Card stock is 0.010" thick (about the weight of a 140lb Index stock) while 12 pt. Card stock is 0.012" thick (about the weight of a 100lb Cover stock).
What is the best paper for DIY greeting cards? ›
To put it simply, cardstock is a thicker and more durable type of paper. It is more flexible and thinner than paperboard and cardboard, making it perfect for arts and crafts. Since it is heavier and sturdier than standard or regular paper, it is also the best choice for paper crafting and card making.
What size paper do I need to print greeting cards? ›
While greeting cards can be printed in a lot of different shapes and sizes, they generally default to four standard dimension options: 4.25" x 5.5" card: A-2. 4.5" x 6.25" card: A-6. 4.875" x 3.375" card: 4 bar.
What setting should I use for 65lb cardstock on Cricut? ›
Popular Cricut Cardstock And Paper Material Settings
Medium Weight Cardstock Setting (The most popular cardstock setting. Works well with 65-pound cardstock) Heavy Cover Weight Cardstock (heavier weight papers like cover weight or 80-110 pound cardstock).
Why isn t my Cricut cutting through cardstock? ›
Open the Manage Custom Materials page through the Design Space menu and increase the pressure for your material setting by 2-4, then perform a test cut. You may need to increase the pressure settings 2-3 times by increments of 2-4 to see a change in the cut result.
What is the best cardstock to make cards with Cricut? ›
Best Brands of Cardstock for Cricut
Cricut Brand: Most Cricut cardstock is 80 lb. weight, textured, solid-core cardstock. It's ideal for making cards, banners, decor, and other paper crafts. American Crafts Cardstock: AC brand cardstock is another favorite brand with crafters.
Is 80 lb or 100 lb paper thicker? ›
The rule of thumb difference between 80 lb and 100 lb paper is that 80 lb paper feels thinner and lighter than 100 lb paper.
Is 100lb cardstock thicker than 80lb? ›
Same Paper, Different Weight: Both are made out of the same raw materials and out to the same production equipment. So we know the 100lb paper is 25% heavier than the 80lb gloss text and therefore thicker than the 80lb paper.
How thick is 100 lb paper? ›
What is the difference between 100 lb Text and 100 lb Cover?
| Paper Thickness |
|---|
| Paper Type | Approx. Caliper (Thickness) |
|---|
| 65lb Opaque Cover — uncoated | .009″ |
| 80lb Opaque Cover — uncoated | .011″ (11pt thick) |
| 100lb Opaque Cover — uncoated | .014″ (14pt thick) |
23 more rowsJan 6, 2023
When it comes to pounds, the term is actually exactly what you likely guessed: Pounds refers to how much paper weighs. The thicker the paper stock is, the higher the weight is going to be. These weights can be between 20 to 140 pounds, depending on the type of material the paper's made from.
What is the best weight cardstock for card making? ›
Many card makers swear by 100lb - 120lb as the best card stock for making cards. This weight is sturdy enough for embossing.
What is the heaviest cardstock? ›
Light Weight - Up to 169 gsm. Medium Weight - 170-216 gsm. Heavy Weight - 217-284 gsm. Extra Heavy Weight - 285 gsm & Up.
Is 85 lb cardstock good for invitations? ›
Generally, for invitation cardstock, you don't want to go any lighter than 53 lbs, but thicker cardstock will look and feel more formal and elegant.
Is 100 lb paper the same as cardstock? ›
The 100 lb glossy paper is thinner paper than our cardstock and it is commonly used for flyers and brochures.
How can you tell which paper is thicker? ›
Points are measured simply by using calipers to measure the thickness. Each point represents 1/1000th of an inch. Some examples of common point sizes, and how they might be written are as follows: 8 pt, 10 pt, 12 pt, 14 pt, and 16 pt paper. The higher the point value, the thicker the paper.
Is 24 or 32 lb paper thicker? ›
The heavier the paper weight, the thicker the paper. A resume printed on 24 lb or 32 lb will feel slightly sturdier.
What is the best paper weight for books? ›
50lb Uncoated: At the lowest weight, 50lb uncoated paper is the best option for conserving spine width and thickness. This weight is commonly used in textbooks, manuals or books with ~600+ pages. 60lb Uncoated: This weight is the most popular paper stock choice and often considered the “sweet spot” for most books.
