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Introduction
When it comes to creating a business card, one of the key decisions to make is what weight paper stock to use. Not only does paper stock thickness affect the tactile experience of your card, but it also dictates how many cards you’ll get in a single order.
There are several types of paper weights used for business cards, and each weight has its own benefits and drawbacks. To get the right look and feel for your business card, you’ll want to understand when it makes sense to choose a thicker card versus a thinner one. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about different business card thicknesses so you can make an informed decision when ordering cards.
Standard Business Card Thickness
Business cards are essential for introducing yourself and your business to potential customers. Having the right size and thickness of a business card can make all the difference in creating a professional, memorable impression. So what is the standard thickness for a business card? In this article, we will explore the standard thickness of a business card, as well as other factors that determine the right thickness for your business cards.
Standard Card Stock
The most common choice for a business card is a standard card stock with a thickness of 14pt. This type of paper is thick enough to feel sturdy, but light enough to fit into pockets and wallets without causing bulk. It offers a polished, professional look that can be used in a variety of environments.
This thickness also offers the perfect balance of texture and rigidity to ensure your cards are easy to handle while still remaining strong and durable. Whether you’re handing out cards at an industry event or sending them through the mail, this versatile material is sure to give your business card a professional edge.
Other popular options for business cards include 12pt, 16pt and 18pt stocks as well as thicker substrates like plastic or metal. Depending on the effect you’re striving for, different materials can add an extra element of difference to your design. Regardless of what type of stock you choose, it’s important that the thickness of your business cards follows standard industry sizing so that they fit into various cardholders or pockets easily.
Thick Card Stock
When determining the thickness of a business card, we measure the cardstock from its thickness in points. A single point is equal to one-thousandth of an inch. Thicker cards are printed on 14-point or higher cardstock, which provides a luxurious, heavy feeling – ideal for a professional first impression.
Cards printed on 14pt and 16pt cardstocks have minimal flexibility and feel stiff due to their weight, giving them a high-end feel. Most standard business cards are printed on either 14pt or 16pt cardstock and include a variety of printing options including raised and spot UV coatings.
Heavier cardstocks such as 18pt offer sturdy protection over time while showcasing quality craftsmanship when used to print VIP cards such as loyalty cards and membership cards. When it comes to business cards, thick is definitely in!
Specialty Business Card Thickness
A business card is an important part of any professional’s presentation. But how thick should a business card be? Standard business cards are usually printed on paper that is between 10 and 14 point (or 0.010 and 0.014 inches) thick. However, there are some specialty business cards that can be thicker. Let’s take a look at some specialty business card thicknesses and the benefits they provide:
Plastic Cards
Plastic cards offer extra durability and can be used for a wide range of applications, including business cards, retail cards, gift cards, fundraising and membership cards. When deciding on the thickness of a card stock for use as a business card, it is important to choose the right balance between durability and portability. Plastic card stocks can be anything from 30 mils (0.030 inches) all the way up to 60 mils (0.060 inches), with thickest usually being reserved for rewards & loyalty programs where longevity is more critical than pocketability.
With plastic business cards ranging in thickness from 30 mils up to 80 mils or even more, it is important to make sure you are choosing the right thickness for your project:
- 30 Mil: If you’re looking for an inexpensive option that will still fit in your wallet or purse without taking up too much space, then 30 mil plastic is the ideal choice. Being durable and lightweight makes this an excellent option when cost or thickness are the primary deciding factors.
- 50 Mil: 50 Mils are usually considered the standard thickness level used for most plastic card stocks; they offer great flexibility and sturdiness while still allowing them to fit nicely into wallets or purses without undue bulkiness. This thickness works well with both contactless chips (NFC) and regular magnetic stripes due to its moderately rigid nature.
- 80 Mil: 80 Mil plastic cards provide extreme durability but may be slightly less convenient for carrying around in a wallet or purse due to their thicker construction. They offer plenty of space for printing logos and designs on one side while providing plenty of room on the other side for magnetic stripes, RFID chips, holographics or any other technology required in specific circumstances.
Metal Cards
Metal business cards are a unique way to stand out from the crowd as they make for a great first impression with their heavy feel and metallic look. Metal cards come in different thicknesses that reflect the durability of the card. In general, metal business cards range from between .54mm (18pts) and .63mm (24pts).
