The heartfelt feeling of pleasure in-game cards is centered within the symmetry of their size and shape. It also demands clarity in font, superiority in its design, and a joyful color scheme. Well, you might be surprised that the simple outlook of these cards needs a very detailed focus from their creators. This card guide covers everything. Just give it a read!!
An interesting thing that you must know before getting your dream cards is their parameters. Here, unlike the ‘dimensions of a box’, you need to know only the width and height. The remaining factors usually depend on the paper stock and material you use to make these cards.
You need to know the right measure for your cards. The point is supported by multiple factors. Top of the list are:
That might not seem as important to most of the card makers. However, the thickness, length, and height of the cards impact the user experience. It might make them feel comfortable, and the scenario can be reciprocal.
Great durability means your endless pleasure or gaming passion will last longer. What a beautiful feeling! By knowing the size dimension, your cards can become super entertaining. High durability and good features like perfect size dimensions win customers' hearts and boost sales.
There is a standard card size that is universally accepted, which aims to ensure consistency in all games. For a perfect card, dimensions include a few more factors, including the margin size, edges, and bleed.
| Standard Playing Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Feature | Details |
| Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 inches (63.5 mm x 88.9 mm or 6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) |
| Corners | Rounded corners with a radius of approximately 3 mm to 4 mm (1/8 inch) |
| Edges | Smooth and clean edges; avoid placing any design elements at the very edge |
| Bleed Area | 1/8 inch (0.125 inches or 3 mm) on all sides to prevent cutting errors |
| Margins (Safe Zone) | Keep critical content at least 1/8 inch (3 mm) inside the trim line. Final safe area: approx. 2.25 x 3.25 inches |
| Printing Tip | With expert printers like MyBoxPrinting, you can focus on design while we handle all the card sizing standards professionally. |
Poker-size cards are the most widely used playing cards globally, measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63.5 mm x 88.9 mm). The thickness typically ranges between 0.3 mm to 0.35 mm (about 12 to 14 pt), depending on the card stock and coating.
Dimensions in Different Measurements Are As Follows:
Inches: 2.5" x 3.5"
mm: 63.5 mm x 88.8 mm
cm: 6.35 cm x 8.89 cm
Pixel: 750 x 1050 px (at DPI 300)
Poker-sized cards are the standard in casinos worldwide due to their balanced size. They are large enough for clear visibility and small enough for easy handling. They are also a favorite among magicians for sleight of hand and cardistry due to their manageable size and smooth handling. For casual home use, poker-sized decks offer versatility for various card games.
| Summary of Poker Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 2.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Trim Size | Actual card size after trimming is 2.5 x 3.5 inches |
| Bleed | Add 0.125 inches on each side (total file size becomes 2.75 x 3.75 inches) |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | Keep design elements at least 0.125 inches inside the trim line (safe zone is about 2.25 x 3.25 inches) |
| Corners | Rounded corners with a radius of 3–4 mm (1/8 inch) for smoother shuffling |
Bridge-size cards are slightly narrower than poker cards, measuring 2.25 inches by 3.5 inches (57 mm x 89 mm), with similar thicknesses to poker cards, generally around 0.3 mm.
Summary of Bridge Card Size Dimensions in Different Units:
Inches: 2.25" x 3.5"
mm: 5.72 mm x 8.89 mm
cm: 57.15 cm x 88.9 cm
Pixel: 675 x 1050 (at 300 DPI)
Bridge cards are preferred by players of the game of Bridge and other card games that require holding larger hands of cards at once. Their narrower width makes it easier to hold multiple cards comfortably. Collectors also often prefer bridge sizes for certain vintage decks and specialty prints.
| Summary of Bridge Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 2.25 in × 3.5 in (5.72 × 8.89 cm) |
| Trim Size | Actual size of the card after cutting |
| Bleed | File size with bleed: 2.75 in × 3.75 in (6.99 × 9.53 cm) |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 2.0 in × 3.25 in (5.08 × 8.25 cm); keep all content within this area to avoid trimming |
| Corners | ~3–4 mm (~1/8 in) rounded corners for smooth shuffling and safe handling |
1. Mini Cards
Often used for travel or novelty decks. They are compact and portable but can be harder to handle for some players.
Inches: 1.75" x 2.5"
cm: 4.45 cm x 6.35 cm
mm: 44.45 mm x 63.5 mm
Pixels: 525 x 750 (at 300 DPI)
2. Jumbo Cards
Typically larger than poker size, ranging roughly from 3.5 inches by 5 inches (88.9 mm x 12.7 mm) or bigger.
