If you’ve ever printed invitations, greeting cards, or business cards at home, you’ve probably come across cardstock paper. But what exactly is cardstock—and how is it different from regular printer paper?
In this beginner-friendly guide, you’ll learn:
- What cardstock paper is
- What GSM and lb mean
- The difference between cardstock and regular paper
- Common cardstock finishes (matte, glossy, textured)
- When to use which type
If you're planning to print on cardstock at home, choosing a printer that supports thicker paper is important. Below are some popular models known for handling heavier paper types and producing high-quality prints.
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| Printer Model | Printer Type | Best For | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon Pixma Pro-200 | Inkjet (Photo) | High-quality photo and cardstock prints | View on Amazon |
| Epson Expression Photo HD XP-15000 | Wide-Format Inkjet | Borderless prints and creative projects | View on Amazon |
| Epson EcoTank ET-8550 | Supertank Inkjet | High-volume printing with low ink cost | View on Amazon |
| Canon imagePROGRAF PRO-300 | Professional Inkjet | Professional-grade art and thick media | View on Amazon |
| Epson SureColor P900 | Professional Photo Inkjet | Fine art and premium cardstock printing | View on Amazon |
| HP OfficeJet Pro 9015e | All-in-One Inkjet | Home office and light cardstock use | View on Amazon |
| Canon TS9521C | Crafting Inkjet Printer | Scrapbooking and creative cardstock projects | View on Amazon |
What Is Cardstock Paper?
Cardstock is a thicker and more durable paper than standard printer paper, but it’s still more flexible than cardboard. It’s commonly used for both printing and crafting because it holds its shape and feels more premium.
Common uses for cardstock include:
- Invitations
- Greeting cards
- Business cards
- Postcards
- Scrapbooking
- Art prints
- DIY craft projects
Cardstock vs Regular Printer Paper: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference is thickness and durability. Regular printer paper is designed for everyday documents, while cardstock is meant for projects that need structure and strength.
Quick Comparison
- Regular printer paper: thin, lightweight, easy to fold, best for documents
- Cardstock: thicker, sturdier, more resistant to bending, best for cards and crafts
As a simple way to think about it: if regular paper feels like notebook paper, cardstock feels closer to a greeting card.
Understanding Cardstock Weight: GSM vs lb Explained
When you read about cardstock, you’ll usually see weight listed in one of two ways:
- GSM (grams per square meter)
- lb (pound weight)
Both relate to paper thickness, but they use different measurement systems.
What Is GSM?
GSM stands for grams per square meter. It tells you how much one square meter of paper weighs. In general, higher GSM = thicker paper.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide:
- 80–100 GSM: regular printer paper (documents, everyday printing)
- 120–170 GSM: lightweight cardstock (flyers, simple crafts)
- 200–250 GSM: medium cardstock (cards, invitations)
- 300–350 GSM: heavy cardstock (premium cards, sturdy prints)
For many home printing projects like greeting cards and invitations, 200–300 GSM is a common range.
What Does “lb” Mean?
The lb system is commonly used in the U.S. It refers to the weight of 500 sheets (a ream) of paper in a specific base size. Because the base size can vary by paper type, lb measurements can be confusing when comparing different papers.
If you’re a beginner, GSM is usually easier to understand because it’s more consistent worldwide.
Common Cardstock Finishes
Cardstock isn’t just about thickness—it also comes in different surface finishes. The finish affects how the paper looks, feels, and how ink appears after printing.
1) Matte Cardstock
- Smooth, non-shiny surface
- Easy to write on
- Reduces glare
- Absorbs ink well
Best for: invitations, greeting cards, certificates, and text-heavy designs.
Matte cardstock is often the most versatile option for home printing.
2) Glossy Cardstock
- Shiny, reflective surface
- Makes colors look more vibrant
- Less absorbent than matte
Best for: photo-like prints, image-heavy designs, and marketing materials.
Glossy cardstock can look impressive, but it may require the right printer settings to avoid smudging.
3) Textured Cardstock
- Embossed or patterned surface
- Premium, tactile feel
- May slightly reduce sharpness for very detailed images
Best for: wedding invitations, luxury cards, and craft projects.
When Should You Use Each Type?
If you’re unsure where to start, these simple guidelines can help:
- Greeting cards: 250–300 GSM matte cardstock
- Business cards: 300+ GSM cardstock for a sturdier feel
- Art prints: matte for a softer look, glossy for more vibrant color
- Folding cards: medium-to-heavy cardstock (helps keep shape)
- Craft projects: weight depends on how sturdy you need the final result
Tip: If you plan to print at home, always check that your printer can handle the thickness of the cardstock you’re using.
Why Cardstock Is Popular for Printing Projects
Cardstock is widely used because it:
- Feels more professional and premium
- Holds ink better than thin paper for many designs
- Resists bending and tearing
- Provides structure for cards, packaging, and crafts
Final Thoughts
Cardstock paper is simply a thicker, stronger paper designed for projects that need durability and a polished finish.
Once you understand:
- How GSM and lb work
- How cardstock differs from regular paper
- What finishes (matte, glossy, textured) do
- When to use different weights
…you’ll be in a great position to get better results from your cardstock printing projects.