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Best Card Stock of 2026

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Ann Hale

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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

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.

9.8
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I love using this card stock for crafting with my grandkids. It's strong, folds easily, and holds up well for display, plus it's thick enough for 3D designs. The kids had so much fun making cards with markers and gel pens!"

"This paper is perfect for printing invitations and gift tags—the quality and price are both excellent. It runs through my printer without any issues and has a nice, smooth finish."

"As an artist, I found that colored pencils don't blend as smoothly due to a bit of shine, but it's fantastic for black and white prints and general copying."

#TOP 2

Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock

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.

9.7
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I've made this cardstock a staple in my crafting and office supplies. The 65 lb weight is sturdy but not too thick, making it perfect for everything from greeting cards to professional projects. The bright white color really makes ink and colors pop, and it always prints crisp and clear on my inkjet or laser printer. I especially appreciate that it's acid and lignin-free, so I can rely on it for archival projects. It's a truly versatile and high-quality choice I keep coming back to."

"This is my top pick for card making and paper crafts. It’s the perfect thickness for cards—substantial but not bulky—and my printer handles it with no problems. The white shade is exactly what I need, and the cardstock adds a nice sturdiness without extra weight. If your printer supports 65lb cardstock, you’re all set. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it!"

"I use this cardstock for all my crafting and printing needs. It runs smoothly through both inkjet and laser printers without jamming, and the bright white finish gives a professional look to invitations, cards, and art prints. Ink holds well without bleeding or smudging. For the quality, it’s an excellent value, and I’ll definitely be ordering again."

#TOP 3

Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock

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.

9.5
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I used this cardstock for various projects, and I was impressed by the sturdy 90 lb weight and the smooth, bright white finish. It works flawlessly in my home printer and is perfect for flyers, flashcards, and lightweight crafts. The pack size is generous, making it a great value."

"As someone new to cardstock, I didn’t realize the difference between lb and gsm mattered so much. This paper is high quality and prints beautifully, but it’s lighter than I expected and not thick enough for my children’s craft needs. I’ll keep it for other uses but will look for a heavier gsm next time."

"I create envelopes and craft decorations, and this cardstock is ideal for die-cut accents and layering. It’s thicker than regular copy paper but folds easily and runs smoothly through my laser printer, delivering vivid colors and crisp patterns. Just note, it’s not thick enough for card bases, but perfect for lighter embellishments."

#TOP 4

Cricut Value Cardstock Paper Rainbow Sampler 125 Sheets

  • Cricut
  • 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.

9.4
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I picked this up to use with my kids’ arts and crafts projects, and it’s been fantastic. The paper is thick, bright, and durable, and the fact that I can wipe off washable paint mistakes and reuse the same sheet is a game changer for working with little ones."

"The variety of colors in this pack is impressive, and the smooth cardstock works beautifully in my Cricut. It’s sturdy enough for most crafts but not so thick that layering becomes difficult. Outstanding value for frequent crafters!"

"I was after reliable cardstock for my Cricut Explore Air 2, and this fit the bill perfectly. The colors are vivid, the paper cuts cleanly, and I got a great deal for the price."

#TOP 5

Neenah Paper Exact Index 110 lb Cardstock

  • Neenah
  • 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.

9.3
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I've made this my go-to paper for my young kids—it's affordable, thick, and handles watercolors and markers without tearing. It's also perfect for printing coloring pages and making little books. Much better than regular copy paper!"

"As someone starting up a crafts shop, I found this paper to be really high quality and excellent for general use. It takes ink very well and is thick and sturdy—great for crafting things like deck boxes. However, it's not quite rigid enough for playing cards or tags, but it's pretty close!"

"For me, this cardstock is brilliant for Copic and pencil coloring—the vivid white and smooth surface really make a difference. It's a bit pricier, but the quality is outstanding, and it's hard to find this standard elsewhere. Highly recommended!"

#TOP 6

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

  • Neenah
  • 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.

9.2
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I've made this my go-to card stock because of its excellent thickness and bright white finish. It runs smoothly through my printer, never jams, and always produces vivid colors and sharp text. I especially appreciate how premium and sturdy it feels for my crafting and business projects."

"As an instructor, I rely on this cardstock for certificates and other projects. The weight is perfect—not too flimsy or stiff—and it prints beautifully with my inkjet. It’s reliable, versatile, and really helps my projects stand out. My only tip: the 'bright white' is a bit more creamy than true copy paper white."

