Question
What is the difference between 15pt and 100# paper thickness for folded postcards?
Answer
Paper is measured two different ways, and 15 pt and 100# describe thickness and weight on separate scales, which is exactly why they are easy to confuse.
| Measurement | What it means | Typical feel |
|---|---|---|
| Points (pt), e.g. 15 pt | The physical thickness of the sheet, in thousandths of an inch | A firmer, more rigid card |
| Pounds (#), e.g. 100# | The basis weight of the paper for a set ream size | Often a text weight closer to a heavy flyer |
- A point value like 15 pt cover measures thickness directly, so a higher number means a thicker, stiffer card.
- A pound value like 100# text measures weight, and a text weight folds more easily than a stiff cover stock.
- For folded pieces, thinner text weights fold cleanly, while thick cover stocks may need scoring to fold without cracking.
- Match the stock to the look you want: heavier cover for a premium, rigid feel, or lighter text for easy folding.
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