Inches: 3.5 x 5
cm: 8.89 cm x 12.7 cm
mm: 88.9 mm x 127 mm
Pixels: 1050 x 1500 (at 300 DPI)
Tarot cards are generally larger than standard playing cards, with common sizes around 2.75 x 4.75 inches (70 x 120 mm). The larger size accommodates detailed artwork and symbolism used in tarot reading. The table represents a complete size chart for small and large cards:
Summary of the Dimensions of Tarot Cards in Different Units:
Inches: 2.75" x 4.75"
mm: 7 mm x 12 mm
cm: 70 cm x 120 cm
Pixel: 825 x 1425 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of Tarot Card Dimensions | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Aspect | Standard Size Cards | Large Size Tarot | Notes |
| Final Size | 2.75 in × 4.75 in (7.0 × 12.1 cm) | 3.0 in × 5.25 in (7.62 × 13.34 cm) | Common sizes of traditional Tarot cards |
| Bleed | 3.0 in × 5.0 in (7.62 × 12.7 cm) | 3.25 in × 5.5 in (8.26 × 14.0 cm) | Final size + 0.125 in (3 mm) bleed on all sides |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 2.5 in × 4.5 in (6.35 × 11.43 cm) | 2.75 in × 5.0 in (6.99 × 12.7 cm) | Keep all design elements within this area |
| Corners | 3–4 mm (~1/8 in) rounded corners | ~3–4 mm (~1/8 in) rounded corners | Rounded corners ensure smooth shuffling |
Popular trading cards are Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, and Yu-Gi-Oh! They follow a slightly smaller standard than poker cards, typically 2.5 x 3.5 inches (63.5 x 88.9 mm), though some variations exist, especially in Japanese markets (like Yu-Gi-Oh! cards being a bit shorter). Mostly, they come in standard sizes. See the table to quickly get through its dimensions:
Summary of Trading Card Dimension in Different Units:
Inches: 2.5" × 3.5"
mm: 63 mm x 88 mm
cm: 6.35 cm × 8.89 cm
Pixel: 744 X 1038 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of Trading Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 2.5 in × 3.5 in (6.35 × 8.89 cm) Matches standard poker card dimensions globally |
| Bleed | 2.75 in × 3.75 in (7.0 × 9.53 cm) Includes standard 0.125 in (3 mm) on all sides |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 2.25 in × 3.25 in (5.72 × 8.25 cm) Keeps all critical design elements inside the cut line |
| Corners | ~3–4 mm (~1/8 in) rounded corners Improves durability and safe handling |
Bicycle cards are the iconic, widely recognized playing cards produced by the United States Playing Card Company. They follow the standard poker size of 2.5 x 3.5 inches, making them comfortable for shuffling, dealing, and gameplay.
Summary of Dimension in Different Units:
Inches: 2.5" x 3.5"
cm: 6.35 cm x 8.89 cm
mm: 63.5 mm x 88.9 mm
Pixels: 750 x 1050 (at 300 DPI)
| Bicycle Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Unit | Dimensions |
| Inches | 2.5 × 3.5 in |
| Centimeters (cm) | 6.35 × 8.89 cm |
| Millimeters (mm) | 63.5 × 88.9 mm |
| Pixels (300 DPI) | 750 × 1050 px |
Educational Cards are available in different sizes, but there is a standard size (3.5 x 5.75 inches) for them as well. The following summaries tell you everything about these cards:
Summary of Educational Cards Dimension in Different Units:
Inches: 3.5" x 5.75"
mm: 89 x 146 mm
cm: 8.9 x 14.6 cm
Pixel: 900 x 1500 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of Educational Cards Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 3" × 5" (76.2 mm × 127 mm) |
| Bleed | 0.125" (3.175 mm) on all sides |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 0.125" (3.175 mm) inside from the trim edge |
| Corners | Rounded corners with a radius of 3 mm to 5 mm |
A trump card is commonly used in many trick-taking games that outranks cards of other ranks during play. These cards can win a trick and help you make your game. We make these cards in various sizes. But the dimensions of its standard size are 2.5" × 3.5", 63.5 mm × 88.9 mm, or 6.35 cm × 8.89 cm. See
Summary of Trump Cards Dimensions in Different Units:
Inches: 2.5" × 3.5"
mm: 63.5 mm × 88.9 mm
cm: 63.5 cm × 88.9 cm
Pixel: 750 x 1050 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of Trump Cards Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 2.5" × 3.5" (63.5 mm × 88.9 mm) |
| Bleed | 0.125" (3.175 mm) on all sides |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 0.125" (3.175 mm) inside from the trim edge |
| Corners | Rounded corners with a radius of 3 mm to 4 mm |
They are an example of trading cards, also known as collectibles and customizable cards. MTG cards are strategically popular in the trading card game created by Wizards of the Coast. Each card represents spells, creatures, artifacts, or lands with unique abilities and artwork. Its common size includes 2.49" × 3.46, 63.3 mm × 88 mm, and 6.33 cm × 8.8 cm.
