Best Card Stock of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Card stock is a type of paper that is thicker and sturdier than regular paper. It is commonly used for creating greeting cards, invitations, business cards, and other types of printed materials that require a more durable and professional look. This type of paper comes in a variety of colors, textures, and finishes, making it versatile for different types of designs and printing techniques. Card stock is also available in different weights, ranging from 65 lb to 110 lb, allowing for different levels of thickness and stiffness. Overall, card stock is a popular choice for those who want to create high-quality printed materials that make a lasting impression.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Amazon Basics 65 lb White Cardstock Paper Cover #TOP 1
Amazon Basics 65 lb White Cardstock Paper
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock Cover #TOP 2
Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock Cover #TOP 3
Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Card Stock

#TOP 1

Amazon Basics 65 lb White Cardstock Paper

Amazon Basics
AZ851165LB1R
White
8.5" x 11"
Amazon Basics 65 lb White Cardstock Paper Cover
Amazon Basics Cardstock Paper, 8.5" x 11", 65 lb/176 gsm, 96 Bright, White, 250 Sheets

The Amazon Basics White Cardstock is a heavyweight paper designed to give your projects a professional feel. Its sturdy 65 lb thickness makes it ideal for creating durable booklets, report covers, and brochures, helping your work stand out. The smooth, bright white surface ensures your prints come out sharp and clear, with vibrant colors that catch the eye. Plus, this cardstock is eco-friendly, made from responsibly sourced fibers and processed without harsh chemicals, so you can feel good about your choice while working on your important projects.

What We Like
Sturdy and thick quality
Prints well in printers
Great for crafts and cards
Smooth texture
Good value
What We Don't Like
Colored pencil blending could be better
#TOP 2

Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock

90905-02
White
8.5 x 11
Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock Cover
Astrobrights/Neenah Bright White Cardstock, 8.5" x 11", 65 lb/176 gsm, White, 75 Sheets (90905-02) - Packaging May Vary

The Astrobrights Cardstock is designed for exceptional printing performance, making it ideal for your projects. Its smooth finish ensures that your prints come out crisp and vibrant, whether you are using an inkjet or laser printer. You can rely on this 65-pound cardstock for durability and quality, as it is both acid and lignin-free, ensuring your work remains in great condition over time. With 75 sheets in each pack, you have plenty of cardstock for all your creative needs, from invitations to presentations.

What We Like
Bright white color
Sturdy 65 lb weight
Printer-friendly
Versatile for crafts
Acid and lignin-free
What We Don't Like
Not pure bright white
#TOP 3

Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock

91437
white
Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock Cover
Neenah Index Cardstock, 8.5" x 11", 90 lb./163 gsm, White, 300 Sheets, Lightweight, 94 Brightness - EXTRA SHEETS, MORE VALUE! (91437)

The Neenah White Cardstock is perfect for your everyday printing needs. Its bright white finish and smooth texture ensure that your images and documents look professional and eye-catching. Weighing 90 lb, this cardstock strikes a balance between durability and lightness, making it easier to handle than heavier cover stocks. With a convenient letter size of 8.5" x 11" and a generous pack of 300 sheets, you'll always have enough for your projects. Whether you’re creating flyers, brochures, or engaging in calligraphy, this cardstock provides versatility for all your crafting endeavors.

What We Like
Bright white color
Good print quality
Smooth surface
Easy printer compatibility
Affordable price
What We Don't Like
Not very thick
Confusing weight measurements
#TOP 4

Cricut Value Cardstock Paper Rainbow Sampler 125 Sheets

2012123
Rainbow
8.5 in x 11 in
Cricut Value Cardstock Paper Rainbow Sampler 125 Sheets Cover
Cricut Value Cardstock Paper, Rainbow Sampler - 125 sheets (8.5" x 11") - Compatible with Joy Xtra, Explore, & Maker Machines - Letter Size

The Cricut Rainbow Cardstock Pack offers 125 sheets of vibrant cardstock in 25 different popular colors, giving you plenty of options for all your creative projects. Each sheet measures 8.5 by 11 inches, perfect for standard letter size crafting. The cardstock is a sturdy 65 lb weight, which means it’s thick enough to hold up well for cutting and folding without losing color or quality. Designed specifically for Cricut machines, its compatibility ensures smooth, precise cuts every time with automatic settings in Design Space. This makes your crafting experience easier and more enjoyable, letting you focus on bringing your ideas to life.

What We Like
Vibrant color variety
Sturdy, thick quality
Compatible with Cricut machines
Affordable price
Easy to layer
What We Don't Like
Not extra thick
#TOP 5

Neenah Paper Exact Index 110 lb Cardstock

WAU40411
White
8.5X11
Neenah Paper Exact Index 110 lb Cardstock Cover
Neenah Paper Exact Index Card Stock, 94 Bright, 110 lb Index Weight, 8.5 x 11, White, 250/Pack

Neenah Paper Exact Index 110 lb Cardstock is ideal for printing documents that last long. It has 250 sheets of white paper with a brightness of 94 that are acid and lignin-free. It is 8.5 x 11 inch in size, which is perfect for printing a variety of documents.

