Cardstock paper is used for high-quality print. We often use cardstock paper without knowing its quality,affecting our printing quality. Cardstock thickness is crucial to consider while buying it because different thickness decides the sector of its usage.
Cardstock thickness can vary from 6.6pt/0.0066 inches to 32pt/0.032 inches based on your use sectors. But the most common ones are 8.8pt/0.0088 inches, 10pt/1 inches and 14pt/.014 inches because they are used in wedding invitations and glossy magazine covers. Above this range of thickness, cardstock paper is used in business cards.
But other types of paper are also available in the market. Not all of them will produce the same result.
What Is Cardstock Paper?
Cardstock paper is a paper that is more durable and thicker than regular writing or printing paper. It is used for scrapbooking, catalog covers, tickets, etc.
Cardstock paper provides high-quality branding with its durable print. The thickness and weight of this paper make the print more satisfying.
It has a variety of finishes like glossy, matte, etc. Different weights of paper make different types of images.
How Thick is Cardstock?
The thickness of Cardstock is measured in pt which means points. You can also use inches. 1-point equals 0.001 inches.
A thicker Cardstock has a more substantial impact on high-quality branding. Points are calculated by using calipers which determine the thickness of the Cardstock.
| Cardstock Thickness | Practical Application |
| 6.6pt/0.0066 inches, 7.3pt/0.0073 inches and 7.8/0.0078 inches pt | It’s a good budget option. This type of Cardstock is used for single-sided flyers. Takeaway menus are commonly printed on this type of paper. |
| 8.8pt/0.0088 inches, 10pt/1 inches and 14pt/.014 inches | These are high-quality papers. It is used for Flyers and Wedding invitations because it gives a weightier look and feels important. Glossy magazine covers are also made of these Cardstocks. |
| 14pt/0.014 inches, 16pt/0.016 inches, and 18pt/0.018 inches | Cardstocks for printing business cards start from these ranges. 14pt is the minimum thickness to print business cards. 16pt offers a sturdy paper that lasts long in a wallet or pocket. 18pt thickness is perfect for printing greeting cards. |
| 18pt/0.018 inches up to 32pt/0.032 inches | If you want to impress someone with your business card, 18pt to 32pt is the perfect range. This paper adds double thickness to your card and makes it tough. People often want thickness in their wedding invitations. So, they take advantage of this range. |
How Much Does Cardstock Weigh?
Cardstocks are also classified according to their weight and measured in pounds (lbs) per 1000 sheets of paper. GSM (grams per square meter) is also used to measure the weight of the paper.
65lb, 80lb, 100lb, and 110lb covers are some standard weights.
| Cardstock Weight | Practical Application |
| 65lb or 176 GSM Cover | Thinner than other cardstocks. Postcards, posters, tickets, etc., are often made using paper of this thickness |
| 80lb or 260 GSM Cover | Less thin and give a sturdier look. Projects like Gift cards, Flashcards, Tickets, Gift tags, etc., are made of these papers |
| 100lb or 271 GSM Cover | Give more durability. It is best for projects like thick invitations and thick cards. |
| 110lb or 284 GSM Cover | The thickest Cardstock available in the market. It is extra heavy and adds the most toughness |
| Double-thick cardstocks | Packaging, paper sculptures, promotional materials are printed on these papers. |
PT to LBS & GSM
| PT | LBS (Cover) | GSM |
| 8 PT | 70.16 | 190 |
| 9 PT | 77.55 | 210 |
| 10 PT | 84.93 | 230 |
| 12 PT | 96.01 | 260 |
| 14 PT | 114.48 | 310 |
| 16 PT | 129.25 | 350 |
| 18 PT | 147.71 | 400 |
Use of Cardstock Paper
Cardstock papers are used for particular purposes. You can use it both for commercial purposes and Fine-art.
The Cardstock papers are primarily famous for printing wedding invitations. You can also use it commercially to make catalog covers, business cards, playing cards, etc. It has high toughness that makes it last longer.
Cardstocks are also reliable for creative work. For example, you can craft seasonal cards like birthday cards and Christmas cards, create origami, make a travel folio, envelopes for your mail letters, gift bows, embellishments, etc., using cardstock paper.
Differences Between Cardstock And Cover Stock
Both Cardstock and cover stock are used in big craft projects and printing. But some qualities make the difference between them. Here are a few pointers to give you a heads up.
Measurement
Cardstocks are measured in weights and inches. Sometimes, you may find Point or Pt as its unit.
Coverstocks are measured in points only. Points or pt. means the thickness of the paper. It is determined by using Calipers.
Use
Cardstocks are used based on their weights. 65-80lb papers are called medium-weight papers.
The lightweight cardstock papers are used in standard greeting cards, brochures, etc.80lbs covers are known as heavyweight papers. The heavyweight Cardstock papers are used in business cards, invitations, interior signage, etc.
Cover stocks are primarily used in making business cards, posters, invitations, tags, menus, table displays, tickets, greeting cards, etc.
Longevity
Cardstock paper will give you more detailed work. Print on this paper lasts longer. Cardstock’s smooth surface gives a nice glare to the image.
But cover stock papers don’t last much longer like the cardstock papers.
Damage Possibility
When it comes to printing, cover stocks require more attention. It might damage your printer.Unlike Cover stock, Cardstock is a heavy piece of paper. So, it’ll cause more damage to your printer if you don’t know how to use it.
But there’s no such risk in terms of coverstock papers.
Price
Cardstock price depends on its thickness and weight. But if you order in bulk, you’ll be able to save a little money.
Cover stocks are cheap if you buy them in bulk. Otherwise, it has the same price as Cardstock.
Cardstock Vs. Construction Paper
While both paper variants are used on a broad scale, Cardstock and construction vary by quite a few factors. Here are the critical differences between cardstock paper and construction paper:
Use
Cardstock papers are used to make playing cards, business cards, catalog covers, etc.
Construction papers are lighter than Cardstock. So, it is used for school projects and small house crafts.
Weight
Construction paper is lighter than Cardstock. Almost all of them have the same weight. Different weight class Cardstock papers are available in the market.
Quality
Construction papers are lightweight. It doesn’t last long. Since Cardstock is heavier, it is used in special projects for its longevity.
Porousness
Construction paper is thinner than cardstock paper. Sometimes, it leaks color due to less porousness.
On the other hand, Cardstock papers are thick but thinner. Though it is light, because of its thickness, it never leaks color. This makes the print beautiful.
Finishing
Construction paper has a smooth finish or no finish at all. Cardstock has a variety of finishes like gloss, matte, etc.
Conclusion
Cardstock papers are pretty famous for different usage like packaging, invitations, business cards, postcards, posters, etc. But there’s always confusion about which thickness range is appropriate for your practical use!
We believe now you have a clear idea about cardstock thickness. This discussion will help you find the difference between different types of papers. But the primary purpose of this passage is to help you find the right Cardstock paper of your desired thickness. Show your creativity in printing and use the right kind of paper for the best results!