You are so used to seeing playing cards that their size might seem an insignificant detail. But honestly, playing card size isn’t just a trivial detail. It has a huge impact on several things, like how the cards feel in your hands, how easy they are to shuffle, how they print, and even how you work with them for games or magic tricks.
Whether you are designing a customized card deck, ordering printed playing cards, or just curious about the shapes and numbers, knowing your way around playing cards is worth your time. In fact, it can save you some costly printing or buying mistakes.
So, let’s give some serious focus to playing card dimensions. In this article, we walk you through the card-size terms you see around, like bleeds, corner radius, and caliper. Then we show you the most common playing card sizes, with tips for design files.
Let’s get this card-size game going!
A Quick Overview of Different Card Sizes
| Card Type | Dimension (Inches) | Dimension (Millimeters) | Typical uses |
| Poker Card Size / Standard Playing Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | Standard games, Casinos |
| Bridge Card Size | 2.25 x 3.5 | 57 x 88 | Bridge games, Table games like Texas Hold’em |
| Trading Card Size / TCG Card Size (Standard) | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | Pokémon TCG, Board games, Magic: The Gathering, Sports/Baseball cards. |
| European / French Playing Card Size Skat Card Size | 2.32 x 3.58 / 2.24 x 3.5 / 2.4 x 3.8 | 59 x 91 / 57 x 89 / 61 x 97 | Standard European games, Pinochle, Bridge, & International games. |
| Pinochle Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | Pinochle game, Tournaments, Senior centers. |
| Trump Card Size | 2.44 x 3.94 | 62 x 100 | Trump games, Education, Promotional, & Custom Prototyping |
| Mini Card Size | 1.75 x 2.5 | 44 x 63 | Travel, Souvenirs, Children’s games, Novelty, & Custom board games. |
| Mini European Card Size | 1.73 x 2.64 | 44 x 67 | Board games like Ticket to Ride, Travel, & Educational flashcards. |
| Micro Card Size | 1.25 x 1.75 | 32 x 45 | Travel, Magic, Novelty cards, Children’s games |
| US Game Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 (Alternative: 2.2″ x 3.43″ | 63 x 88 (Alternative: 55 x 87 | Standard play, TCG, like Pokémon, Magic, Premium board games |
| Mini US Game Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 (Alternative: 2.2″ x 3.43″ | 63 x 88 (Alternative: 55 x 87 | Travel cards, Prototyping, Custom board games, & Promotional |
| Tarot Card Size | 2.75 x 4.75 | 70 x 120 | Medication, Readings, Art imagery, & Traditional card games. |
| Oracle Card Size | 3.5 x 5.0 | 89 x 127 | Meditation, Spiritual guidance, Storytelling, & Art |
| Jumbo Card Size / Double Poker Playing Cards | 3.5 x 5.0 | 89 x 127 | Large games, Promotional games, Magic, Props, Low Vision |
| Large Card Size / Educational Card Size | 3.5 x 5.75 | 89 x 146 | Detailed Cards, Schooling. |
| Square Card Size | Small: 2.5 x 2.5 Large: 3 x 3 | Small: 63 x 63 Large 76 x 76 | Board games, Grid games, & Children’s games. |
| Hanafuda Card Size (Japan) | 2.1 x 1.3 | 54 x 32 | Gaming, Collectibles, Japanese games like Koi-Koi & Mushi. |
| Kabufuda Card Size (Japan) | ~ 1.25 x 2.1 | ~32 x 53 | Banking & Gambling games, Matching games like Oicho-Kabu. |
| Karuta Card Size (Japan) | ~2.9 x 2.1 | ~74 x 53 | Competition games, cultural games, & Educational cards. |
| Ganjifa Card Size (India) | 3.9 x 2.6 | 99 x 67 | Trick games, Art & Collectibles, Educational, & Gifting |
20 Common Playing Card Sizes (Tips for Designing and Printing)
To help you with your designing or printing, we put together this comprehensive guide of the 20 most common playing card sizes. You’ll find details on:
- The finished card size in inches, millimeters, and centimeters.
- Any variants in card size.
- Useful printing tips based on the bleed, safe area, and the design file setup.
