How Much Does One Square of White Cardboard Cost?

Last Updated on March 31, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

Whether using white cardboard for packaging prototypes, retail displays, school projects, or DIY crafts, knowing the cost per square foot or sheet allows proper budgeting. But how much does a single square of white cardboard actually cost?

In this guide, we’ll go over the main factors impacting white cardboard pricing across grades, thicknesses, and finishes. Understanding cost dynamics and smart buying strategies will help you source the right cardboard for your specific applications and budget.

How Much Does One Square of White Cardboard Cost?

On average, the cost for one square of white cardboard ranges from just $0.10 per square foot on the very low end, up to $1.00+ for premium boards. However, truly optimizing material purchases based on needs rather than estimates can yield significant savings on volume orders.

White cardboard spans a wide spectrum of grades, weights, and finishes – each with pricing implications:

White Chipboard

• Heavyweight paperboard around 30 pt thickness (~0.030”)
• Holds shape well, provides rigidity
• $0.25 – $1.00+ per square foot

White Cardstock

• Lighter “card paper” stock
• 60-120 lb. density (0.006-0.012” thick)
• Flexible and thin
• $0.10 – $0.30 per square foot

Coated White Boards

• Extra glossy, matte, or UV coating
• Enhanced durability and printability
• $0.30 – $1.00+ per square foot

Clearly, heavier chipboard and coated boards command higher per square foot pricing over standard flexible cardstock. But even basic white cardstock can be sourced for just $0.10-0.15 per square foot in bulk.

According to Boxforless.com, single-wall corrugated cardboard sheets range from $0.32 for an 8×10-inch sheet to $0.48 for a 9×9-inch sheet. Custom sizes are also available upon request. For larger quantities, prices may decrease due to bulk discounts.

Walmart offers square cardboard boxes, such as a 24-piece set of 7.5×7.5×3.5 cm white cardboard boxes, starting at $16.08. These are ideal for small-scale projects or packaging needs.

On Paper Mart, white cardboard boxes are available at wholesale prices, with some options starting as low as $0.08 per box. This site is particularly useful for bulk purchases, offering a variety of sizes and styles.

Lastly, Rito lists square white cardboard boxes with varying heights and sizes, starting at $7.05 for a set of seven pieces. This option is suitable for those needing multiple sizes in one purchase.

What is a White Cardboard?

White cardboard refers to rigid paperboard sheets made from bleached pulp to achieve a bright, consistent white surface and appearance. The main classifications include:

• White Chipboard – Dense, heavyweight paperboard around 0.010 – 0.024” thick. Provides rigidity.
• White Cardstock – Lighter “card paper” ranging from 0.006 – 0.018” thickness. More flexible.
• Coated White Boards – Chipboard or cardstock coated in gloss, matte, or UV finishes. Enhanced durability and printability.

Thanks to its smooth white surface and low cost, white cardboard offers versatility for packaging, printing, arts and crafts, displays, models, and more. But variables in thickness, coating, quality, and size impact per square foot pricing considerably.

Unit of Measurement

When discussing white cardboard costs, pricing is based on square units of measurement:

• Square Inch – A 1” x 1” section. Often used when buying full sheets.
• Square Foot – A 12” x 12” section. Common for bulk ordering.
• Square Meter – Roughly a 3’ x 3’ section. Used mainly in scientific/industrial contexts.

To illustrate standard units, a 12”x12” presentation board equals one square foot. A 24”x36” poster equals two square feet. Individual sheets may be priced per unit rather than bulk squares. Carefully calculating required areas in consistent units allows accurate cost estimates and purchasing.

What Impacts White Cardboard Pricing?

Several factors affect quoted price per square foot when sourcing white cardboard:

• Material Quality – Virgin pulp costs more than recycled fiber content.
• Density/Thickness – Heavier paperboard is pricier than thinner cardstock of the same size.
• Coatings – Gloss, matte, UV, and other specialty coatings add cost over uncoated.
• Retail vs. Bulk – Pre-cut consumer retail sheets cost more per square foot than bulk custom-ordered material.
• Printed vs. Blank – Pre-printed graphics or branding increase costs over blank.
• Order Volume – Buying larger total square footage in bulk lowers cost per unit.

Thicker, heavier, coated, printed, and retail-packaged boards all raise quoted pricing over buying uncoated blank cardboard in bulk. But sufficient volume discounts can make even premium stocks affordable for large projects or ongoing packaging needs.