Summary of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Cards Dimensions in Different Units
Inches: 2.49" × 3.46"
mm: 63.3 mm × 88 mm
cm: 6.33 cm × 8.8 cm
Pixel: 447 x 1038 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 2.49" × 3.46" (63.3 mm × 88 mm) |
| Bleed | 0.125" (3.175 mm) on all sides |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 0.125" (3.175 mm) inside from the trim edge |
| Corners | Rounded corners with a radius of 3 mm to 4 mm |
These cards help us to learn concepts faster. They have two sides; one displays a question, word, and image, while the other answers. It’s the graphics on these cards that help memorize things faster. They come in various sizes, but the most accepted ones are 3" × 5", 76.2 mm × 127 mm, and 7.62 cm × 1.27 cm.
Summary of Flash Cards: Dimensions in Different Units:
Inches: 3" × 5"
mm: 76.2 mm × 127 mm
cm: 7.62 cm × 12.7 cm
Pixel: 900 x 1500 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of Magic: The Gathering (MTG) Card Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final Size | 2.49" × 3.46" (63.3 mm × 88 mm) |
| Bleed | 0.125" (3.175 mm) on all sides |
| Margin (Safe Zone) | 0.125" (3.175 mm) inside from the trim edge |
| Corners | Rounded corners with a radius of 3 mm to 4 mm |
These cards are known for their unique shape. Unlike other types of cards, they all have equal sides (2.5 x 2.5 inches), (63.5 mm × 63.5 mm), and (6.35 cm × 6.35 cm). The perfect symmetry of these cards ensures better design and printing options.
Summary of Square Playing Cards Dimensions in Different Units:
Inches: 2.5" × 2.5"
mm: 63.5 mm × 63.5 mm
cm: 6.35 cm x 6.3 cm
Pixel: 750 x 750 (DPI)
| Summary of Square Playing Cards Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final size | 2.5" × 2.5" (63.5 mm × 63.5 mm) |
| Bleed | 0.125" (3.175 mm) |
| Margin | 0.125" (3.175 mm) |
| Corners | 3 mm to 5 mm |
Unlike the standard Poker cards, the European cards have many unique features, including Bells, Hearts, Leaves, and Acorns. They are available in many different sizes, but their standard and most accepted sizes include 2.3" × 3.6", 58 mm × 92 mm, and 5.8 x 9.2 cm.
Summary of European Playing Cards Dimensions in Different Units:
Inches: 2.3" × 3.6"
mm: 58 mm × 92 mm
cm: 5.8 cm × 9.2 cm
Pixel: 690 X 1080 (at 300 DPI)
| Summary of European Playing Cards Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Specification | Details |
| Final size | 2.3" × 3.6" (58 mm × 92 mm) |
| Bleed | 0.125" (3.175 mm) |
| Margin | 0.125" (3.175 mm) |
| Corners | 3 mm to 4 mm |
The card design and shape versatility also take into account the thickness and material. Thickness is usually measured in points (pt) or mil. Simply put, one point is the 1000th part of an inch. It means if you have data in inches, you can multiply it by 0.0001. Bingo! You succeed in measuring the thickness of cards in pt. Wondering about mil? Its standard value often falls between 0.2mm and 0.24 mm.
As we move from one type of card design to another, the thickness varies. Take a close look at how it changes among these three examples.
1. Casino-Grade Cards
Usually range from 12 pt (0.012 inches / 0.30 mm) to 14 pt (0.014 inches / 0.36 mm). These cards strike a balance between durability and flexibility, making them ideal for professional use.
2. Standard Paper Cards
Often slightly thinner, around 10 pt (0.010 inches / 0.25 mm), which makes them easier to shuffle but less durable.
3. Premium or Collector Cards
Can be thicker, sometimes up to 16 pt (0.016 inches / 0.40 mm), offering enhanced sturdiness and a more luxurious feel.
Choosing the right card stock ensures that your deck not only looks professional but also stands up to repeated use. For common understanding, the greater the thickness of the card, the better its profile will be. Thicker ones are usually hard to resist and warp, and wear over time. But hard cards are usually damaging to hands and players' morale as well.
Here’s a breakdown of some popular card stock options along with their typical thicknesses:
1. Gaming Linen (GL29)
This widely favored card stock features a classic linen texture and measures about 0.33 mm thick. It is a staple in the board game and card game industries due to its sturdy build and tactile finish. GL29 cards also incorporate a blue core layer, which helps reduce transparency and enhances durability.
2. Premium Smooth (PS30)
Premium Smooth is the most commonly used card stock. It boasts a smooth surface and the same blue core that minimizes see-through. It’s also excellent for printing detailed photos or vibrant graphics.