"I bought this for my wedding programs and was impressed by the classy look and easy foldability. It worked perfectly with my printer, with no smudging or imperfections. I saved a lot compared to professional printing and was very pleased with the final result."

#TOP 7

Neenah White Index Cardstock

  • Neenah
  • 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.

9.0
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"This has become my favorite cardstock for classroom and craft projects. The paper's vivid white color makes everything stand out, and it's sturdy without being bulky. I’ve used it in several printers and copiers without any jams or smudges. For the price and quantity, it’s a fantastic deal—I highly recommend it to teachers or anyone who needs reliable cardstock."

"As an artist, I go through a lot of cardstock, and this one is consistently high quality. The sheets are thick and durable, and my alcohol ink markers glide smoothly across them. I use a variety of mediums—pens, inks, acrylic markers—and this paper handles them all well. Just a tip: use a sheet or two underneath when working with heavy mediums to prevent bleed-through. Absolutely love this paper and keep coming back for more!"

"I was looking for a heavier paper for making envelopes for my handmade cards, and this cardstock is just right. It’s not as heavy as base cardstock, but it offers more protection for embellished cards than standard envelopes. It folds easily, feels substantial, and doesn’t add too much weight for mailing. I also use it for lining and layering cards—the bulk pack is perfect for my crafting needs."

#TOP 8

CreGear 40 Sheets Colored Cardstock

  • CREGEAR
  • 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.

8.8
FTB Score

What We Like

  • Vibrant, bold colors
  • Good paper thickness
  • Printer compatible
  • Great value

What We Don't Like

  • Paper weight may feel light

What Customers Say

"The colors are so bold and bright, and the paper quality feels sturdy. I’ve never had issues with it tearing, and it works flawlessly in my printer. I definitely recommend it!"

"I bought this colored paper for a school project, and the colors matched perfectly and arrived just in time. Great experience!"

"I was expecting the paper to be a bit heavier. It’s lighter than the 65# weight I anticipated, but it's still useful for most projects."

#TOP 9

Neenah Astrobrights Spectrum Cardstock 25 Colors

  • Neenah
  • 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.

8.7
FTB Score

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

What Customers Say

"I'm really impressed with the vivid colors and sturdy feel of this cardstock. It's so smooth and thick, making it perfect for my kids' school projects and home arts and crafts. I did have a single incident where the packaging arrived damaged, but overall, I'm very happy and would buy it again."

"This cardstock has become my go-to for my Silhouette Portrait 3. The detail and sharpness in my papercraft projects are fantastic, and you get a lot for the price. The colors really stand out and the sheets hold their shape beautifully."

"Absolutely love the color selection! The paper is thick and strong, just right for my crafting needs. From yard sale signs to various projects, it performs perfectly every time."

#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.

8.7
FTB Score

What We Like

  • 50 vibrant colors
  • Thick, durable 180 gsm paper
  • Fully dyed, no white edges
  • Printer and craft machine compatible

Card Stock Comparison Table

#TOP 1 Amazon Basics 65 lb White Cardstock Paper Cover

Amazon Basics 65 lb White Cardstock Paper

#TOP 2 Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock Cover

Astrobrights Bright White Cardstock

#TOP 3 Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock Cover

Neenah 90 lb White Cardstock

#TOP 4 Cricut Value Cardstock Paper Rainbow Sampler 125 Sheets Cover

Cricut Value Cardstock Paper Rainbow Sampler 125 Sheets

#TOP 5 Neenah Paper Exact Index 110 lb Cardstock Cover

Neenah Paper Exact Index 110 lb Cardstock

#TOP 6 Neenah Premium Cardstock, 8.5" x 11", 65 lb/176 gsm, Bright White, 250 Sheets (91904) Cover

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

#TOP 7 Neenah White Index Cardstock Cover

Neenah White Index Cardstock

#TOP 8 CreGear 40 Sheets Colored Cardstock Cover

CreGear 40 Sheets Colored Cardstock

#TOP 9 Neenah Astrobrights Spectrum Cardstock 25 Colors Cover

Neenah Astrobrights Spectrum Cardstock 25 Colors

#TOP 10 MAXECHO 8.5x11 Colored Cardstock 100 Sheets Cover

MAXECHO 8.5x11 Colored Cardstock 100 Sheets

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
9.8
9.7
9.5
9.4
9.3
9.2
9.0
8.8
8.7
8.7
Where to Buy

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

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.