1. Poker Card Size / Standard Playing Card Size
Poker is the most common playing card size globally. You’ll find poker cards in the standard size for the 52-card deck as well as customized card sizes. Custom sizes include those made for trading card games, casino, and home card games. The dimensions of a poker card provide a comfortable grip, easy readability, and are compatible with card sleeves.
Size (finished):
2.5 × 3.5 inches / 63.5 × 88.9 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Poker Card Size / Standard Playing Card | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | 6.3 x 8.8 |
Possible variants:
Some manufacturers round off the mm length to the nearest whole number (2.5 × 3.5 inches (63 × 89 mm).
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add ~3 mm (0.125″ / 1/8″) for bleed on all four sides. Some printers allow 2 mm, so always confirm your printer settings.
- Extend the background colors to the bleed area to prevent white edges on the finished card.
- Your overall document size, including bleed, should be 2.75 x 3.75 inches.
Safe Area
- Keep the card content (text, art, & borders) at least 3mm (0.125″ / 1/8″) inside the trim line.
- For cards with plenty of details, a larger margin, about 0.25″ /1/4″ (6.35mm) is advised for a more elegant look.
Corner Radius
- Keep the recommended 1/8-inch (~3mm) corner radius.
- Keenly follow your printer’s die line for a polished trim finish.
- Do not place design details too close to the corner radius to avoid losing them when rounding.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI
- Color mode: Convert all artwork to CMYK for precise printing.
- Export format: Prefer PDF for a print-ready, high-quality file. Some manufacturers also accept PNG and JPG.
- Card layout: submit a multi-page file; one card face per page.
- Orientation: Keep design files in portrait orientation.
- There might be variations prompted by your printer, like including bleeds and crop marks.
2. Bridge Card Size
Bridge cards are slightly thinner than poker cards, a ¼ inch thinner to be specific. For this reason, they feel easier to hold in your hand, especially when playing their main Bridge game or others that require you to hold many cards at the same time. They are also great for players with smaller hands.
Size (finished):
2.25 x 3.5 inches / 57 x 88 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Bridge Card Size | 2.25 x 3.5 | 57 x 88 | 5.7 x 8.8 |
Possible variants:
- Some manufacturers round off the dimensions to whole numbers (2.25 x 3.5 inches / 57 x 89 mm)
- Others may adjust the width by ±1 mm or less.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Leave a 3mm (0.125″) allowance on all sides.
- The design file should be 2.5″ x 3.75″ (63.5 mm x 95.25 mm).
- Let the background colors bleed into the trimming area.
Safe Area
- Keep card design details at least 3mm (0.125″) inside the trim line.
- If you are using a thin border, don’t leave design details too close to the edge. It gives an uneven look with the slightest shift from the trimming line.
Corner Radius
- Use the standard corner radius for bridge cards, 3mm (1/8 inch), or follow your printer’s die line.
- Keep design details away from the corners to avoid trimming them off when rounding the corner.
File Setup
- Resolution: 300 DPI.
- Color mode: CMYK (not RGB) to ensure no color shifts.
- Border: Avoid thin borders, as they seem uneven with the slightest trimming variations.
- Format: Use PDF and enable crop marks (or follow your printer guidelines).
- Alignment: Ensure front and back are aligned.
3. Trading Card Size / TCG Card Size (Standard)
The standard trading card size matches poker card dimensions. This similarity explains their use in games like Pokémon, The Gathering in Magic, and as collectibles.
Size (finished):
2.5 × 3.5 inches / 63 × 88 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Trading Card Size / TCG Card Size (Standard) | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | 6.3 x 8.8 |
Possible variants:
- Some manufacturers round off the mm length to the nearest whole number (2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 89 mm).
- Thickness may vary depending on the cardstock and lamination.
Print Tips:
Follow the same tips as the Poker card size.
4. European / French Playing Card Size (Skat Card Size)
The European/French playing cards, popularly used for Skat, are a popular choice in Europe, including in countries like Germany, where Skat is a national trick-taking game. The deck has 32 narrower but taller cards, compared to the standard Poker cards.
