Ever held a custom box, invitation card, or envelopes and wondered why they feel luxurious? Well, the chances are you were holding a cardstock paper. Now you must be thinking, “What is cardstock paper?” Let’s put this in simple words: cardstock is a thicker and sturdier type of paper. It is known for its remarkable durability. Not only that, cardstock paper offers a smooth surface for printing high-quality designs, which makes it a perfect choice for diverse applications, from greeting cards to premium box packaging. Businesses can leave a lasting impression on their customers by choosing the right cardstock according to their unique business requirements. Choosing the right cardstock paper can transform an ordinary packaging into an unforgettable experience. Mostly, we use cardstock and artcard for promotional printing items. In this comprehensive blog, we will discuss everything you need to learn about cardstock, what it is, how you can measure its weight, and how to select the perfect cardstock packaging for your project. We will guide you on how to make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right cardstock paper. What Is Cardstock Paper?So, what’s cardstock? Cardstock is a thicker, sturdier, and smoother type of paper. It is more flexible than paperboard and cardboard and can be easily folded, which is why cardstock is used for different printing and packaging purposes. According to research, the global cardstock market size was valued at USD 11.2 billion in 2024 and is predicted to reach USD 16.9 billion by 2033, growing with a CAGR of 4.6(DataIntelo). Cardstock is often known as cover stock, heavy paper, or art cards. They all describe one thing, which is a premium, thicker paper that is basically designed to maintain its color beautifully and feel elegant to the touch. Unlike standard paper, cardstock withstands tears and bends easily. It holds its shape well and offers a smooth surface for printing designs. Cardstock paper makes your printed colors and design look vibrant and polished. Cardstock is available in various weights. Its weight is measured in grams per square meter (GSM). The higher the GSM, the thicker and heavier the cardstock paper will be. It offers more than just a smooth surface and structure; it also adds a memorable tactile experience. You must be wondering, what is card stock used for? Brands use it to make bespoke business cards that keep promotional branding to the core. Elsewhere, SBS paperboard is used to make packaging boxes that keep products safe while enhancing them to make them look appealing on the shelves. To some extent, cardstock can be used to create customized printing essentials; in some premium packaging requirements, cosmetic boxes, and jewelry boxes are also used.Cardstock Thickness: What GSM & Lbs MeanThe thickness of cardstock is measured in GSM and lbs. Understanding these two numbers is very important to choose the right cardstock thickness according to your project requirements. So, what GSM is card stock? Well, GSM (grams per square meter) measures the exact weight and density of the paper. The higher the GSM, the thicker and durable your cardstock will be. On the other hand, lbs (pounds) measures how much a stack of 500 sheets of paper weighs before it's cut to a specific size. We have added a reference table below to help you better understand it: ptlbgsm12 pt100 lb≈ 271-298 gsm14 pt110 lb≈ 298-325 gsm16 pt120 lb≈ 325-350 gsm18 pt130 lb≈ 350-400 gsm24 pt160 lb≈ 450-500 gsmCardstock below 200 gsm is considered lightweight. It is mostly used for a variety of everyday projects like menus, flyers, and brochures. The cardstock above 300 gsm is more rigid and is used for custom boxes, rigid packaging, business cards, and presentation folders. The weight and thickness of cardstock directly influence how your packaging will perform. If you are planning to create custom boxes that keep your products safe during shipping and handling, then it's best to go higher GSM. This level of thickness will enhance your brand image and give your products a premium look. On the other hand, if you sell envelopes, inserts, or other projects that require easy folding, lightweight cardstock is your best option. Coverstock vs Cardstock: Understanding The DifferenceBoth coverstock and cardstock typically refer to a heavyweight paper. These two may sound similar, and people use them interchangeably. But don’t think they are all that same. They have their differences when it comes to printing and packaging. Let’s define them separately so you can have a better understanding of how they are subtly different from each other: CoverstockCoverstock refers to a heavy and coated paper. It is used for projects that need a sturdier and more polished finish, for example, book covers, product sleeves, and presentation folders. Coverstock offers a smooth and coated (matte or gloss) surface, which is considered ideal for
