How to Buy Card Stock (5 Steps)

Choose the weight of the paper needed for your project. Light card stock starts at 100-120 gsm (grams per square meter). Regular is 120-150 gsm, heavy is 150-200 gsm and super heavy is more than 200 gsm.
Pick the fiber quality desired. The base of most card stock falls into two categories: pulp and pulp-free. Pulp can be made from various materials such as other paper or pure cellulose. Fibers can also be from vegetables or plants such as hemp, flower petals or bark. The difference is all just for aesthetics so determine what is right for your project.
Decide which color you prefer for your project. Card stock comes in many solid, pastel, fluorescent and bright colors and even patterns.
Choose a finish and/or surface texture if desired. Options can include vellum, felt, embossed and many others depending on the requirements your project demands.
Finally, choose a size. While many sizes are available in the most popular colors, card stock can also be customized either by cutting it yourself or having it professionally done by the company from which you ordered it. Be aware that some specialized cardstock, usually those with high-end surface textures, may only come in certain sizes and you will have to take this into consideration in regards to sizes you require. The most popular sizes are 3.5 x 5in (8.89 x 12.7cm), 4 x 6in (10.16 x 15.24in), 5 x 7in (12.7 x 17.78cm), and 8.5 x 11in (21.59 x 27.94cm).