Wonder

Log in

Research Outline

Prepared for Brian R. | Delivered October 28, 2019

Card Stock vs. Cover Stock

Goals

To determine why there are different products of card/cover stock, how they got their names, and what they are used for.

Early Findings

  • Card stock and cover stock are both heavier and thicker than regular paper.
  • The terms card stock and cover stock are used interchangeably although there are minor differences between them.
  • The two are different in thickness, weights, and textures.
  • Card stock is measured by points in terms of thickness while cover stock is measured by basis weight.
  • "Card stock (and cover stock) is typically made using a blend of hardwood and softwood materials. Hardwood allows for proper formation, while softwood fibers provide strength. Every mill uses different fibers at different ratios, resulting in a wide variety of qualities, weights, and finishes."
  • Card stock is sold by thickness in points or mils while cover stock is sold by basis weight in pounds.
  • There's a wide range of weights and thicknesses available for card stock (aka cover stock) depending on the provider. For example, 65lb, 80lb, 100lb, 110lb, 10pt, and 12pt are available through this provider, while 24lb to 160lb stocks are available through this provider.
  • Card stocks are used for plenty of purposes depending upon the weight/thickness, e.g. business cards, tickets, brochures, etc.