Size (finished):
2.32 × 3.58 inches / 59 × 91 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| European/French Playing Card Size (Skat Card Size) | 2.32 x 3.58 | 59 x 91 | 5.9 x 9.1 |
Possible variants:
- Card height may vary by a few mm points: 2.24 x 3.5 inches (57 x 89 mm); 2.4 x 3.8 inches (61 x 97 mm).
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add 2-3 mm (0.125″) bleed allowance on every side.
- Your document size dimensions should be 63 x 95 mm.
- Let the background color run up to the bleed line to ensure a polished non-white edge.
Safe Area
- Keep key design elements 3-4 mm inside the trim line. This will prevent white edges and early visible edge wear.
- Leave a 4mm border between the trim line and the main details.
Corner Radius
- Maintain the standard radius of 3–4 mm (1/8 inch). Keeping it on the lower side gives the cards the snappy feel preferred by German players.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI.
- Color Mode: CMYK.
- Format: High-quality PDF. JPG and PNG may be acceptable by some manufacturers.
- File Layout: Create the front and back as two separate pages and ensure they are properly aligned.
- Orientation: Portrait.
5. Pinochle Card Size
Pinochle cards are so called from the name of the game they play, the trick-taking game of Pinochle. The deck has 48 cards, similar in dimension to the Poker cards. This also means they are easier to print with standard templates and dies.
Size (finished):
2.5 × 3.5 in (63 × 88 mm)
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Pinochle Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | 6.3 x 8.8 |
Common variants:
- May be available in a narrower Bridge card size; 2.25″ x 3.5″ (57 x 88).
- Older or specialty Pinochle decks may appear slightly taller.
Print Tips:
Follow the same print tips as the Poker card size.
6. Trump Card Size
Trump cards are often confused with Poker cards. But they are significantly different. They are designed narrower and taller to fit more information for the Trump game and the educational and promotional purposes they are often used for.
Size (finished):
2.44 x 3.94 inches / 62 x 100 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Trump Card Size | 2.44 x 3.94 | 62 x 100 | 6.2 x 10 |
Possible variants:
- May carry slight differences depending on regional manufacturers.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add 3 mm (0.125″) of bleed on every side.
- Your document size should be 68mm x 106mm.
- Allow background colors to run to the edges for an elegant edge finish.
Safe Area
- Keep design content 3-5 mm (1/8 inch) away from the trim line.
- If your card design is text-heavy, the 5 mm allowance is best to prevent the design from looking too close to the edge.
Corner Radius
- Keep the standard 3 mm (1/8 inch) allowance from the trim line, or follow the printer die line.
- Keep important design details away from the corners to avoid them being trimmed while rounding.
File Setup
- Resolution: Generally, 300 DPI. Consider 600 DPI if you are looking for a finer, premium quality print.
- Color mode: CMYK (not RGB).
- File Format: High-resolution PDF.
- Thin borders may appear uneven after cutting. Avoid them.
7. Mini Card Size
Mini cards are a miniature version of the standard playing cards. Their size is great for novelty games and as travel decks, where portability comes before readability.
Size (finished):
1.75 × 2.5 inches / 44 × 63 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Mini Card Size | 1.75 x 2.5 | 44 x 63 | 4.4 x 6.3 |
Possible variants:
- Some manufacturers may reduce the height slightly for greater portability.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add the standard 3 mm (0.125″) allowance on all sides.
- Your final document size should be 1.875″ x 2.75″
Safe Area
- Keep all text and art 3–4 mm (1/8″) from the trim line.
Corner Radius
- 2–3 mm allowance (smaller cards may need smaller curves).
- Keep design details 1/8″ from the edge.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI.
- Color mode: CMYK.
- File format: High-quality PDF. Some manufacturers may recommend PDF/X-1a:2003.
- Do not include crop marks unless specified by the printer.
8. Mini European Card Size
Mini European Card Size, sometimes called Mini Euro, reflects the narrower card proportions typical of European decks in a compact design. This card size is popular in European-style board games, especially where table space is limited. It is also a popular travel deck.
Size (finished):
1.73 × 2.64 inches / 44 × 67 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Mini European Card Size | 1.73 x 2.64 | 44 x 67 | 4.4 x 6.7 |
Possible variants:
- Some may be longer by a few point inches (1.73 x 2.68 inches / 44 x 68mm)
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add 3mm (1/8 inch) to each edge for bleed.
