What's the difference between paper weight and paper thickness?

They measure two different things, and a sheet can be heavy but thin or light but thick. Weight describes mass, thickness describes how the sheet feels between your fingers.

• Paper weight: measured in pounds (lb) or GSM, it tells you how heavy the sheet is
• Paper thickness: measured in points (like 14pt or 32pt), it tells you how thick the sheet is
• The two do not always move together, so a dense sheet can still be thin

When choosing stock, look at both numbers. Thickness drives how rigid and premium a card feels, while weight affects mailing cost and how the sheet handles, so consider them together for the result you want.