The standard playing card dimensions are 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 inches), commonly known as poker size and used for most playing cards, trading card games and custom card decks.
Different card formats, including bridge, tarot, mini, jumbo, and regional playing cards, use different dimensions depending on their intended purpose, handling requirements, artwork space and gameplay needs.
Playing card dimensions may seem handy until you start designing a custom deck, ordering packaging, printing trading cards or even choosing sleeves for your collection.
What are the Standard Playing Card Dimensions?
The standard playing card size (poker size) is 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 inches). You know that the most widely used playing card size is the poker card format.
- 2.5 × 3.5 inches
- 63.5 × 88.9 mm
The size mentioned above is used for:
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Texas Hold’em
- Magic: The Gathering
- Pokémon TCG
- Most custom card games
Because of its familiarity to audiences of all ages the poker size has become the global standard for playing cards.
Common Playing Cards with Complete Specifications
Do you want to learn about some other cool card dimensions, too? A quick overview of widely used playing card formats, including their standard dimensions and typical applications in gaming, casinos, and collectibles.
Poker Size Playing Cards
Poker-size cards are the global standard used in casinos, custom card games, and most commercial decks. Their balanced proportions make them ideal for shuffling, dealing and sleeve compatibility. That is the main reason which is why they dominate both the gaming and printing industries worldwide.
Specifications:
- Height: 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.4
- Corner Radius: 3 – 3.5 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.28 – 0.32 mm
- Bleed Area: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 4–5 mm
Bridge Size Playing Cards
Bridge cards are designed specifically for the game of bridge where players hold a large number of cards at once. The slightly narrower width improves grip comfort and allows better fanning. To some extent this feature makes it easier for players to view multiple cards simultaneously without strain.
Specifications:
- Height: 57 × 88.9 mm (2.25 × 3.5 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.56
- Corner Radius: 3 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.28 – 0.32 mm
- Bleed Area: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 4–5 mm
Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are used for divination, storytelling and symbolic interpretation. Their larger size allows for detailed artwork, visual storytelling and clearer symbolic elements. These types of small details are essential for reading spreads and interpretations.
Specifications:
- Height: 70 × 121 mm (2.75 × 4.75 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.73
- Corner Radius: 3.5 – 4 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.30 – 0.35 mm
- Bleed Area: 3–5 mm
- Safe Zone: 5 mm
Pokémon Trading Card Game (Pokémon TCG)
Pokémon cards are one of the most popular trading card game formats in the world. They use the standard poker-size dimensions, making them compatible with most sleeves and storage systems. These cards are designed for competitive gameplay, collecting, and long-term preservation.
Specifications:
- Height: 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.4
- Corner Radius: 3 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.30 – 0.33 mm
- Bleed Area: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 5 mm
Magic: The Gathering (MTG)
This one of the oldest and most complex trading card games. Its cards follow standard poker dimensions to maintain consistency across global tournaments and deck-building systems. The design focuses on clarity, readability and competitive usability.
Specifications:
- Height: 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.4
- Corner Radius: 3 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.30 – 0.33 mm
- Bleed Area: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 5 mm
Yu-Gi-Oh! Cards
Yu-Gi-Oh! cards are smaller than standard trading cards and are designed for fast-paced gameplay. The reduced width allows compact deck handling while still maintaining enough space for artwork, effects and gameplay text.
Specifications:
- Height: 59 × 86 mm
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.46
- Corner Radius: 3 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.27 – 0.30 mm
- Bleed Area: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 4–5 mm
Flesh and Blood TCG
Flesh and Blood is a modern competitive trading card game designed for tactical, hero-based gameplay. It uses standard poker-size dimensions to ensure compatibility with sleeves, deck boxes, and organized play systems worldwide.
Specifications:
- Height: 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.4
- Corner Radius: 3 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.30 – 0.33 mm
- Bleed Area: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 5 mm
Mini Playing Cards
Mini cards are used for travel games, promotional decks, and compact packaging solutions. Their smaller size makes them highly portable but slightly harder to read which is why they are mostly used for casual or novelty purposes.
Specifications:
- Height: 44 × 63 mm
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.43
- Corner Radius: 2.5 – 3 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.25 – 0.30 mm
- Bleed Area: 2–3 mm
- Safe Zone: 3–4 mm
Jumbo Playing Cards
Jumbo cards are oversized versions used for teaching, exhibitions, stage performances, and promotional displays. Their large surface area improves visibility making them ideal for group demonstrations and learning environments.
Specifications:
- Height: 89 × 127 mm (3.5 × 5 in)
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.42
- Corner Radius: 4–5 mm
- Card Thickness: 0.35 – 0.40 mm
- Bleed Area: 3–5 mm
- Safe Zone: 6 mm
Regional Playing Cards (Skat, Scopa, Hanafuda)
Different regions have developed unique playing card formats based on traditional games and cultural design systems. These cards often vary in shape, size and artwork style compared to Western decks.
German Skat Cards
Used in Central Europe for trick-taking games, designed for clarity and quick recognition.
- Height: 59 × 91 mm
- Corner Radius: 3 mm
- Thickness: 0.28–0.32 mm
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.54
- Bleed: 3 mm
- Safe Zone: 4–5 mm
Italian Scopa Cards
Traditional Italian deck used in classic regional games slightly elongated for better card visibility.
