Question
What do 32pt silk and other thickness measurements mean for business cards?
Answer
Card thickness is measured in points (pt), where one point equals one thousandth of an inch. A higher number means a thicker, more substantial card, and the word that follows describes the finish.
| Spec | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 14pt | Standard, everyday thickness |
| 16pt | Noticeably thicker than standard |
| 18pt to 24pt | Premium, substantial weight |
| 32pt | 32 thousandths of an inch thick, an ultra thick heavyweight card |
| Silk | Smooth, semi-gloss coating with a soft sheen |
| Matte | Flat, non-reflective finish |
| Gloss | Shiny, reflective finish |
- So 32pt silk means a 32-point thick card with a silk finish, a premium combination.
- Thickness (the number) and finish (the word) are chosen independently.
- If you are unsure how a spec feels, request a physical sample before ordering.
A quick rule of thumb: higher point count feels heavier and more premium in the hand.
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