- Your final document dimensions will be 50 x 73 mm.
Safe Area
- Maintain a 3 mm (1/8 inch) margin inside the trim line to protect design details. Critical design details should stay in the area around 38 x 61 mm.
Corner Radius
- 2–3 mm is good for mini cards.
- Keep key text and art away from the corners so you don’t risk trimming them during the corner rounding process.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI.
- Color Mode: CMYK. Avoid RGB, as it turns out dull.
- File Format: PDF is recommended for high-quality.
- Avoid using thin borders for a clean, polished edge.
9. Micro Card Size
The Micro card is a really tiny playing card. It is primarily printed as novelty decks, for promotional purposes, or as an educational tool. You might see it described as miniature or tiny playing cards.
Size (finished):
1.25 x 1.75 inches / 32 x 45 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Micro Card Size | 1.25 x 1.75 | 32 x 45 | 3.2 x 4.5 |
Possible variants:
- Can be customized in smaller or slightly larger dimensions.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Allow 3mm (1/8 inch) of bleed on all four sides.
- Your final document size will be 1.5″ × 2.0″.
- If your micro card has a background, ensure it runs all the way to the edge of the bleed area.
Safe Area
- Keep critical design details 3 mm (1/8 inch) inside the trim line.
- Avoid thin borders close to the edges. Any trimming shift with tiny cards can look awkwardly uneven.
Corner Radius
- Round corners work best with micro cards. A 3 mm (1/8 inch) radius is standard also for small cards. Some keep it at 2mm.
- Corner radius rounding with micro cards can cut deep into the design. Ensure key design details are away from the corners.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI.
- Color mode: CMYK.
- File format: High-quality PDF. Some manufacturers may work with PNG, JPG, and TIFF.
- Orientation: Portrait. Pay attention to default settings in professional printers.
- Alignment: Avoid thin borders on the back as a slight misalignment with the front would be more noticeable.
- Font size: Because of the small size of micro cards, ensure the font is legible. Avoid font size below 8pt.
10. US Game Card Size
US game cards usually follow the standard Poker size. This simplifies their design, printing, and trimming process as they are compatible with those of common card sleeves and printing dies. It also explains why they are used in trading card games, casinos, and other standard decks.
Size (finished):
2.5 × 3.5 inches / 63 × 88 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| US Game Card Size | 2.5 x 3.5 | 63 x 88 | 6.3 x 8.8 |
Possible variants:
- Thickness and coat finishes may vary with manufacturer and customization preferences.
Print Tips:
Follow the same print tips as the Poker card size.
11. Mini US Game Card Size
The Mini US game card size is a compact version of the standard US game card size. People use them as travel decks, for children’s games, or as expansion packs for board games when room is limited.
Size (finished):
1.61 x 2.48 inches / 41 x 63 mm.
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Mini US Game Card Size | 1.61 x 2.48 | 41 x 63 | 4.1 x 6.3 |
Possible variants:
- Slight width and height adjustments may be done, usually to suit packaging requirements (1.75 x 2.5 inches / 44 x 63 mm).
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add 3 mm (1/8 inch) standard bleed allowance on all four sides.
- Your final document should be 1.86″ x 2.73″ (47mm x 69mm).
Safe Area
- Keep key content 1/8 inch (3mm) inside the trim line.
Corner Radius
- 3mm (or 1/8 inch) corner radius is still standard for mini cards. It enhances handling and prevents fraying with distorted card content.
- Keep design details away from corners, as mini card corner rounding is more delicate.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI for crisp quality.
- Color Mode: Use CMYK, not RGB.
- File Format: High-quality PDF file with crops and bleeds, or consider the printer’s provided template.
- Border: Avoid thin borders near the edge, as they will look clearly uneven in case of slight trimming deviations.
12. Tarot Card Size
Tarot cards are wider and taller than standard playing cards. They are used for symbolic imagery, readings, and artistic illustrations, which require room for detailed illustration. Their bigger size is great for handling, shuffling, and reading.