Average Costs (Per Square Foot)

On average across the full range of white cardboard grades, expect to spend:

• Recycled Chipboard/Cardstock – $0.10 to $0.25 per square foot
• Standard Cardstock Sheets – $0.20 to $0.50 per square foot
• Premium Coated Cardstock – $0.40 to $1.00+ per square foot

However, true wholesale costs directly from paper mills and manufacturers can be 60% less than retail rates found at craft stores – provided you buy full skids or pallets rather than packs of 10 sheets.

Where to Buy White Cardboard

White cardboard is readily available from:

• Craft Retailers – Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Joann Fabrics, Blick Art Supplies
• Office Supply Chains – Staples, Office Depot, OfficeMax
• Big Box Stores – Walmart, Target, warehouse clubs
• Online – Uline, Grainger, Paper Mart, Amazon Business

If you only need a few sheets for small scale use, local art and office supply stores offer convenience. But for volume production runs, buying full skids directly from manufacturers provides the best bulk value.

Total Cost for Any Custom Size

To determine the total spend for your specific white cardboard need:

1. Measure length x width to calculate area in total square inches/feet/meters
2. Factor in number of sheets/panels required
3. Multiply total area by $/square foot quoted pricing
4. Add 10-20% overage to account for cutting waste/spoilage

For example, say you need 50 sheets of white cardstock cut to 24” x 36” (2 square feet per sheet). At a quoted price of $0.50 per square foot, the math would be:

• 2 sq ft per sheet
• X 50 sheets
• X $0.50 per sq ft
• = $50 total

Then add 10% ($5) to account for cutting margins and waste cost for the project.

Carefully entering dimensions and quantities into this basic formula will give highly accurate price estimates.

White Cardboard vs Other Materials

How does white cardboard stack up against other display, printing, and modeling materials in terms of cost and performance?

• Foam Board – More rigid and durable but two to three times the cost
• Corrugated Board – Much cheaper but not smooth enough for fine graphics and details
• Poster Board – Decorative but less versatile and sturdy over time

White cardboard balances affordable cost efficiency with sufficient durability for light- to medium-duty applications requiring a smooth, bright white surface. It provides an ideal canvas for temporary yet polished presentation needs.

Saving on White Cardboard

Here are some tips to secure the best deals when sourcing white cardboard:

• Buy in full bulk sheets rather than pre-cut retail packs
• Downgauge to slightly thinner cardstock if maximum rigidity is not essential
• Consider recycled or eco-friendly materials to potentially lower costs further
• Take advantage of volume discounts, coupons, and member-only promotions from craft retailers
• Avoid excessive overage by carefully calculating project needs

With smart buying practices tailored to your specific application, white cardboard can be purchased very cost-effectively even on tight budgets.

Expert Tips

“Don’t just default to the white cardboard options you see in the hobby and craft store aisles. There exists a far wider selection of professional grades and sizes at paper distributors and packaging suppliers. Ask for free samples to make informed decisions based on your specific application, handling needs, and budget realities. The cheapest option isn’t always the best value in the long run.”

– Bradley Dunn, Packaging Engineer at Sealed Air Corporation

“Think ahead when budgeting projects or ordering prototypes — plan for potential spoilage, overages, and spare materials beyond your base needs. Depending on complexity, you may realistically need to purchase 15-20% extra white cardboard to account for cutting inaccuracies or markup mistakes. Avoid resoling new orders for more materials due to lack of initial planning.”

– Amanda Lewis, Design Consultant at Graphics Central

“Don’t equate cheap with poor quality when it comes to white cardboard grades. Thanks to economies of scale, recycled paperboard and lighter cardstock options provide incredibly cost-effective solutions for temporary retail displays, packaging, and models. You can find quality white cardboard for under 25 cents per square foot if you know where to look and how to ask.”

– Jordan Wu, Purchasing Manager at DisplaySource

Final Words

Overall, white cardboard costs between just 10 cents up to $1.00+ per square foot depending on precise specifications required. With such wide variability in pricing, thoroughly researching options for your particular application and sourcing the most cost-effective grade that still meets functional needs is key to maximizing budget.

And leverage the full selection available from paper companies, distributors, and wholesalers beyond just what retails stores stock – the savings add up rapidly. With the right strategic approach, virtually any project or prototyping involving white cardboard can be achieved affordably.

Answers to Common Questions

Is cardboard a cost-effective material?

Yes, cardboard is highly cost-effective compared to wood, plastic, or metal while providing durability for lighter-duty applications. The low cost per square foot makes it accessible.

Is cardboard considered an environmentally friendly material?

Cardboard is renewable, recyclable, and biodegradable. Many companies use recycled cardboard to lower costs and environmental impact.

What types of printing, painting, or coloring look best on white cardboard?

White cardboard provides a bright, consistent base for any type of printing, paints, markers, or coloring. It displays colors better than natural cardboard.