Paper & stocks
Paper weights, GSM/lb, and card stocks — art card, kraft, metallic, recycled, PVC and more.
Tools
Reference
Business card paper weights compared
Understand GSM and poundage conversions to select the right card paper weight for professional business cards.
Card caliper and thickness
Learn how to measure card thickness using calipers, understand GSM versus point, and ensure your print files match physical stock.
Card stock measurements: caliper and weight
Measured thickness and per-card weight for 250, 310, 360 and 400 gsm art card — the method, why we quote ranges, and how to cite the data.
Coloured-core card stocks
Understand the structure, weight, and printing implications of coloured-core card stocks for professional business cards.
Cotton and rag papers
Learn how cotton and rag papers differ from wood pulp in weight, durability, and finish for premium business cards.
Kraft and uncoated card stocks
Understand the structural and visual differences between kraft and uncoated stocks to select the right paper for your card.
Metallic and pearl card stocks
Understand the difference between metallic and pearl card stocks, their printing limitations, and how to prepare files for these finishes.
Paper weight explained: GSM vs lb (and why 'lb' is so confusing)
Why 50 lb text and 50 lb cover are different papers — how GSM and US basis weight work, with a quick lb → gsm conversion guide.
PVC and plastic business cards
Learn about PVC card dimensions, weight, and durability compared to paper. A technical guide to plastic ID-1 format cards.
Recycled and eco card stocks
Understand the difference between post-consumer, post-industrial, and virgin recycled stocks for your recycled business cards.
Recycled paper grades explained
Understand the key differences between recycled paper grades, including content, fiber source, and sustainability certifications.
Recycled vs virgin paper
Compare fiber content, GSM consistency, and finishing compatibility when choosing between recycled and virgin stock.
Uncoated vs coated paper
Compare surface texture, ink absorption, and durability to select the right stock for your print project.
Glossary
Basis weight
The weight of 500 sheets of paper at a standard base size for a specific paper category.
Caliper
A precision instrument used to measure the physical thickness of paper sheets in microns or millimeters.
Duplex card
A business card constructed from two distinct paper stocks laminated back-to-back.
GSM
Grams per square metre — the standard metric measure of paper weight.
NCR paper
Carbonless paper that transfers images via chemical reaction under pressure, eliminating the need for carbon copies.
Weight vs thickness
Paper weight measures mass per area, while thickness measures physical depth; they are distinct properties.
Answers
What GSM is best for a business card?
300 to 400 GSM offers the ideal balance of stiffness, durability, and premium feel for standard business cards.
What is a duplex business card?
A duplex business card is a thick card created by laminating two separate sheets of paper back-to-back.
What is GSM in paper?
GSM is the ISO 536 standard measuring paper mass in grams per square metre.
What is kraft paper?
Kraft paper is a durable, brown material made from unbleached wood pulp fibers.
What is the difference between uncoated and coated paper?
Uncoated paper has a rough, porous surface for writing, while coated paper has a smooth layer for sharp ink.