Size (finished):
2.75 × 4.75 in (70 × 120 mm)
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Tarot Card Size | 2.75 x 4.75 | 70 x 120 | 7 x 12 |
Possible variants:
- Some Tarot cards may be made with a few inch points higher, like 2.875″ x 4.375″ with Thoth Tarot.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add the recommended ~3mm (1/8 /0.125 inches).
- Your final design files should be 3.0″ x 5.0″ (76mm x 127mm).
- Let the background run all the way to the edge of the bleed area.
Safe Area
- Keep important design content at least 1/8 inch (0.125″ – 0.2″) inside the trim line. It should fit within the 2.5″ x 4.5″ card area.
Corner Radius
- Stick to the 1/8 inch (3mm–4mm) standard radius. Some printers may allow up to 6mm radius for a more rounded, classic finish.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI.
- Color Mode: CMYK, not RGB, as it can cause color shifting.
- File Format: High-resolution PDF is recommended. Some publishers may accept TIFF and JPG. Submit fronts and backs separately in a multipage PDF.
13. Oracle Card Size
The Oracle cards are among the card sizes that don’t have a fixed structure. That means they can come in varied sizes, usually larger than Tarot cards. The finished size we indicate is one of the most popular Oracle card sizes. Their larger size is often used to showcase art and customized creativity.
Size (finished):
3.5 × 5 inches / 89 × 127 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Oracle Card Size | 3.5 x 5.0 | 89 x 127 | 8.9 x 12.7 |
Possible variants:
- Traditional Oracle cards with Tarot card size, 2.75″ x 4.75″ (70 x 120 mm), especially for games that need cards that are easy to handle and shuffle.
- Pocket version Oracle cards, 2.48″ x 3.46″ (63 x 88 mm), for easy portability when traveling.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Extend artwork 3mm (0.125″) for bleed on all four sides.
- Your final playing card document size with bleed should be 3.75″ x 5.25″ (95 x 133 mm).
Safe Area
- Keep all design content 3-4mm (0.125″-0.16″) inside the trim line.
- Avoid thin borders as they will look uneven with minimal cutting shifts.
Corner Radius
- Use the 3mm (0.125″ / 1/8″) standard corner radius.
- Keep essential design details more in the safe area and far from the corner radius.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI. Use 600 DPI if you want high-quality imagery.
- Color Mode: CMYK, not RGB, to avoid color shifts in the final card.
- File Format: High-quality individual PDF pages for each card.
14. Jumbo Card Size / Double Poker Card Size
Jumbo and Double Poker playing cards are larger than the standard poker cards. They are commonly used as novelty decks, for enhanced visibility, and for custom design in educational or magic trick decks.
Size (finished):
3.5 × 5.0 inches / 89 × 127 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Jumbo Card Size / Double Poker Card Size | 3.5 x 5.0 | 89 x 127 | 8.9 x 12.7 |
Possible variants:
- Larger Jumbo card size variants of 4.5 x 7 inches (114 x 178 mm), often called “Big Box” or “Big Bikes”.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add 3 mm (or 1/8 inch) for bleed to all four sides.
- Your final document should be 95 x 133 mm (3.75″ x 5.25″).
Safe Area
- Keep key content 3-5 mm (1/8 / 0.2 inch) inside the trim line. The safe area is roughly around 83 x 121 mm.
Corner Radius
- Use a 3-5 mm radius for rounded corners. A larger corner radius helps prevent wear in larger cards.
File Setup
- Resolution: 300 DPI minimum.
- Color mode: Use CMYK, not RGB.
- Format: High-quality PDF. Some manufacturers may accept high-resolution PNG and JPG.
- Ensure the design is perfectly centered if you are printing the art on both sides.
15. Large Card Size / Educational Card Size
Standard large card size or educational card size is used as flashcards, educational material, or in learning games. Their large format allows the use of detailed illustrations and larger text, enhancing readability.
Size (finished):
3.5 x 5.75 inches / 89 x 146
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Large Card Size / Educational Card Size | 3.5 x 5.75 | 89 x 146 | 8.9 x 14.6 |
Possible variants:
- Often made in larger sizes, including 4 × 6 inches (102 × 152 mm) and 5 × 7 inches (127 × 178 mm), to include more detailed learning content in text or diagrams.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add the standard 0.125 inches (3mm) of bleed to all four sides.
