Best Cardstock and Resume Paper for Inkjet and Laser Printers
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When to Reach for Cardstock or Resume Paper
Cardstock and resume paper exist for the moments when standard 20 lb copy paper feels too flimsy. Invitations, business cards, certificates, menus, and resumes all benefit from heavier weight, sharper texture, and a brighter white. This guide walks through what makes these papers different and compares the best-rated options on Amazon today.
Cardstock Basics
- 65 lb cardstock is the everyday standard — thick enough for invitations and crafts, but still feeds reliably through most home printers.
- 80–90 lb cardstock feels like a postcard. Good for business cards, place cards, and mailers.
- 100–110 lb heavyweight is what wedding invitations and high-end packaging are made of. Some home printers struggle with it — always check your printer's rear-feed paper-weight rating before buying.
- Brightness 94–96 is standard. Higher brightness produces more pop on color graphics.
Resume Paper Basics
- Weight. 24–32 lb bond (about 70 lb text) is the sweet spot. Heavy enough to feel substantial in someone's hand, light enough to print and fold without issue.
- Finish. Linen and laid finishes give a subtle texture that signals quality. Smooth vellum is a safer choice if you're unsure.
- Color. Bright white is the modern default. Ivory or cream feels traditional and works well in conservative industries (law, finance, academia).
- Watermark. Optional but classic — some HR readers still appreciate the touch.
Top-Rated Cardstock on Amazon
| Cardstock | Best For | Price | Rating | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Basics Cardstock, 65 lb / 176 gsm, 96 Bright (250 Sheets) | Best overall value for invitations and crafts | ~$12.55 | 4.7 / 5 | View on Amazon |
| Neenah White Cardstock, 65 lb (235 Sheets) | Trusted brand for invitations and business cards | ~$13.71 | 4.4 / 5 | View on Amazon |
| Neenah Exact Index, 90 lb, 94 Bright (250 Sheets) | Heavier weight for tabs, dividers, and place cards | ~$12.98 | 4.6 / 5 | View on Amazon |
| Heavyweight White Cardstock, 110 lb (300 Sheets) | Wedding invitations and premium packaging | ~$29.98 | 4.6 / 5 | View on Amazon |
| TUXIYA White Cardstock, 180 gsm / 65 lb (500 Sheets) | Bulk crafting and DIY card making | ~$29.99 | 4.4 / 5 | View on Amazon |
| Ivory / Cream Cardstock, 190 gsm (200 Sheets) | Wedding invitations with a warm, traditional look | ~$19.99 | 4.6 / 5 | View on Amazon |
Top-Rated Resume Paper on Amazon
| Resume Paper | Best For | Price | Rating | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cranium Press Luxury Resume Paper, 70 lb Bright White (100 Sheets) | Best overall — polished, modern resumes | ~$14.99 | 4.5 / 5 | View on Amazon |
| Luxury Linen Resume Paper, 70 lb Text / 28 lb Bond, Textured Finish (100 Sheets) | Classic linen feel for traditional industries | ~$19.95 | New release | View on Amazon |
| Luxury Resume Paper, 70 lb Text, Matte Vellum Finish (100 Sheets) | Smooth vellum finish for clean, modern resumes | ~$14.95 | New release | View on Amazon |
| Parchment Resume Paper, 100 gsm, Double-Sided (100 Sheets) | Certificates, diplomas, menus, and award documents | ~$15.00 | 4.5 / 5 | View on Amazon |
Will Cardstock Work in Your Printer?
Most home and small-office printers handle 65 lb cardstock without complaint, but heavier weights are hit-or-miss. A few quick tips:
- Use the rear feed. If your printer has a single-sheet rear-feed tray, that's the right path for cardstock. The straight paper path puts less stress on the rollers and reduces jams.
- Set the paper type in the driver. Choose "Cardstock," "Heavyweight," or the closest equivalent. The printer slows the feed and lays down ink differently — critical for clean prints.
- Check the spec sheet. Most consumer inkjets max out around 110 lb cardstock; many laser printers handle up to 80 lb in the main tray and heavier through a manual feed slot.
- Print one sheet first. Always test before running a full batch of invitations or business cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between cardstock and cover stock?
They're largely interchangeable terms. "Cover stock" is the technical paper-industry name; "cardstock" is the consumer-friendly term. Both refer to thick, rigid paper above 50 lb cover weight.
Can I use cardstock in a regular inkjet printer?
Yes, most inkjets handle 65–80 lb cardstock fine. Above 90 lb, check your printer's spec sheet and use the rear feed if available.
What weight resume paper should I choose?
24 lb to 32 lb bond (about 70 lb text) is the standard. Anything lighter feels like a flyer; anything heavier may be hard for HR to file or scan.
Bright white or ivory for a resume?
Bright white is the safe modern default and pairs best with color graphics or designed resumes. Ivory or cream reads more traditional and works well in conservative industries like law, finance, and academia.
Need ink to go with your new paper?
Castle Ink stocks compatible and remanufactured cartridges for HP, Canon, Epson, Brother, Lexmark, Dell, and Xerox printers, with same-day shipping on orders placed before 1:00 PM ET. Find your cartridge here.
Pricing and availability shown above reflect Amazon at the time of writing and may change. As an Amazon Associate, Castle Ink earns a commission on qualifying purchases.