Emma Davis Print Production Specialist at 4OVER4.COM
Emma is our prepress and print production voice, built from the knowledge of our production team, with over 20 years in printing.
Question
What's the difference between 14pt, 16pt, and 32pt paper stock?
Answer
The point number refers to caliper, or how thick the stock is. A higher number means a thicker, heavier sheet and a more premium feel in the hand.
| Stock | Feel | Common uses |
|---|---|---|
| 14pt | Standard sturdy cardstock | Postcards, flyers, rack cards |
| 16pt | Similar heft to a credit card | Business cards, menus, invitations |
| 32pt | Ultra-thick, over twice a 14pt sheet | Premium business cards, luxury invites |
- Thicker stocks resist bending and feel more substantial, which reads as higher quality.
- 32pt pairs well with painted or foiled edges that show off the extra thickness.
- Thinner stocks like 14pt keep costs down on high-volume mailers.
- For business cards, 14pt is the everyday default for volume, and 16pt is the common premium upgrade.
- Most card stocks come coated or uncoated; uncoated takes a pen more easily.
Each point is one thousandth of an inch, so 14pt is about 0.014 inches thick, 16pt about 0.016 inches and 32pt about 0.032 inches.
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