3. Deluxe Smooth (DS33)
Slightly thinner at approximately 0.31 mm, Deluxe Smooth offers a premium feel with superior visual clarity. These cards are designed for those who want top-tier quality, with enhanced longevity and a luxurious hand feel, perfect for high-end game cards.
4. Casino Linen (CL31)
With a thickness of 0.31 mm, Casino Linen features a distinctive linen finish combined with micro air pockets that improve the card’s flexibility and handling. This stock is ideal for anyone seeking a premium, durable card with a classic feel.
Should you go for a thin card? Yes, this way you can feel easy while playing the game as it's less harsh on the skin. What if one of the players bent it while stressed or excited? It might damage the whole set one after another in a few days. Then, you need to rush towards a new cardboard box with good dimensions! Moderation is the key to success. Neither too thick nor too thin, has the best one become the standard? Follow it with our professional and go for the best, without any inconvenience.
In addition to knowing the dimensions of a playing card, paying attention to the choice of the material also matters. Here are some examples that tell very clearly how material impacts the standard size.
Paper cards are standard playing cards made from cardstock paper. It's often coated with varnish and lacquer for unparalleled protection. They are lightweight, flexible, and absorb moisture over time. So they are usually available in standard sizes.
Plastic-coated cards are tear-free and more durable than paper stock and cardboard material. These game cards are made slightly thicker and coated with a plastic layer. You can use the same material for card decks to make them more protective. The plastic coating makes it possible to manufacture them with thin materials.
These cards are made with sustainable materials. They are easy on the hands and the environment as well. Business cards are the best example of this. They are light and unmatched, just like your business idea.
The design of playing cards plays a great role in gameplay as well as in user experience. Well-designed cards help readability.
1. Be simple and purposeful.
2. Use high-contrast colors so that symbols and numbers are clear.
3. Add artwork to give your deck some personality, artwork that is unique and memorable.
4. Make sure the card backs have a seamless, symmetrical pattern to shuffle.
5. Check colors and details in print, before final production, with test designs.
6. Look at the cardstock finish to increase durability and tactile feel.
Cultural traditions and gaming preferences dictate playing card sizes all over the world. Here is a table showing region region-wise popularity of playing cards.
| Playing Card Sizes by Region | |
|---|---|
| Region | Playing Card Sizes |
| USA |
|
| Europe |
|
| Asia |
|
MyBoxPrinting allows a variety of specialty options for playing card boxes and packaging. Here is a quick overview of them:
Foil Stamping: This special printing option brings a luxurious and eye-catching finish to full and boring playing cards.
Embossing / Debossing: This printing effect often leaves a sense of luxury on items. You can either get your cards fully or partially embossed.
Spot UV Coating: Against a matte background, spot UV coating gives a glossy shine. This way, it beautifies the cards.
Soft-touch Coating: It gives cards a soft velvety look to give them a royal appearance.
Holographic Foils: By reflecting light, holographic printing comes out to be the best possible printing style that lets you shine through.
What is the standard playing card size?
The standard playing card size is 2.5 x 3.5 inches (63.5 x 88.9 mm).
Does a bicycle playing card have the same size?
Yes, bicycle cards follow the same dimensions as the other business cards and poker cards.
Can I purchase by telling just the specific card name?
We don't make a single card; rather, our customers have to buy a full deck (52 playing cards). You can tell our experts just the type of cards (take their name). They have a complete understanding of their proper sizes and designs.
Why are poker cards shuffling so easily?
The shuffling of cards becomes so easy when they are smooth and soft. Plastic coating and varnish keep the material light, but cards remain durable. Poker made with such techniques is always easy to shuffle and customer-friendly.
Do people ask for different dimensions for bicycle Decks?
People usually go for standards and predefined sizes, but for special demands, you can request customization.
What are TCG cards? Tell me about their average size.
TCG (Trading Card Game) cards like Pokémon or Magic are usually 2.5 x 3.5 inches.
What is a deck of cards?
A full set of 52 playing cards (plus jokers sometimes) is called a deck of cards.
What is a playing card dimension pixels?
Around 750 x 1050 pixels at 300 DPI (print quality) is standard.
Is it worth buying a custom playing card?
It's all up to customers, but of course, customization gives you full freedom to make a card look like your dream one.
Why is 5X7 often taken as the standard card size?
This is the common size of greeting cards, not the playing cards. 5x7 is the size of an envelope as well.
Playing cards may seem like something small that just amuses the players. Different playing cards such as poker, trading, and tarot cards help durability and quality shout for your dedication to clients.
Whether you are a casual player or making millions in the gaming industry, MyBoxPrinting is your best partners, providing you with custom packaging for all types of playing cards. Our professionals know fairly well how the exact size makes your cards splendid. We excel in transforming your every card box into a masterpiece.
Feel free to contact us and explore the standard size dimensions right here
