What Is Card Stock? Types, Uses, and Advantages

Author | Date: 10/28/2025

Introduction: Why Card Stock Matters

You’ve probably seen it — that thick, smooth paper used for greeting cards, invitations, or high-end packaging sleeves. That’s card stock, sometimes called cover stock or paper board.

It sits between ordinary printer paper and cardboard — sturdier than one, lighter than the other — and it’s everywhere in design, printing, and packaging.

For printers, crafters, and packaging brands alike, choosing the right card stock determines how professional your final product looks and feels. Let’s break down what it is, the different types available, and how to pick the right thickness for your next project.

What Is Card Stock?

Card stock is a type of heavy paper used when you need more strength, structure, or visual appeal than standard paper. It’s measured mainly by weight (gsm) and sometimes by thickness (pt).

Typical range:

150–200 gsm: posters, leaflets, light cards
250–300 gsm: greeting cards, small packaging
350 gsm+: rigid sleeves, product cards, luxury print pieces

In other words, 300gsm card stock feels firm and premium — ideal for branded sleeves, business cards, or folding cartons.

💡 Terminology Tip

“Card stock”, “cover stock”, and “stock card” all refer to the same material — just different industry terms.

Types & Specifications of Card Stock

1. By Weight and Thickness

GSM Range	Typical Use	Feel / Rigidity
180–220 gsm	Invitations, brochures	Slightly thicker than standard paper
250–300 gsm	Greeting cards, packaging sleeves	Firm yet foldable
350–400 gsm	Premium packaging, business cards	Sturdy, professional
400–600 gsm	Rigid covers, luxury branding	Near-board rigidity

2. By Finish & Texture

Different finishes give different tactile impressions:

Glossy: smooth, vibrant colours, great for photos
Matte: elegant, non-reflective, ideal for minimal branding
Uncoated: natural, writable, eco-friendly look
Textured / Specialty: linen, felt, metallic, pearlescent — perfect for premium packaging

3. By Size & Format

In the UK, A4 card stock (210 × 297 mm) is standard for printing. You’ll also find A3, A5, and SRA3 sheets for larger prints.

White card stock is most common, but coloured and pre-printed sheets help brands match seasonal or product themes.

4. By Material & Composition

Coated card stock: sealed surface, ideal for vivid colour printing.
Uncoated / Recycled card stock: more tactile and sustainable.
Paper card stock: for crafting or DIY projects.
Board-grade stock: used in custom packaging boxes and sleeves for structural rigidity.

(Explore our packaging materials to see full GSM options.)

Uses & Applications of Card Stock

Card stock is used across both creative and commercial industries:

Card making & crafts: perfect for scrapbooking, invitations, DIY gifts.
Stationery & print: business cards, postcards, menus, certificates.
Packaging: folding cartons, sleeves, inserts, tags, and small rigid box wraps.
Printing: works with compatible card stock printers that can handle heavier media.

It’s also widely used in premium packaging to reinforce brand value through a thicker, high-end texture.

Advantages of Using Card Stock

Durability: stronger than regular paper, resists bending and tearing.
Better Print Quality: holds ink and foil finishes beautifully.
Versatility: equally suited for packaging, marketing, or craft.
Premium Perception: thicker stock instantly feels more expensive.
Eco Options: available in recycled, FSC®-certified, and biodegradable variants.

(Many of our stock board options meet these eco standards.)

How to Choose the Right Card Stock for Your Project?

Purpose	Recommended GSM	Notes
Card making / invitations	200–250 gsm	Foldable, printable
Small packaging sleeves	250–300 gsm	Holds shape without cracking
Business cards / tags	300–350 gsm	Premium rigidity
Luxury boxes / covers	400+ gsm	Board-like stiffness

Tips for choosing:

Match weight to purpose – too light bends, too heavy cracks.
Confirm printer compatibility before buying heavy stock.
Choose finish based on design – glossy for photos, matte for text.
Consider eco certifications for sustainability.
Buy locally – UK-made stock cuts lead time and supports greener sourcing.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

Choosing too light a stock for packaging: results in flimsy boxes.
Assuming all card stock is the same: GSM varies by brand and material.
Ignoring printer specs: not every desktop printer supports 300gsm.
Forgetting size conversions: A4 vs US Letter leads to cropping issues.
Skipping finish checks: glossy stock can make text harder to read.

Card Stock in the UK Market

In the UK, card stock is generally measured in gsm, not pounds (lb). Popular grades include 250gsm, 300gsm, and 350gsm — perfect for packaging, greeting cards, or print collateral.

UK card stock also follows ISO paper sizing (A-series) rather than the US Letter system. Buying from a UK packaging supplier like Buy Packaging Boxes ensures accurate sizes, shorter delivery times, and consistent quality.

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Card stock bridges the gap between simple paper and sturdy board. It adds structure, professionalism, and tactile appeal to everything from invitations to premium packaging.

The right gsm, finish, and print method will bring your design to life — whether it’s a small card sleeve or a branded retail box.

✨ Explore our range of packaging materials and stock boards, or contact our team for help choosing the perfect card stock for your project.

FAQs

What is card stock paper?

Card stock is thicker than normal paper but lighter than cardboard — ideal for crafts, print, and packaging.

What is the difference between card stock and cover stock?

They’re essentially the same; “cover stock” is a term often used in commercial printing.

What weight is 300gsm card stock?

300gsm means one square metre of the paper weighs 300 grams — roughly the stiffness of a premium greeting card.

Can I print on card stock with a home printer?

Yes, if your printer supports heavy media (check for “card stock” or “thick paper” settings).

What is the best card stock for packaging boxes?

Choose 200–400gsm coated or uncoated board depending on your product’s weight and finish needs.