Card Stock Sizes

Misnomer for "A" sizes.

Normally, A3 is bigger than A4 or A6 bigger than A7. That is for The International Paper Standard (ISO 216). Smaller number = Bigger paper But there is another "A" naming from the North American "Announcement" Sizes. In this cases, A7 is bigger than A6 and so on. Larger number = Bigger card They are referring to entirely different sizing reference.

Common Size for Cards

A7 Size (5" x 7") — The Most Common. This is the standard and most popular size for both handmade and commercially produced pop-up cards. It provides a large enough "floor" (the inside base of the card) for intricate pop-up mechanisms—like a bouquet of flowers or a cityscape—to expand fully without sticking out of the edges when close

Square Sizes (5" x 5" or 6" x 6") — The Modern Favorite. Many premium 3D pop-up card brands (like Lovepop) use square dimensions. The perfect symmetry of a square card makes it incredibly easy to design center-fold pop-up mechanisms that open evenly in all directions (like a tiered birthday cake or a blooming lotus). Requires a square envelope (note that square envelopes often require extra postage if you are mailing them).

When designing a pop-up card, the most important rule of thumb regarding size is that the tallest part of your pop-up mechanism inside cannot be longer than the width or height of the closed card, otherwise, the paper will stick out of the edges when folded shut!

Common Confusion of Cards.

a super common point of confusion when making cards!

When we say a card is "15 cm x 15 cm", we are talking about the size of the card when it is folded shut (the size that goes into the envelope).

So, let's break down the exact measurements:

When Closed: The card is 15 cm wide and 15 cm tall.

When Open (Flat): You are exactly right—it is 30 cm in total length! If it opens like a book, the open paper will be 30 cm wide and 15 cm tall.

"Thin" or "lightweight" cardstock typically falls within the range of 120 to 200 GSM (Grams per Square Meter). Here is a quick breakdown of how those weights feel and function: 120 – 150 GSM (Very Light Cardstock): This feels like a thick, premium brochure or flyer. It bends very easily, scores well, and will run smoothly through almost all standard home printers. 150 – 200 GSM (Classic Thin Cardstock): This is the sweet spot for most lightweight cardstock (roughly equivalent to a 65 lb cover weight). It is sturdy enough to hold its shape for lightweight cards or tags, but thin enough for easy die-cutting, craft layering, and home printing. For context on how that compares to other paper types: Standard Copy Paper: 70 – 90 GSM Medium Cardstock (Standard Greeting Cards): 210 – 280 GSM Heavy Cardstock (Thick Business Cards): 300+ GSM

20 lb paper is equivalent to 75 GSM.

Whether you're looking to print high-quality business cards, invitations, or working on a paper-crafting project, 65 lb card stock (also known as Cover weight) is a popular "middle-ground" paper. It is thicker than standard printer paper but thinner than heavy-duty cardboard.

The "Hitch": Avoid using 110 lb stock in basic home printers as it often jams; 65 lb is usually the safest "thick" paper for home us

A blade depth of 3 is a very common and safe starting point for 160gsm (65 lb) cardstock, but it might not be enough on its own to get a "butter-smooth" cut. Since 160gsm is exactly on the border between "light" and "medium" cardstock, here is the most reliable formula for your Silhouette:

The "Dull Blade" Factor: If you have been cutting a lot of cardstock lately, the blade tip wears down. If 3 isn't cutting all the way through, don't just jump to 5. Try increasing the Force first (up to 30) before moving the blade depth higher. Intricate Designs: If your alphabets have sharp corners or thin lines, a blade depth of 3 with a Speed of 3 is better. If the speed is too high, the blade might "drag" the cardstock and tear it.

Pro Tip for your Cardstock: Since you are using 65 lb (160-176gsm), make sure your cutting mat is still "tacky." If the mat is old and the paper slides even a tiny bit, no blade setting will give you a clean cut! Use a bit of masking tape on the corners of the paper if the mat has lost its stick.