Cardstock is a versatile and durable paper option available in a range of weights, dimensions, and thicknesses, each suited to different use cases. The weight of cardstock is commonly measured in pounds (lbs) and reflects the weight of 500 sheets of uncut paper. This weight can range from 60 lbs to 146 lbs, with thicknesses varying between 0.188 mm and 0.445 mm. Additionally, cardstock can also be measured in GSM (grams per square meter), which provides a universal metric measurement of paper density.
The thickness of cardstock is crucial for different projects and applications. For example, lighter weights (up to 60 lbs) are suitable for most home printers and can be used for standard printing tasks, while medium weights (between 65 lbs and 80 lbs) are often chosen for greeting cards, invitations, and more substantial paper crafts. Heavier weights (above 80 lbs) are typically used for business cards, postcards, book covers, and projects requiring a more durable material.
Cardstock weights and thicknesses have specific use cases:
- 0.188 – 0.229 mm: Ideal for flyers, brochures, takeout menus, and booklets.
- 0.234 – 0.241 mm: Commonly used for coupons and tickets.
- 0.25 – 0.33 mm: Suitable for wedding cards and greeting cards.
- 0.38 – 0.445 mm: Used for booklet covers, presentation folders, and table-top menus.
The choice of cardstock for printing depends on the needs of your project, including whether you need the paper to be foldable, the type of printer you have, and the finish you desire (e.g., matte, glossy, textured). For crafts that require folding, such as printed cardstock invites, or origami, thinner cardstock or specialized paper might be preferable due to its flexibility. For painting or watercolor projects, heavier cardstocks that can hold moisture without warping are ideal.
It’s also important to note that the heavier the cardstock, the less likely it is to be compatible with standard home printers, and it may require special printing equipment or techniques. When selecting cardstock for a project, consider not only the weight and thickness but also the texture, color, and finish to ensure the final product meets your expectations.
Table Comparing Cardstock Weights
Typically, higher GSM corresponds to thicker paper. The exact thickness in mils can vary based on the paper’s material composition, coating, and manufacturing process, but a general rule of thumb can be used for estimation.
| Paper Type | GSM (grams per square meter) | Estimated Thickness (mils) | LBS (pounds) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text 40-lb | 60 gsm | ~3-4 mils | 40 lbs |
| Text 50-lb | 74 gsm | ~4-5 mils | 50 lbs |
| Text 60-lb | 89 gsm | ~5-6 mils | 60 lbs |
| Text 70-lb | 104 gsm | ~6-7 mils | 70 lbs |
| Text 80-lb | 118 gsm | ~7-8 mils | 80 lbs |
| Text 100-lb | 148 gsm | ~9-10 mils | 100 lbs |
| Cover 65-lb | 176 gsm | ~10-12 mils | 65 lbs |
| Cover 80-lb | 216 gsm | ~13-15 mils | 80 lbs |
| Cover 100-lb | 270 gsm | ~16-18 mils | 100 lbs |
| Cover 120-lb | 325 gsm | ~19-21 mils | 120 lbs |
| Cover 130-lb | 352 gsm | ~21-23 mils | 130 lbs |
These thickness estimates are intended to provide a rough guide and may not precisely match the specifications of all paper manufacturers. Factors such as paper type (e.g., coated vs. uncoated), manufacturing process, and specific use cases (e.g., digital vs. offset printing) can influence the actual thickness of the paper. For specific projects, it’s recommended to consult with paper suppliers or manufacturers for the most accurate information regarding paper thickness and suitability for your needs.
The table shows a range of GSM values corresponding to their lbs equivalents for both text and cover types of paper. The lbs to GSM conversion formulas and the equivalent weights were provided by various printing and paper production sources. These conversions and equivalencies are crucial for understanding the weight and thickness of paper, especially when selecting the appropriate material for specific printing or craft projects.
