Cardstock Weights Explained: Points, Pounds and GSM Conversion Chart

Cardstock, or cover stock, is heavy, stiff paper used for business cards, postcards, bookmarks, invitations and covers. It is described in three ways that do not convert perfectly: points (pt), the thickness in thousandths of an inch; pounds (lb), a North American weight grade; and GSM, grams per square metre. As a rule of thumb, 12pt is about 300 gsm, or roughly 110 lb cover.

Cardstock conversion chart

Points	Approx. GSM	Approx. lb cover
8pt	200	75
10pt	250	90 to 100
12pt	300	110
14pt	350	130
16pt	400	150

These are approximate industry equivalents. Points measure thickness and GSM measures weight, and two papers of the same weight can differ in thickness depending on coating and fibre, so treat the chart as a guide, not a spec sheet.

Why "100 lb" can mean very different papers

The pound grade is the weight of 500 sheets in a basic sheet size, and that basic size differs between paper families. So 100 lb text is about 148 gsm, a sturdy flyer paper, while 100 lb cover is about 270 gsm, a card. Bond papers use yet another base: 24 lb bond is about 90 gsm office paper. Always check whether a pound figure is text, cover or bond before comparing.

Card stocks we print on

Our business cards use 12pt silk coated, 12pt gloss coated, 12pt 100% recycled, 12pt uncoated matte, 16pt uncoated and 10pt white linen. Postcards come in 12pt coated, 12pt uncoated or 16pt uncoated, bookmarks in 100 lb card stock, and small posters can be printed on 8pt or 12pt card. For coated vs uncoated and matte vs gloss, see our paper guide.

Which one for your job?

12pt is the everyday card weight, solid in the hand for business cards and postcards. 16pt feels noticeably thicker and more premium. Lighter cover weights suit pieces that fold or are handed out in volume. When in doubt, call or write to the shop and we will help you choose.

Common questions

What is 12pt cardstock in GSM?

Roughly 300 gsm, or about 110 lb cover. It is the standard business card and postcard weight.

What is 14pt cardstock in GSM?

Roughly 350 gsm, or about 130 lb cover. Exact figures vary with the coating and the mill.

Is 100 lb paper cardstock?

Only if it is 100 lb cover, about 270 gsm. 100 lb text is about 148 gsm, a heavy paper but not a card.

Is cardstock the same as cover stock?

Yes, in everyday use. Printers say cover stock, card stock or simply card for the heavy grades used for cards and covers.

Products where this term matters

See also in the dictionary: Paper weight and finishes, Business card size, Postcard size · full dictionary