What We Like
Thick and sturdy paper
Great for coloring and painting
Works well with printers
Bright white quality
Affordable bulk pricing
What We Don't Like
Not as thick as expected
Some concerns about rigidity
#TOP 6

Neenah Premium Cardstock, 8.5" x 11", 65 lb/176 gsm, Bright White, 250 Sheets (91904)

91904
White
250 Sheet
Neenah Premium Cardstock, 8.5" x 11", 65 lb/176 gsm, Bright White, 250 Sheets (91904) Cover
Neenah Bright White Bright White Card Stock, 96 Bright, 65 lb Cover Weight, 8.5 x 11, 250/Pack

Neenah Premium Cardstock is a pack of 250 sheets of 65 lb/176 gsm card stock suitable for making presentations, covers, cards, brochures, and posters. It has a smooth finish that ensures superior print quality, and works well with both laser and ink jet printers and copiers.

What We Like
Thick and sturdy quality
Bright white finish
Printer friendly, no jams
Clean cuts and solid core
Versatile for crafts and printing
What We Don't Like
Slightly off-white shade
Poor delivery packaging
#TOP 7

Neenah White Index Cardstock

91635
White
8.5" x 11"
Neenah White Index Cardstock Cover
Neenah White Index Paper, Mediumweight, 300 Sheets, 199 GSM, 94 Brightness, 8.5" x 11",(91635)

The Neenah White Index Cardstock is a versatile and durable cardstock that provides sturdy and strong results, making it ideal for everyday projects. It features a smooth texture that allows for stunning and professional prints, with high-color reproduction and jam-free results. The 110 lb. weight is heavier than standard 65 lb. cardstock but lighter than 80 lb. coverstock. The 300 count pack offers more sheets than before, making it an excellent value for money. Mix and match with other Neenah products or use with Astrobrights Color Paper for bold and vibrant impact.

What We Like
Bright white color
Good thickness and sturdiness
Works in multiple printers
Excellent for crafts and art
Great value for quantity
What We Don't Like
Not suitable for card bases
Occasional minor ink smudging
#TOP 8

CreGear 40 Sheets Colored Cardstock

CreGear-180g-Cardstock-40pack
[MULTI]
40 Sheets
CreGear 40 Sheets Colored Cardstock Cover
CreGear 40 Sheets Colored Cardstock Printer Paper 8.5 x 11, 10 Assorted Colors Card Stock, 180gsm/65lb Multicolor A4 Colorful Construction Paper for Crafting, Christmas DIY Card Making, Scrapbooking

The CreGear Colored Cardstock is a versatile choice for your crafting needs. It comes with 40 sheets in 10 vibrant colors, providing ample options for any project. With its premium quality, you can enhance your documents, flyers, or school assignments, ensuring they stand out. The cardstock is also printer-friendly, compatible with most inkjet printers, allowing you to produce professional-looking prints effortlessly. Additionally, its double-sided color printing feature ensures that your creations are visually appealing and free from ink bleed, perfect for celebrations like weddings or birthdays.

What We Like
Vibrant, bold colors
Good paper thickness
Printer compatible
Great value
What We Don't Like
Paper weight may feel light
#TOP 9

Neenah Astrobrights Spectrum Cardstock 25 Colors

80944-01BTS
Spectrum
8-1/2 x 11 in
Neenah Astrobrights Spectrum Cardstock 25 Colors Cover
Astrobrights Colored Cardstock, 8.5” x 11”, 65 lb / 176 gsm, "Spectrum" 25-Color Assortment, 75 Sheets (80944-01)

The Neenah Astrobrights Cardstock offers a vibrant 25-color assortment, perfect for making your projects stand out with bright, eye-catching colors. With 65 lb weight, it’s sturdy enough for various uses like crafting, school projects, and office documents. You’ll save money on ink because you only need black ink to print, avoiding the cost and time of colored ink. The paper is fully dyed through, so when you cut or fold it, there’s no white core showing, giving your work a professional and polished look. This makes it a great choice for everyday creative and organizational needs.

