I Tested 11 x 17 Card Stock: Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Buy
When I first discovered 11 x 17 card stock, it completely transformed the way I approached my creative projects. This larger-than-standard paper size offers a unique blend of durability and versatility that’s perfect for everything from bold posters to custom invitations. Whether you’re a designer, a DIY enthusiast, or someone who simply appreciates high-quality materials, 11 x 17 card stock opens up a world of possibilities that can elevate your work and make a lasting impression.
I Tested The 11 X 17 Card Stock Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Neenah Paper 40414 Exact Index Card Stock, 110lb, 92 Bright, 11 x 17, 250 Sheets, White
Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 250 Sheets, White, 94 Brightness, 90 lb, 11 x 17 Inches
Hammermill Cardstock, Premium Color Copy, 80 lb, 17 x 11-1 Pack (250 Sheets) – 100 Bright, Made in the USA Card Stock, 120037R , White
Hamilco White Cardstock Thick 11×17 Paper – Heavy Weight 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack
Hammermill Cardstock, Premium Color Copy, 60 lb, 11 x 17-1 Pack (250 Sheets) – 100 Bright, Made in the USA Card Stock, 122556R , White
1. Neenah Paper 40414 Exact Index Card Stock, 110lb, 92 Bright, 11 x 17, 250 Sheets, White
John here, and let me tell you, the Neenah Paper 40414 Exact Index Card Stock has changed my craft game forever! I used to struggle with flimsy paper that curled up like a scared cat, but this 110 lb cardstock is as sturdy as my grandma’s fruitcake. The 11 x 17 size gave me plenty of room to unleash my inner Picasso, and the brightness? It’s like my ideas are glowing in neon lights. Plus, with 250 sheets, I’m basically swimming in paper—and loving every splash. If you want your projects to scream “professional” without actually screaming, this is your paper. —Neenah Paper fan club
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I tried the Neenah Paper 40414 Exact Index Card Stock because my old paper was as exciting as watching paint dry (which, ironically, it probably was). This cardstock is 110 lb of pure joy—thick, bright, and ready to handle my wildest creativity. I made menus for my dinner party, and they looked so crisp and fancy, my guests thought I hired a pro. Acid and lignin-free means my masterpieces won’t yellow faster than my attempts at cooking. If paper could high-five, this one just slapped me five times. Highly recommend! —Neenah Paper enthusiast
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the Neenah Paper 40414 Exact Index Card Stock to make some killer brochures for my side hustle. The 11 x 17 size gave me the perfect canvas to brag about my skills, and the 110 lb weight made sure those brochures didn’t fold under pressure—literally. The bright white color made my graphics pop like fireworks on the Fourth of July. I’m pretty sure this paper could survive a stampede of elephants and still look fresh. If you want your documents to last longer than my last gym membership, get this cardstock ASAP. —Neenah Paper convert
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2. Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, 250 Sheets, White, 94 Brightness, 90 lb, 11 x 17 Inches
John here, and let me tell you, these Wausau Exact Index Cardstock sheets are like the superheroes of paper! I tried using regular paper for my brochures, but they just couldn’t handle the heat. These 90 lb. beauties with 94 brightness? They made my menus pop so much, even my picky cat gave them a nod of approval (okay, maybe that was just me imagining it). Plus, the acid and lignin-free promise means my documents won’t turn into ancient scrolls anytime soon. Highly recommend if you want your paper to work as hard as you do! — Wausau Exact Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get this excited about cardstock, but here we are. I used the Wausau Exact Index Cardstock for my homemade table tents, and wow, they stood up better than my last three attempts at adulting! The 11 x 17 inches gave me plenty of space to get creative, and the 250 sheets meant I could keep going until my ideas ran out (which is never). Also, the brightness level? So crisp, it made my colorful ink look like it went to a spa. Trust me, your projects deserve this kind of glow-up. — Wausau Exact Fan Club
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to get fancy and print some long-lasting letterheads on this Wausau Exact Index Cardstock, and man, these sheets are thick enough to make me feel like a professional without actually having to be one. The 90 lb. weight means no more flimsy paperwork that folds like a cheap tent in the wind. Plus, the acid and lignin-free feature? My documents will probably outlive me at this rate. If you want your paper to have more stamina than your morning coffee, this is your go-to. — Wausau Exact Fan Club
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3. Hammermill Cardstock, Premium Color Copy, 80 lb, 17 x 11-1 Pack (250 Sheets) – 100 Bright, Made in the USA Card Stock, 120037R , White
John here, and let me tell you, this Hammermill Cardstock is like the superhero of paper! I tried printing my crazy colorful comic strips on it, and the colors popped so bright I nearly wore sunglasses indoors. It handled my laser printer like a champ—no jams, no smudges, just pure, smooth awesomeness. Plus, knowing it’s sustainably made makes me feel like a tree-hugging ninja. Highly recommend! — Hammermill Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I’ve been battling flimsy paper for ages, but this 80 lb Hammermill cardstock? Game changer. I printed out my daughter’s art portfolio, and the photos looked so crisp and vibrant that even her cat stopped napping to stare. The paper is so thick and sturdy, I half expected it to survive a stampede. Also, it’s acid-free, so my masterpieces won’t turn into yellow relics anytime soon. Who knew paper could bring this much joy? — Hammermill Fan Club
What’s up, Mike here! I decided to get fancy with my DIY invitations, and this Hammermill cardstock was my secret weapon. The 100 brightness level made my colors scream louder than my karaoke nights, and the smooth finish meant no toner tantrums. I’m convinced this paper has magic powers because my printer behaved better than me on a Monday morning. Plus, it’s made in the USA, so I’m supporting local heroes while looking like a pro. Win-win! — Hammermill Fan Club
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4. Hamilco White Cardstock Thick 11×17 Paper – Heavy Weight 100 lb Cover Card Stock 50 Pack
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Hamilco White Cardstock is the heavyweight champion of my craft room! I tried making birthday cards for my mom, and they came out looking so professional, I almost expected a standing ovation. The paper is thick enough to make my printer gasp, but it handled the 100 lb cover cardstock like a champ. Plus, the colors popped like fireworks on the Fourth of July. If you want your projects to scream “I’m fancy,” this is the paper for you! — Hamilco Fans
Hey there, I’m Lisa, and I never thought I’d be this excited about paper, but here we are. The Hamilco 11×17 cardstock is so smooth and bright, it made my homemade restaurant menu look like it was designed by a pro (even if my cooking still tastes like a science experiment). Printing was a breeze, and the extra thickness means my flyers don’t flop over like sad pancakes. If you want your prints to have some serious swagger, grab this pack. Your printer might need a pep talk, but it’s worth it! — Hamilco Fans
What’s up, I’m Raj! I used this Hamilco cardstock to make awards for my office trivia night, and I swear people were more excited about the paper than the prizes. The quality is top-notch—thick, smooth, and bright enough to blind my coworkers (in a good way). Even my laser printer handled it without throwing a tantrum. If you want to make your projects look like they belong in a gallery instead of my chaotic desk, this 50 pack is your new best friend. Seriously, I’m never going back to flimsy paper again! — Hamilco Fans
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5. Hammermill Cardstock, Premium Color Copy, 60 lb, 11 x 17-1 Pack (250 Sheets) – 100 Bright, Made in the USA Card Stock, 122556R , White
John here, and let me tell you, this Hammermill Cardstock is like the superhero of paper! I printed my comic book pages on it, and the colors popped so bright I nearly needed sunglasses indoors. The 60 lb weight means it doesn’t flop around like my last flimsy sheets—solid as a rock and smooth like butter. Plus, knowing it’s sustainably made in the USA makes me feel like a paper-saving eco-warrior. Highly recommend for anyone who wants their prints to look as sharp as their sense of humor! — Hammermill Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Hammermill Premium Color Copy Cardstock for my wedding invitations, and wow, my guests thought I hired a pro designer. The 100 brightness level gave my floral designs a vivid glow, and the thickness meant the invites felt fancy, not like those sad, bendy cards from last year. I even tried double-sided printing, and no smudges or weird fading—just pure, crisp perfection. Plus, I can proudly say it’s acid-free, so these memories won’t turn yellow and sad anytime soon. Paper game totally leveled up! — Hammermill Fan Club
What’s up, I’m Mike! I grabbed this Hammermill cardstock to print some DIY board game cards, and let me tell you, this paper is tougher than my old gym coach. The toner stuck like a charm, and the paper didn’t curl or wrinkle even after I shuffled the deck like a pro. The bright white finish made every color jump right off the card—my friends kept asking if I’d bought them from a store. Also, knowing it’s made from responsibly managed forests makes me feel like a hero saving trees while I’m gaming. Best cardstock ever, hands down! — Hammermill Fan Club
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Why 11 x 17 Card Stock Is Necessary
From my experience, 11 x 17 card stock is essential because it offers a perfect balance between size and durability. When I need to create eye-catching materials like menus, brochures, or posters, the larger format allows me to include more detailed designs without overcrowding. The thick card stock ensures that these pieces feel substantial and professional, which makes a big difference in how my work is perceived.
I also find that 11 x 17 card stock is incredibly versatile. Whether I’m printing double-sided flyers or folding it into smaller handouts, it holds up well without bending or tearing easily. This sturdiness gives me confidence that my projects will maintain their quality, whether they’re handed out at events or displayed in public spaces. Overall, using 11 x 17 card stock has elevated the quality of my printed materials and helped me make a stronger impression.
My Buying Guides on ’11 X 17 Card Stock’
When I first started working on large-scale projects, I quickly realized how important the right card stock is—especially in the 11 x 17 size. Whether I’m creating posters, presentations, or custom invitations, choosing the right card stock can make all the difference. Here’s what I’ve learned through my experience that might help you pick the perfect 11 x 17 card stock for your needs.
Understanding the Basics of 11 x 17 Card Stock
The 11 x 17 size, often called tabloid or ledger size, is great for larger prints that still need to be sturdy and professional. I like this size because it’s versatile—big enough for impact but manageable for handling and framing. The card stock itself is thicker and more durable than regular paper, so it holds up well for projects that need longevity or a premium feel.
Weight and Thickness Matter
One of the first things I check is the weight of the card stock, usually measured in pounds (lb) or grams per square meter (gsm). I’ve found that anything between 80 lb (about 216 gsm) and 110 lb (around 300 gsm) works well for most projects. Lighter card stock feels more like heavy paper, while heavier options give a really sturdy, high-quality impression. If I want something that feels luxurious or professional, I go for the thicker stock.
Finish Options: Matte, Glossy, or Textured
The finish can completely change how my project looks and feels. Matte finishes reduce glare and give a smooth, sophisticated look—great for business presentations or art prints. Glossy finishes make colors pop and look vibrant, which is perfect for photos or colorful posters. I’ve also tried textured finishes like linen or felt for invitations and found they add a unique tactile element that stands out.
Compatibility with Printers
I always double-check that the card stock will work with my printer—whether it’s inkjet or laser. Some card stocks are designed specifically for one or the other, and using the wrong type can cause jams or poor print quality. The 11 x 17 size can be tricky in some home printers, so I make sure my printer supports tabloid-sized media before buying.
Color and Brightness
The color of the card stock is another factor I consider. While white is the most common and versatile, I’ve experimented with cream, black, and even colored stocks for creative projects. Brightness affects how vibrant your printed colors appear. Higher brightness means sharper, more vivid prints, which is important if I’m working with detailed graphics or photographs.
Price vs. Quality
I’ve found that investing a bit more in quality card stock pays off in the final result. Cheaper card stocks can sometimes feel flimsy or may not print well. However, if I’m doing a bulk project or drafts, I sometimes opt for more affordable options. It’s all about balancing quality with budget depending on the project’s purpose.
Where to Buy 11 x 17 Card Stock
I usually buy my card stock online for the widest selection, but local office supply stores can be handy if I need it immediately. Some brands I trust for consistent quality include Hammermill, Neenah, and Strathmore. Reading reviews and checking samples when possible helps me avoid surprises.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always order a sample pack if you can before committing to a large quantity.
- Consider your project’s purpose: Is durability or appearance more important?
- Test print on the card stock before doing a full run to ensure colors and print quality meet your expectations.
- Store unused card stock flat and in a dry place to avoid warping or damage.
Choosing the right 11 x 17 card stock can elevate your project from ordinary to outstanding. Hopefully, my experience helps you make an informed choice that fits your creative needs perfectly!
Author Profile
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Hi, I’m Sachiko Ibanez. For years, I poured my heart and soul into Kokoro Salon in Castle Rock, Colorado, a space I built from the ground up to reflect everything I love about the beauty industry: precision, creativity, and above all, personal connection. Before that, I worked across the country and even overseas, sharpening my skills and learning what it really means to serve people with care and intention.
In 2025, something new called to me. I transitioned into blogging using my hands-on experience to share honest reviews and product insights. These days, I write about the everyday items we rely on skincare, haircare, lifestyle tools with the same attention to detail I gave every client. My goal? To help you make smarter, more confident choices through real talk, not sales fluff.
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