What does point (pt) mean for paper?

A point, written as pt, is a unit of paper thickness equal to one thousandth of an inch. When you see a stock listed as 14pt or 16pt, that number is telling you exactly how thick each sheet is, and the higher the number, the sturdier the card.

• 14pt: the everyday standard for cards and postcards, thin enough to stay affordable.
• 16pt: a step up in stiffness and perceived quality, a popular upgrade for business cards.
• 18pt and above: extra-thick stocks that feel substantial and resist bending.

Points measure thickness only, not weight, so pair the point value with the stock and finish to picture the final feel.