Cardstock Weight Guide: GSM, lb, and What to Use for Every Cricut Project

Last updated: May 2026 — by Ashlee Falco

Cardstock weight is the single most confusing thing about buying cardstock — and the single biggest predictor of whether your Cricut project comes out clean or comes out frustrating. Pounds, GSM, basis weight, cover stock, text weight: every brand uses different numbers for the same thing, and almost nobody explains it in plain English.

This is the plain-English version. Bookmark it.

The 30-second cardstock weight cheat sheet

If you only have a minute, here's what to grab for the most common Cricut projects:

  • Greeting cards & paper flowers: 65–67 lb (170–176 gsm) smooth solid-core
  • Most Cricut SVGs, layered designs, kid crafts: 67 lb (216 gsm) smooth solid-core
  • Wedding invitations, place cards, treat boxes: 100 lb (270 gsm) smooth solid-core
  • Cake toppers, party signage, monograms: 250 gsm shed-free glitter cardstock
  • Heavyweight projects (gift boxes, sturdy signs): 110 lb (298 gsm) smooth solid-core

If you're just getting started and don't know what you'll be making, start with 67 lb smooth solid-core. It handles 90% of Cricut projects beautifully.

Cardstock weight, explained: pounds vs GSM

Here's why cardstock weight is so confusing:

Pounds (lb) is the U.S. system. It's based on the weight of 500 sheets of paper at the manufacturer's "basis size" — but the basis size is different for different paper types. So 80 lb text weight and 80 lb cover stock are not the same thickness or stiffness, even though both say "80 lb." This is the part that makes everyone crazy.

GSM (grams per square meter) is the international standard. It measures the actual mass of the paper per square meter, regardless of basis size. GSM is more reliable when comparing cardstock across brands.

Most U.S. crafters know the lb system. Most international suppliers (and Cricut itself, in some product specs) use GSM. The two don't convert cleanly because the basis sizes differ. Below is the most useful conversion chart for cardstock specifically.

Cardstock weight conversion chart (lb to GSM)

This conversion table is calibrated for cover stock — what most people mean when they say "cardstock." If you're shopping text weight or bristol, the conversions are different.

Pounds (lb) GSM Stiffness Best described as
65 lb ~176 gsm Light-medium Like a thick greeting card
67 lb ~180 gsm Light-medium Slightly sturdier than 65 lb — the Cricut sweet spot
80 lb ~216 gsm Medium Card-base weight, holds a fold cleanly
100 lb ~270 gsm Heavy Premium invitation weight
110 lb ~298 gsm Very heavy Structural — gift boxes, sturdy signs
120 lb ~324 gsm Extra heavy Heavy structural — luxury invitations, packaging
130 lb ~352 gsm Extra heavy Pushing the limits of what a fine-point Cricut blade likes

For glitter cardstock, the lb measurement is less standardized. Most quality glitter cardstock — including ours — is 250 gsm, which translates roughly to a 92 lb cover weight. That's heavy enough to hold its shape on a cake topper stick without drooping.

For mirror, holographic, and other specialty cardstock, look for 230 gsm or heavier (roughly 85 lb cover) — these finishes need the structure to keep that crisp look.

What weight cardstock for every Cricut project

The biggest mistake crafters make isn't picking the wrong color — it's picking the wrong weight. Here's the right weight for every common Cricut project type, with the reasoning.

Cardstock for greeting cards

Best: 65–80 lb (176–216 gsm) smooth solid-core. You want enough heft that the card stands up on a mantel without flopping, but light enough that it folds cleanly without cracking the surface. 65 lb is great for layered cards (when you're stacking 2–3 sheets); 80 lb is the workhorse weight for single-fold A2 and A7 cards. Avoid going heavier than 100 lb for fold-over cards — the spine gets ugly.

→ Shop our Smooth Cardstock.

Cardstock for paper flowers

Best: 65 lb (176 gsm) smooth solid-core. Paper flowers are the one project where lighter is actually better. 65 lb is flexible enough to curl, shape, and ruffle without cracking — heavier cardstock fights you on the curving. For statement flowers (like a giant peony or rose), step up to 80 lb for the base petals and stay at 65 lb for inner petals.

Cardstock for wedding invitations

Best: 100 lb (270 gsm) smooth solid-core. This is the weight that makes your invitation feel like an invitation when guests pick it up — substantial, premium, not flimsy. 100 lb prints crisp ink and lasers cleanly, and the solid core means no white edges show on cut details. For pocket folds and layered invites, mix 100 lb for the base and 80 lb for accent layers. For RSVP cards and place cards, stick with 100 lb for the same hand-feel.

Cardstock for cake toppers

Best: 250 gsm shed-free glitter cardstock — or 100–110 lb smooth solid-core if non-glitter. Cake toppers live or die on weight. Lighter cardstock droops on the skewer, especially with humidity around a cake. The 250 gsm shed-free glitter cardstock is purpose-built for this — heavy enough to hold its shape on a stick, sparkly enough to wow without dumping glitter all over the buttercream.

→ Shop our Shed-Free Glitter Cardstock or Specialty Cardstock.

Cardstock for layered shadow boxes

Best: Mix 67 lb for delicate inner layers + 100 lb for the base structure. Shadow boxes need both: flexibility for the intricate cut layers in the middle, and structural rigidity for the outer frame and the base.

Cardstock for banners and garlands

Best: 67–100 lb smooth solid-core for matte banners, or 250 gsm shed-free glitter for sparkle. Banner pieces need to hang flat without curling at the edges or twisting on the string.

