Paper Crafts Rubber Stamping

How Many Cards Can You Make From a Piece of Cardstock?

Card Stock card

Kate Pullen / The Spruce

A sheet of standard sized cardstock can be divided to create handmade cards and invitations in a variety of sizes. Dividing cardstock is done by folding the cardstock in a number of different ways. There are many types of folds that can be used; each will create a unique look and style depending on your card-making needs. 

A sheet of standard cardstock can produce a single large card or a variety of smaller cards. Knowing the measurements of cards that can be created from a single sheet of cardstock will help you plan your card making projects in the most cost-effective manner. One sheet of cardstock can be divided into many manners, producing a surprising number of variations!

8.5-by-11-Inch Cardstock

A single sheet of 8.5-inch-by-11-inch cardstock can create any of the following:

  • 1 folded card: 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches
  • 1 gatefold card (both edges folded into the middle): 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches
  • 2 single-sided cards (postcard style): 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches
  • 2 folded cards (ideal for smaller invitations): 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches
  • 2 gatefold cards (both edges folded into the middle): 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches
  • 2 tall cards (ideal for invitations or checkbook style cards): 2.25 inches by 8.5 inches
  • 4 single-sided cards (postcard style): 4.25 inches by 5.5 inches
  • 4 small folded cards (suitable for place settings): 2.75 inches by 4.25 inches
  • 8 small single-sided cards (suitable for place setting holders): 2.75 inches by 4.25 inches

12-by-12-Inch Cardstock

A single sheet of 12-by-12-inch cardstock can create any of the following:

  • 2 folded cards (ideal for invitations, thank you cards, etc.): 6 inches by 6 inches
  • 2 gatefold cards (edges folded into the middle): 6 inches by 6 inches
  • 4 single-sided cards (square postcard style): 6 inches by 6 inches
  • 4 folded cards (smaller cards): 3 inches by 6 inches
  • 4 gatefold cards (edges folded into the middle): 3 inches by 6 inches
  • 8 single-sided cards (small square postcard style): 3 inches by 6 inches
  • 8 small folded cards (suitable for place settings): 3 inches by 3 inches
  • 16 single-sided cards (suitable for place setting holders): 3 inches by 3 inches

How to Pick Card Sizes

Picking the right card sizes are based on the type of project you are making and how you will be using the finished product. Prior to folding your cardstock, determine if the card will need to hold a lot of information on it, if it will be mailed, how it will be decorated, and who will be using it.

Bigger card sizes are ideal for birthday cards, special invitations, thank-you cards, and cards where a lot of information is to be included (such as change of address cards) on the front of the card.

Consider postcard style cards (unfolded cards) to allow maximum decoration opportunity with the minimum size of the card.

Tips

  • Unusually shaped cards may not fit into a standard-sized envelope. Check envelope sizes prior to folding. 
  • The back of cards can be decorated or used to display important information that might not fit on the front.