What We Like
Vibrant color variety
Thick, sturdy cardstock
Excellent for crafting
Great value for quantity
Works with cutting machines
What We Don't Like
Occasional packaging issue
#TOP 10

MAXECHO 8.5x11 Colored Cardstock 100 Sheets

MAXECHO
CSKZ-02-8.5×11-100
30 Assorted Colors
8.5" x 11"
MAXECHO 8.5x11 Colored Cardstock 100 Sheets Cover
MAXECHO 8.5" X 11" Colored Cardstock Bulk 100 Sheets 50 Assorted Colors Construction Paper Card Stock Printer Paper for DIY Crafts, Party Decorations, Cricut, 180 GSM/65 LB

The MAXECHO Colored Cardstock offers 100 sheets in 50 vibrant colors, giving you plenty of options for all your craft projects. Each color comes with two sheets, perfect for making cards, decorations, and more. The cardstock is thick and durable at 180 gsm, so it works well with most printers and resists fading or tearing, ensuring your creations last. Since the paper is fully dyed through, you won’t see any white edges when you cut, fold, or punch it, keeping your crafts looking neat and polished. Plus, it’s compatible with die-cut machines and various art supplies, making it easy to get creative and bring your ideas to life.

What We Like
50 vibrant colors
Thick, durable 180 gsm paper
Fully dyed, no white edges
Printer and craft machine compatible
Buying Guide Image

What You Need to Know About Card Stock

Introduction

When it comes to choosing card stock, there are a few key factors to consider. From weight and texture to color and finish, the right card stock can make all the difference in the impact of your final project. In this article, we'll explore some key considerations to keep in mind when choosing card stock, as well as some tips to help you make the best selection for your needs.

Weight

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing card stock is the weight. Card stock is typically measured in pounds, with the most common weights being 65, 80, and 100 lb. Lighter weight card stock, such as 65 lb, is great for everyday printing needs and is perfect for cards, invitations, and other projects that don't require a lot of durability. Heavier weight card stock, such as 100 lb, is better for projects that require a bit more sturdiness, such as business cards, postcards, and menus.

Texture and Finish

Another factor to consider is the texture and finish of the card stock. Smooth card stock is best for projects that require clean, sharp printing, such as business cards or formal invitations. Textured card stock, on the other hand, can add a unique touch to your project and is great for projects that require a more organic or natural feel, such as wedding invitations or greeting cards.

In terms of finish, there are several options to choose from. Matte finish is a popular choice for a more subtle, sophisticated look, while gloss finish can add a touch of elegance and shine to your project. Embossed card stock, which has a raised texture, can add a sense of dimension and depth to your project, while foil-stamped card stock can add a touch of glamour and elegance.

Color

The color of your card stock is also an important factor to consider. While white and off-white are the most common choices, there are a wide variety of colors available, from pastels to bold, vibrant hues. Choosing the right color for your project can help to set the tone and mood, so it's important to carefully consider the color scheme of your design and how it will complement the card stock.

Quantity

Another key factor to consider when choosing card stock is the quantity you'll need. If you're working on a large project, such as a wedding invitation suite or a corporate event, you'll need to make sure you have enough card stock to complete your project. Keep in mind that card stock is typically sold in packs of a certain quantity, so it's important to calculate how much you'll need before making your purchase.

Budget

Of course, budget is also an important factor to consider when choosing card stock. Card stock can vary in price based on the weight, texture, finish, and color, so it's important to carefully consider your budget and choose a card stock that fits within your means. Keep in mind that higher quality card stock may be worth the investment for important projects, as it can help to create a professional and polished final product.

Conclusion

Choosing the right card stock for your project can be a daunting task, but by considering the weight, texture and finish, color, quantity, and budget, you can make an informed decision that will help to ensure the success of your project. Keep these key factors in mind and you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect card stock for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is cardstock used for?

Cardstock is a heavier and sturdier type of paper that is commonly used for various purposes. It is especially popular for paper crafting and card making due to its durability. Cardstock is often used for creating business cards, postcards, playing cards, catalog covers, and scrapbooking projects. Its strength and thickness make it ideal for projects that require a more robust and long-lasting paper material.

Editor's Notes

During our card stock research, we found 25 card stock products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 380,856 customer reviews through our big data system to write the card stock list. We found that most customers choose card stock with an average price of $16.87.

The card stock are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of card stock, including Astrobrights, Neenah, Cricut, CREGEAR, MAXECHO. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.

Card Stock Comparison Table

#TOP1
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#TOP3
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#TOP5
#TOP6
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#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Amazon Basics Astrobrights Neenah Cricut Neenah Neenah Neenah CREGEAR Neenah MAXECHO
Material Paper Paper Paper Paper Paper Paper Paper Paper Paper Paper
Color White White white Rainbow White White White [MULTI] Spectrum 30 Assorted Colors
Size 8.5" x 11" 8.5 x 11 300 Count (Pack of 1) 8.5 in x 11 in 8.5X11 250 Sheet 8.5" x 11" 40 Sheets 8-1/2 x 11 in 8.5" x 11"
Item Weight - 1.4 Pounds 6 Pounds 1.4 Kilograms 110 Pounds 5.9 Pounds - - 13.12 ounces -
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.7
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.0
ftb score rating icon 8.8
ftb score rating icon 8.7
ftb score rating icon 8.7
Where to Buy