Cardstock for treat boxes and gift packaging

Best: 100–110 lb (270–298 gsm) smooth solid-core. Treat boxes need to actually hold treats without warping. 100 lb is the minimum for most candy boxes, gift boxes, and party favor containers.

Cardstock for monograms and statement names

Best: 250 gsm shed-free glitter or specialty mirror/holographic cardstock. The 250 gsm shed-free glitter holds its shape and stays sparkly without dumping glitter, and specialty mirror/holographic cardstock catches and shifts light for that next-level wow factor.

What about glitter cardstock weight?

Glitter cardstock is measured differently from smooth because the glitter layer adds mass without adding the same kind of structural stiffness. Most quality glitter cardstock — including ours — is 250 gsm, which is roughly equivalent to 92 lb cover weight. Why 250 gsm specifically?

  • Heavy enough to hold its shape on a cake topper stick without drooping in humidity
  • Stiff enough for layered designs that won't sag or warp over time
  • Light enough to cut cleanly on a Cricut with a fine-point blade and LightGrip mat

If you see glitter cardstock advertised as "heavy" or "premium" without a GSM number, ask. There's a lot of 200 gsm and lower glitter cardstock on the market that's fine for flat scrapbook layers but droops on cake toppers.

What about specialty cardstock weight?

Mirror, holographic, pearl, and metallic cardstock weights vary by manufacturer, but the right range is 230–250 gsm (roughly 85–92 lb cover). Lighter than 230 gsm and the finish surface tends to crinkle or tear when you peel from the mat. Heavier than 250 gsm and your fine-point Cricut blade starts dragging.

Cardstock weight for laser cutting

If you're cutting on a Glowforge, xTool, or other diode/CO2 laser, weight matters differently than it does for Cricut. The sweet spot for laser cardstock is 80–110 lb (216–298 gsm) for smooth, and 230–250 gsm for specialty.

The most common cardstock weight mistakes

Mistake 1: Buying "80 lb" without checking whether it's text weight or cover stock. 80 lb text weight is about half as thick as 80 lb cover stock. Always check the GSM if you can — it doesn't lie.

Mistake 2: Going too heavy for paper flowers. Paper flowers need flexibility. 65 lb is your friend.

Mistake 3: Going too light for cake toppers. Standard glitter cardstock at 200 gsm or lighter droops on the stick within an hour. 250 gsm shed-free is the cake topper standard.

Mistake 4: Assuming heavier always cuts cleaner. Cricut fine-point blades are calibrated for medium-weight cardstock. Beyond about 110 lb, the blade starts dragging.

Frequently asked questions

What's the best cardstock weight for Cricut?

For most Cricut projects, 67–80 lb (180–216 gsm) smooth solid-core cardstock is the all-purpose champion. For cake toppers and signage, reach for 250 gsm shed-free glitter cardstock. For wedding invitations and treat boxes, step up to 100 lb (270 gsm).

What's the difference between 65 lb and 80 lb cardstock?

About 40 gsm of difference and a noticeable jump in stiffness. 65 lb is flexible enough for paper flowers and layered card designs; 80 lb is sturdy enough for card bases that stand up on their own.

Is GSM the same as lb?

No. GSM measures grams per square meter directly. lb measures the weight of 500 sheets at the manufacturer's basis size, which varies by paper type. Two sheets that both say "80 lb" can be very different thicknesses if one is text weight and one is cover stock. GSM is more reliable across brands.

What weight is Cricut brand cardstock?

Cricut's smooth cardstock samplers are typically 80 lb (~216 gsm). Cricut's glitter cardstock varies but usually runs 200–230 gsm — lighter than the 250 gsm standard for shed-free glitter built specifically for cake toppers.

What weight cardstock should I use for cake toppers?

250 gsm (roughly 92 lb cover) shed-free glitter cardstock for sparkly toppers, or 100–110 lb smooth solid-core for matte. Lighter cardstock droops on the skewer.

What weight cardstock should I use for paper flowers?

65 lb (176 gsm) smooth solid-core for most paper flower petals — flexible enough to curl and shape without cracking. Step up to 80 lb for statement flower bases.

Can my Cricut cut heavy 110 lb cardstock?

Yes — Cricut Maker, Maker 3, Explore Air 2, and Explore 3 all handle 110 lb cardstock with the right settings. Use a StandardGrip mat, fine-point blade (or deep-point for heavier), and select "Heavy Cardstock" in Design Space. Always do a test cut.

What's the heaviest cardstock a Cricut can cut?

With a deep-point blade, Cricut Maker can cut up to about 130 lb (352 gsm). Beyond that you're into chipboard territory, which needs the knife blade.

Not sure? Start with a swatchbook

If all of this is overwhelming, the easiest move is to grab a cardstock swatchbook sample. It contains a sheet of every color we carry, so you can feel the actual weight, color, and finish in your hands before committing to packs. Especially worth it for weddings and brand projects where color and weight match matter.

Shop cardstock by weight and project

👉 Shop Smooth Solid-Core Cardstock — 67–100 lb, over 100 colors
👉 Shop Shed-Free Glitter Cardstock — 250 gsm, 35+ shades
👉 Shop Specialty Cardstock — mirror, pearl, holographic at 230–250 gsm
👉 Shop Cardstock Variety Packs — curated coordinated weight + color sets
👉 Get a Cardstock Swatch Book — see and feel every weight before you commit

Want to dig deeper?

This guide pairs naturally with our other Cricut cardstock resources: