Guide · 31 Oct 2026
Choosing carton board thickness
What 14pt, 18pt and 24pt mean and how to pick board for your product.
Paperboard thickness is measured in points (pt): one point is one thousandth of an inch. 18pt board is 0.018 in thick.
| Thickness | Feels like | Typical use (rule of thumb) |
|---|---|---|
| 14pt | Thin, flexible | Very small, light cartons: lip balm, sachets |
| 16pt | Light but firm | Small cosmetics, cards, light retail |
| 18pt | The everyday carton | Most products under about a pound |
| 20pt | Stiffer | Taller cartons, bottles, larger candles |
| 24pt | Rigid-feeling | Heavier or larger cartons, premium feel |
When to leave paperboard
If the box ships on its own or carries real weight, corrugated board is the better choice. E-flute (about 1/16 in) prints nearly as cleanly as paperboard and is much stronger; B-flute (about 1/8 in) is for heavier loads.
Board type matters as much as thickness: see all materials. Leave the board blank in the quote form and we recommend one for your product.