- Height: 50 × 95 mm
- Corner Radius: 2.5–3 mm
- Thickness: 0.26–0.30 mm
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 1.9
- Bleed: 2–3 mm
- Safe Zone: 4 mm
Japanese Hanafuda Cards
Small and decorative floral cards used in traditional Japanese games, focusing more on symbolism than numbers.
- Height: 54 × 35 mm
- Corner Radius: 2–2.5 mm
- Thickness: 0.25–0.28 mm
- Aspect Ratio: 1 : 0.65
- Bleed: 2 mm
- Safe Zone: 3 mm
Quick Reference Playing Card Size Chart with Standard Dimensions by Card Type
Many people get confused by the different dimensions but don’t worry. We have done the research and gathered all the essential information to help you understand the available options clearly.
This chart gives a quick overview of commonly used playing card sizes across different formats, including standard casino decks and popular collectible card systems.
| Card Type | Inches | Millimeters |
| Poker | 2.5 × 3.5 | 63.5 × 88.9 mm |
| Bridge | 2.25 × 3.5 | 57 × 89 mm |
| Tarot | 2.75 × 4.75 | 70 × 121 mm |
| Mini Cards | 1.75 × 2.5 | 44 × 63 mm |
| Jumbo Cards | 3.5 × 5 | 89 × 127 mm |
| Yu-Gi-Oh | 2.25 × 3.125 | 59 × 86 mm |
| Hanafuda | 2.13 × 1.38 | 54 × 35 mm |
These dimensions are widely used across casinos, board games and collectible card systems where slight variations may occur depending on manufacturer standards and regional preferences.
For instance, you can even check the size of your own deck by measuring it against this chart.
Why are Standard Playing Cards 2.5 × 3.5 Inches?
The modern poker card size became popular through American card manufacturers during the late 19th century. That’s amazing, right? The dimensions and card styles we see today can actually be traced back to the late 1900s.
The dimensions provided a balance between:
- Easy shuffling
- Comfortable handling
- Adequate artwork space
- Efficient printing layouts
Over time, casinos, card manufacturers, and game publishers adopted the format, making it the industry standard.
Today, most custom card games use poker-sized cards because accessories such as sleeves, deck boxes, and storage solutions are readily available.
Playing Card Dimensions in Pixels at 300 DPI: Print-Ready Size Guide
For designers, pixel dimensions at 300 DPI are essential for creating print-ready playing card artwork. These values represent the standard trim size before adding bleed, ensuring accurate scaling for professional printing.
| Card Type | Pixel Dimensions |
| Poker | 750 × 1050 px |
| Bridge | 675 × 1050 px |
| Tarot | 825 × 1425 px |
| Mini Card | 525 × 750 px |
| Jumbo Card | 1050 × 1500 px |
These pixel sizes help maintain sharp print quality and correct proportions when converting physical card dimensions into digital design files for production.
What are the Tuck Box Dimensions for Playing Cards?
Card dimensions directly affect tuck box dimensions.
Standard Poker Deck Tuck Box
For a 52-card deck: Approximately 66 × 92 × 20 mm
Tarot Card Tuck Box
For a 78-card tarot deck: Approximately 73 × 124 × 28 mm
Trading Card Deck Box
For a sleeved 100-card deck: Approximately 75 × 100 × 80 mm
Always account for card count, sleeve thickness, and inserts when designing custom packaging.
Insights: If you are ready to create your own custom playing cards, consider the standard poker-sized dimensions as a starting point. Later on, just discuss the details with right packaging experts to ensure an optimal fit for your unique deck.
How to Choose the Right Playing Card Size?
The ideal card size depends on the intended use. But for your more clear understanding, let’s break down some key factors:
Choose Poker Size If:
- You are creating a custom card game
- You need maximum accessory compatibility
- You want the industry standard
Choose Bridge Size If:
- Players will hold many cards simultaneously
- Hand comfort is a priority
How Choose Tarot Size If:
- Artwork presentation matters most
- Larger text is required
Choose Mini Cards If:
- Portability is important
- The game requires compact components
Final Thoughts
Playing card dimensions affect much more than the card itself. The size of a card influences handling, shuffling, storage, sleeve compatibility, artwork layout, tuck box design, and manufacturing costs. While poker cards remain the global standard at 2.5 × 3.5 inches, numerous formats serve specialized purposes, from bridge and tarot cards to modern trading card games.
FAQs
What is the standard size of a playing card?
The standard poker card size is 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm).
What size are Pokémon cards?
Pokémon cards use standard poker dimensions: 63.5 × 88.9 mm.
What size are Yu-Gi-Oh! cards?
Yu-Gi-Oh! cards measure approximately 59 × 86 mm.
Why are bridge cards narrower?
Bridge players hold 13 cards at once, making narrower cards easier to fan and manage.
What size sleeve fits standard playing cards?
Most poker-size cards fit sleeves measuring approximately 66 × 91 mm.
What is the ideal bleed for custom playing cards?
Most printers recommend a 3 mm bleed around all sides of the card artwork.
