P A P E R T Y P E G U I D E B Y W E I G H T
We often receive questions from our customers regarding the right paper type for their invitations and event stationery products.
Paper grade refers to the type of paper, with each grade tailored to specific uses. Common paper grades include cover (a.k.a. cardstock), text, bond, etc.
Basis weight refers to the designated weight of uncut paper per 500 sheets. It is not to be confused with equivalent weight, which can be used to compare the weights of differently sized paper.
Caliper and points are easy to confuse, but you don’t need to worry about keeping them straight–they refer to the same thing. Caliper is a measurement of paper thickness expressed in thousandths of an inch, and points is a measurement of thickness using the same metric. The thicker the caliper/higher the points, the higher the basis weight tends to be.
Paper grade refers to the type of paper, with each grade tailored to specific uses. Common paper grades include cover (a.k.a. cardstock), text, bond, etc.
Basis weight refers to the designated weight of uncut paper per 500 sheets. It is not to be confused with equivalent weight, which can be used to compare the weights of differently sized paper.
Caliper and points are easy to confuse, but you don’t need to worry about keeping them straight–they refer to the same thing. Caliper is a measurement of paper thickness expressed in thousandths of an inch, and points is a measurement of thickness using the same metric. The thicker the caliper/higher the points, the higher the basis weight tends to be.
LIGHT WEIGHT PAPER:
- Like pages of a book or regular copy paper
- Can be folded without scoring
- Very flexible and easy to manipulate
- Not suitable for invites or event stationery products.
- Print in most home printers*
MEDIUM WEIGHT PAPER:
- Medium thin cardstock but more substantial than common copy paper. Perfect for formal products that don't need to be durable.
- Like a standard greeting card, menus, brochures, wedding programs and such.
- For a clean crisp look, should be scored before folding.
- Print in most home printers but not all. Ability to print is dependent on printer specifications.
HEAVY WEIGHT PAPER:
- Will stand the test of time, it won't tear or warp easily.
- Elegant feel on the hand due to the weight of the paper itself.
- Ideal for formal wedding invitations, important certificates and formal products that need to be durable for years to come.
- Must be scored before folding
- Cardstock may be too heavy for most consumer-grade printers.
EXTRA WEIGHT PAPER:
- Extra heavy weights are similar to gift box weight or chipboard
- Not suitable for invites or event's stationery.
Zazzle offers cards and event products in a variety of white, bright white, ivory, gray tone, linen, woven and even Kraft tone paper products. Which one is the best for you or your event, is a matter of personal choice. You might like to consider ordering one single card or event product, in a couple of your best paper type choices to try them out and make an informed decision before placing your full order.