- Your overall document size should be 3.73 x 6.0 inches.
- Ensure the background runs all the way to the edge of the document for a more polished edge finish.
Safe Area
- Keep important design content at least 3-6 mm (0.125-0.25 inches) from the trim line.
- For these large educational cards, generous margins avoid a crowded appearance and enhance readability, especially for text-heavy and detailed designs.
Corner Radius
- The industry standard for rounded corners (1/8 inch / 3mm) applies. However, you might want to consider a ¼-inch (6mm) radius, as it gives a more rounded finish for larger cards.
- Ensure no important details are close to the corner radius.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI.
- Color Mode: CMYK, not RGB.
- File Format: High-resolution PDF, or PDF/X-1a for best quality.
- You might want to consider printer templates to ensure precision in bleed, trim, and safe area lines.
16. Square Card Size
Square cards are an innovative, eye-catching alternative to the traditional rectangular playing card formats. Their symmetrical appeal makes them an ideal choice for novelty board games, as oracle decks, or for creative artwork.
Size (finished):
3 x 3 inches / 76 x 76 mm.
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Square Card Size | 3 x 3 | 76 x 76 | 7.6 x 7.6 |
Possible variants:
- A smaller version 2.5 × 2.5 inches (63.5 × 63.5 mm) for oracle or art decks.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add the standard 3mm (0.125 inches) bleed inside the trim line.
Safe Area
- Keep core design details at least 3mm (0.125 inches) inside the trim line.
Corner Radius
- Keep the standard 3 mm (1/8 inches) corner radius. You may also consider a ¼-inch allowance for a more polished look.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI. A 600 DPI resolution will give a crisp image and text quality.
- Color Mode: Design in CMYK, not RGB.
- Borders: Avoid a thin border for a more even edge.
- File Format: High-resolution PDF. Include trim marks.
- Some companies may have specific templates with pre-marked guidelines for their cutting equipment.
17. Hanafuda Card Size (Japan)
Hanafuda cards are traditional Japanese playing cards designed with floral artwork. The 48-card deck has small-sized cards depicting seasonal plants. The flowers are typical of the 12 months of the year, with 4 cards for each month.
Size (finished):
2.1 x 1.3 inches / 54 x 32mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Hanafuda Card Size | 2.1 x 1.3 | 54 x 32 | 5.4 x 3.2 |
Possible variants:
- May be produced in US card game sizes like 57 x 89 mm or 56 x 87 mm.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add 3mm (1/8″) bleed on all four sides. Some users may choose a white edge, in which case, no bleed is required, but it is recommended.
Safe Area
- Keep all design artwork and text 3mm (1/8″) inside the trim line.
Corner Radius
- Use the standard corner radius of 1/8 inch (3mm). Ensure the background or artwork color extends beyond the 1/8 inch curve for a cleaner finish.
File Setup
- Resolution: Use between 300 and 600 DPI for high-quality prints.
- Color Mode: Set to CMYK.
- File Type: PDF/X-1a preferred.
18. Hanafuda Card Size (Japan)
Kabufuda cards are Japanese playing cards used mostly in gambling games. Nintendo has produced Kabufuda cards for decades. They are smaller in size than the Western version of playing cards, and are created thick and stiffer with red or black backs. A deck has 40 + 1 extra card.
Size (finished):
~ 1.25 x 2.1 inches / ~32 x 53 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Kabufuda Card | ~ 1.25 x 2.1 | ~32 x 53 | ~3.2 x 5.3 |
Possible variants:
- Older decks may be slightly narrower
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Add the standard 3mm (0.125 inches) of bleed on all four sides. Your final document should be 38 x 59 mm.
Safe Area
- Keep important elements at least 3mm (0.125 inches) inside the trim line.
- Because of their smaller size, a wider safe area is needed to avoid a cramped look.
Corner Radius
- Use the standard corner radius for playing cards, 3mm-3.5mm (approx. 1/8″).
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI or higher.
- Color Mode: CMYK, not RGB.
- Borders: Avoid thin borders near the trim line, as it will make the card look lopsided in case of minor shifts when cutting.
- File Format: PDF/X-1a preferred, or high-quality PDF.