- 14pt – .3mm thick (lightweight)
- 18pt – .54mm thick (standard weight)
- 20pt – .6mm thick (medium weight)
- 24pt – .63mm thick (thickest available weight, heavy duty)
Its higher thickness will give off an imperial and luxurious feel designed to last years. Metal cards that are at least 18pts in thickness stand up to daily wear and tear better than lighter options such as plastic or paper, providing more value over time. The thicker the card, the more impressive it is to your clients, making it much more memorable than standard cards.
Tips for Choosing the Right Thickness
When selecting the right type of paper stock for your business cards, it is important to consider the thickness of the paper. The thickness of the paper will affect the look, feel, and usability of the card. Thickness can range from 10-14 point which is basically the thickness of regular printing paper, up to 24-48 point which is a thick card stock.
In this article, we will explore the different types of paper stock and how to choose the right thickness for your business cards.
Consider Your Brand
When selecting the right thickness for your product packaging, you should always consider the nature of your brand. A canned beverage or soup can benefit from a thicker material compared to a delicate food item like cookies or candy, which require lighter packaging. It’s also important to consider the weight and size of what’s being sold in order to ensure that the product won’t be damaged during shipping. Furthermore, different types of materials may need different thicknesses – for instance, when making plastic containers or bags, thicker materials may be required to The environmental impact should also not be overlooked when fabricating a packaging solution. Thicker materials can provide more resources due to their longevity and durability and extend their shelf life depending on the product’s requirements.
By taking into account all of these factors, you will be able to select a thickness level that best suits your specific needs and optimizes your product life cycle.
Consider Your Printing Process
When selecting the right material thickness for your project, one of the most important factors is knowing what printing process will be used to produce your end product. Different materials carry different attributes and react differently to each printing process. The effect you are trying to achieve when selecting your material will also often help determine the ideal thickness for your specific project.
For example, if you plan on using litho-graphic printing for your product, then you should use paper between 80lb and 110lb bond paper. Digital printing generally uses thinner sheets with paper weights ranging from 60lb up to 70lb cover stock. Posters, signs and flexographic prints require a heavier paper weight ranging from 100lb cover stock up to 120lb cover stock or heavier depending on the intended usage.
It’s important to keep in mind that unique applications require different products; so be sure to select a material that fits the specifications or requirements of your finished print job. Consider the frequency of use, recycling needs or sturdiness needed when making this decision as well as other alterations such as scoring, die cutting or perforation that may alter the intended look and feel of your product. Be sure to check availability first before settling on a particular thickness so that you’re getting exactly what you need when it comes time for production!
Consider Your Budget
One of the key factors to consider when selecting a mattress is your budget. Depending on the quality of materials and level of comfort, you may have to invest more money for a better mattress. It is important to keep in mind that the cost of the bed affects the lifespan of the product. If you are willing to purchase a less expensive brand, make sure you research it thoroughly and test it out in person if possible.
Additionally, keep in mind how many people will be regularly sleeping on this mattress and what type of sleeper they are – side nature, back sleeper or stomach sleeper – as some mattresses cater to specific sleep styles better than others. Knowing your budget and anatomy can help narrow down your choices so that you can find one that fits all your criteria and price range preferences.
Conclusion
The thickness of a business card can be an important consideration for both the customer and the printer. It is typically wise to follow industry standards when selecting a card’s thickness to ensure it is not too flimsy or bulky, as these can send the wrong kind of message about its professionalism.
Given that most industry standard business cards are 0.018″, 0.020″, and 0.024″ thick, selecting a card with one of these thicknesses will generally provide the best impression while being balanced between cost and quality. Additionally, you may want to consider using higher end specialty paper stock if you believe it would be more appropriate for your company or organization’s image.
Lastly, it is worth remembering that most people prefer to receive thicker business cards because they feel like more care has gone into producing them, which could make all the difference when competing against other brands or making vital contacts in your business’s future success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How thick is a standard business card?
A: A standard business card is typically 0.010 inches or 0.25 mm thick.
Q: What is the standard size of a business card?
A: The standard size for a business card is 3.5 inches by 2 inches.
Q: Are there different types of business cards?
A: Yes, there are different types of business cards available. You can choose from traditional paper business cards, plastic business cards, and metal business cards.
