16pt vs. 18pt Business Cards: What's the Difference?

When you're ordering business cards, one of the first decisions you'll encounter is choosing your card stock thickness. At Zaxx Card Lab, we offer two premium options: Standard 16pt and Premium 18pt card stock. But what do those numbers actually mean, and which is right for your business?

Understanding Card Thickness

The "pt" measurement refers to the thickness of the card stock in points. One point equals 1/1000 of an inch. So:

16pt card stock is approximately 0.016 inches thick

18pt card stock is approximately 0.018 inches thick

While 2/1000 of an inch may not sound like much on paper, you can absolutely feel the difference when holding the cards. The jump from 16pt to 18pt creates a noticeably sturdier, more substantial card.

16pt Standard Cards

16pt is the industry standard for professional business cards. It's the thickness most people associate with a "good" business card. Here's what makes 16pt a solid choice:

Professional feel — Thick enough to convey quality without being overly rigid

Durable — Resists bending and wear during normal use

Cost-effective — Starting at just $39.99 for 250 cards

Versatile — Works well for any industry or profession

For most businesses getting started, 16pt cards are an excellent choice that balances quality with budget.

18pt Premium Cards

Our Premium 18pt cards take things up a notch. When you hand someone an 18pt card, they notice. Here's why business owners choose the upgrade:

Substantial feel — Noticeably thicker and more rigid than standard cards

Premium impression — Signals quality, attention to detail, and professionalism

Enhanced durability — Extra thickness means better resistance to wear, bending, and damage in wallets

Stand out — Your card literally feels different from competitors

Which Should You Choose?

Choose 16pt Standard if:

You're ordering business cards for the first time

Budget is a primary consideration

You need cards for a large team or high-volume networking

Your industry doesn't require ultra-premium materials

Choose 18pt Premium if:

You want to make a stronger first impression

You work in a field where perceived quality matters (real estate, consulting, luxury services)

You want your card to stand out in a stack

You're willing to invest a bit more for premium materials

Pricing Comparison

Option	250 Cards	500 Cards	1,000 Cards
16pt Standard	$39.99	$59.99	—
18pt Premium	—	$69.99	$119.99

Both options include the same high-quality, full-color printing on both sides. The only difference is the thickness and feel of the card stock itself.

Ready to Order?

Whether you choose 16pt or 18pt, Zaxx Card Lab delivers professionally designed, beautifully printed business cards. Not sure which to pick? Order your cards today and let us know — we're happy to help you decide.