What Is Business Card Paper Called? | Stock Types Explained

The paper used for business cards goes by several names, and thickness numbers feel like a secret code. The direct answer is cardstock—also commonly called cover stock or paper stock—and many printers use 14 pt or 16 pt cardstock. Beyond the name, the real question is which weight and finish fit how you’ll use the card.

Why “Cardstock” Isn’t One Fixed Material

“Business card paper” isn’t a single, standardized product. It’s a category including cardstock, coated and uncoated stocks, linen, kraft, recycled material, and specialty options. The term “cardstock” describes thickness and stiffness, not a specific recipe. When you ask what business card paper is called, the accurate answer is cardstock, but the practical answer depends on the printer and finish you choose.

U.S. printers typically describe cardstock in points (pt), which measures physical thickness, or pounds (lb cover), which measures weight per ream. International sources often use GSM (grams per square meter). Understanding all three helps you compare options across printers.

Most Common Business Card Stocks

Three stock types dominate the market: 14 pt cardstock, 16 pt cardstock, and 100 lb gloss cover. Each serves a different purpose, and matching the stock to your use case matters more than picking the thickest option.

• 14 pt cardstock – The standard choice for most businesses. Offers a solid balance of cost, durability, and print quality, especially with a matte or satin finish.
• 16 pt cardstock – Thicker and more premium. Sources consistently describe 16 pt as the most popular weight for business cards.
• 100 lb cover – A classic stock, often used for budget networking cards where cost matters more than heft.
• 18 pt cardstock – Noticeably thicker and suited to luxury or bold branding.
• 30 pt to 32 pt ultra-thick – Statement cards for premium positioning, though less practical for everyday carry.

18 pt and above feel impressive in hand, but they add bulk to a wallet. If the card lives in a cardholder or gets handed out constantly, 14 pt to 16 pt is the practical zone.

How Do Paper Weight Numbers Work?

Weight systems confuse buyers because they measure different things. Points measure physical thickness: 14 pt is 0.014 inches thick. Pounds (lb cover) measure weight per 500 sheets of the base size. GSM measures grams per square meter, the international standard.

For business cards, the commonly cited GSM range is 250 to 400, with 350 GSM frequently described as the professional sweet spot. If a printer quotes a number in a system you don’t recognize, ask for the equivalent in points or GSM before ordering. The simplest question is whether the printer can confirm the paper takes ink well and holds up to handling.

Choosing a Finish Based on How You Use the Card

The finish affects both feel and function. Matching it to your real use case prevents the most common business card mistake: picking glossy stock for a card that needs handwriting on it.

• Matte – Subtle and professional. Easier to write on than glossy surfaces.
• Satin or silk – A balanced finish with a refined look, popular for premium cards.
• Gloss – Vivid color and strong photography performance, but poor for writing.
• Uncoated – Natural texture that takes pen well. Best for signatures, appointment notes, and handwritten follow-ups.
• Soft-touch – Velvet-like feel used for luxury branding.
• Textured stocks – Linen, laid, and hammered add tactile distinction but can interfere with fine design details.

Budget networking cards work well on 100 lb cover or 14 pt cardstock with a matte or satin finish. Premium retail cards step up to 16 pt or 18 pt with soft-touch or satin. Appointment cards that get written on should use 14 pt uncoated stock. If the entire card is a call-to-action to write on, uncoated is the only finish that makes sense.

For a hands-on look at which options perform best in real use, our tested roundup of business card paper compares the top stocks side by side.

Common Mistakes and Caveats

The most frequent error is choosing glossy stock when the card must be written on—glossy surfaces resist ink and smudge easily. A second mistake is picking ultra-thick stock without considering portability; 30 pt cards feel premium but are genuinely less practical for daily carry.

Textured stocks can hurt designs that depend on fine detail, since the texture breaks up small type and intricate lines. Confusing weight systems—pt versus lb cover versus GSM—leads to ordering the wrong stock entirely. The 3.5 in × 2 in size is the U.S. standard; other regions use different dimensions, so confirm your printer’s spec sheet before ordering.

FAQs

Is there a difference between cardstock and cover stock?

No meaningful difference for business cards. Both terms describe thick, stiff paper suitable for cards. “Cover stock” comes from the printing trade, where thicker paper was traditionally used for book covers. Printers may use either name, and both refer to the same class of material.

What weight should I use for a premium business card?

16 pt to 18 pt cardstock is the standard range for premium cards. For a distinctly luxurious feel, some brands use soft-touch coating on 16 pt or 18 pt stock. Anything above 18 pt starts to feel less like a card and more like a plaque.

Can I write on a glossy business card?

Poorly. Glossy finishes resist ink, cause smudging, and take longer to dry. If your card needs handwriting—appointment reminders, personal notes, or signatures—choose uncoated cardstock or a matte finish. Uncoated stock is the most reliable surface for any pen.