Paper Weights Simplified
Paper weights can be very confusing. We would like to offer a very general understanding of paper weights. This is not technical, but we will associate common weights with everyday items you may come in contact with. Here at Cutcardstock, we deal with two basic weights: TEXT WEIGHT and COVER WEIGHT. These two identifiers are probably the most important factors when you are purchasing a sheet of paper for your project. Please note that 80# text weight is a paper weight and 80# Cover weight is a card stock; although they have the same number marking them, they are two completely different papers.
To keep things simple, we at CutCardStock refer to all text weight as paper and all cover weight stock as card stock.
Be sure to check out our handy paper chartthat simplycompares text weight, cover weight, index weight, points and gsm.
Help for choosing the best paper weight for your project:
Popular Card Stock paper options:
- 65 lb Cover Weight/176 gsm card stockis 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. Printing on this light weight card stock is easily done in most home printers.Card Stock that is labeled 90 lb index weight would be very similar to a 65 lb cover weight card stock
- 80 lb Cover Weight/ 216 gsm card stock is our most commonly used card stock. It is a medium weight card stock that will go through almost any type of printer. 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. If you are needing to fold the 80 lb cardstock, we would recommending scoring the stock before folding it. 110 lb index weight card stock (199 gsm) would be a similar stock to 80 lb card stock.
- 100 lb cover weight/270 gsm card stock begins to get into the heavier weight card stock. The card stock weighing in at 100 lb cover is often used for flyers, signs, invitations, and invitation backings. 140# Index stock (253 gsm)would be very similar to our 100 lb cover weight card stock. If you are printing on this sturdier card stock, be sure tocheck your printer specifications for printing and paper weights. If you need your card stock cut to a special size, remember that we can custom cutcard stock and paper to yourspecifications. Our Stardream Metallic card stockweighs in at 105 lband comes with an elegant shimmery finish. It is a popular choice for DIY Wedding invitations.
- 110 lb cover weight/ 298 gsm card stock is found in theClassic Crest card stock and it is a favorite with our customers!
- 130 lb cover weight/352 gsm card stock is getting into what we classify as our heavyweight card stock. It is very important to check with your personal and professional printers to be certain that they can print on this heavy card stock. Please feel free to request samples for test printing before placing a larger order.
Paper Options:
- 20 bond/50 lb paper would commonly be used as copy and printer paper. It is inexpensive and it would not be a good idea to use this 72 gsm paper for wedding programs, brochures and any other type of printing in which you want to make a statement.
- 24/60 lb text weight papercould also be used for copy paper. It is commonly used for inkjet and laser printing. This 90.3 gsm paperis used for converting economy envelopes. It is great for flyers, newsletters, letterhead, and everydayprinting. Our Astrobright papersarea fun 60# paper for getting your flyers and posters noticed!
- 28/70 lb text weight paper is a bit more substantial than more common copy paper. This paper weigh in at 105.3 gsm is often used for brochures, tri-folds, converting a better envelope, menus and church bulletin papers. Super smooth Cougar Whitepapers are a favorite among our customers! To add extra eleganceto your next printing project, try printing onCutCardStock's linen paper.
- 32/80 lb text weight is a thicker paper that is used for wedding programs, menus, fine brochures, and more. A popular paper choice among the 80 lb text paper is the Stardream Metallic paperand envelopes. The shimmer paper is often used for wedding and special event programs. The 80 lb text paper, equivalent to 118 gsm, is often used to convert fine envelopes. Envelopes converted from 80 lb text are much more substantial and are often used for DIY invitations, especially wedding invitations. 32/80 lb text weight envelopes are generally thick enough that consumers will only use one envelope to mail their invitation, rather than using inner and outer envelopes.
- 100 lb text weight paper is not ascommonly used. This thicker paper is also compatible to light weight card stock weighing in at 56 lb cover weight.