19. Karuta Card Size (Japan)
Karuta playing cards are the special cards the Japanese use for matching games and poetry imagery. They are larger than standard Japanese cards and can accommodate illustrations and more text. The focused size is the competition Karuta, but there are also traditional and character Karuta cards.
Size (finished):
~2.9 x 2.1 inches / ~74 x 53 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Karuta Card Size | ~ 2.9 x 2.1 | ~74 x 53 | ~7.4 x 5.3 |
Possible variants:
- Traditional Karuta cards are slightly larger: 61 x 91 mm.
- Character Karuta cards can be 85-89 mm x 58-60 mm wide.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Include the standard 3mm (0.125 inches) bleed on all four sides. If the cards have a white background, you may not need a bleed, though it’s best practice.
Safe Area
- Ensure all the important design content is at least 3mm–5mm inside the final trim line.
Corner Radius
- Use a 3-4 mm (1/8 inch) corner radius and ensure design details are not close to the corner.
File Setup
- Resolution: 300 DPI. A 600 DPI gives crisp imagery and text.
- Color Mode: Use CMYK, not RGB.
- Format: High-resolution PDF with enabled crop marks.
20. Ganjifa Card Size (India)
Ganjifa playing cards are traditionally round, hand-painted pieces with diameters ranging from 20mm for small cards and 99mm for larger ones. Their typical uses include trick-taking games, art, and cultural education. But there are also modern rectangular Ganjifa cards, the ones we are focusing on.
Size (finished):
3.9 x 2.6 inches / 99 x 67 mm
| Card Name | Inches | Millimeters | Centimeters |
| Ganjifa Card | 3.9 x 2.6 | 99 x 67 | 9.9 x 6.7 |
Possible variants:
- Traditional, round Ganjifa cards, with diameters ranging between 20 and 120 mm.
- Small portable size of the round variant with 30 to 50 mm (~ 2 inches) diameter.
Print Tips:
Bleed
- Allow at least 3mm (1/8 inch) of bleed on all sides. (All around for round cards). Ensure the background art runs fully into the bleed area.
Safe Area
- Keep crucial design details at least 3-5mm inside the trim line.
- If you use a border, make sure it is thick. Thin borders will make the edge look uneven should slight cutting shifts happen.
Corner Radius
- Use the safe corner radius of 3-4mm (0.125” / 1/8″).
- Keep important design details away from corners to prevent them from being trimmed.
File Setup
- Resolution: At least 300 DPI. Consider 600 DPI for the detail-crisp, art style of Ganjifa.
- Color Mode: Prefer CMYK rather than RGB.
- File Format: High-resolution PDF/X-1a files. Some publishers may accept high-quality JPGs/TIFFs.
- Prefer die-cut printer templates if you opt for circular Ganjifa.
So, you now know how to prepare your card document size and how to set your printer based on aspects like bleed, safe area, and file set up. But, what do the card size terms you’ve encountered consistently mean?
What Do Playing Card Size Terms Actually Mean?
There’s a wide variety of jargon on playing card size used in the playing card world. Knowing these terms is crucial for designers, printers, and even players.
Why?
Because that knowledge can save you from printing mistakes, such as cutting off part of the card design or producing cards with easy-to-wear white borders.
So, let’s learn the crucial terms in playing card size.
Size Definitions
When it comes to card size, you will hear multiple card sizes mentioned. They include card size, finished size, and document size. These are not synonyms, and interchanging them can ruin a print run.
Card Size
Playing card size describes the actual physical dimensions of the card you hold in your hand when playing. That’s why the term Card Size is sometimes used interchangeably with “Final Size” because the card is out of the production process, and its size cannot be changed anymore.
In Poker cards, for example, card size refers to its 2.5 x 3.5-inch dimensions.
Finished Size
Many people use card size and finished size interchangeably. And they could be right, because the dimensions of card size and finished size are the same.
But, while a playing card’s final size describes the one you have in hand, the finished size points to the card’s final processing details at the manufacturer. It means the card is printed, cut to size by trimming excess paper, and ready for packaging.
Document Size
Playing card document size is the design or setup size, as you have it in your design file or software. This is also called Canva Size and includes the additional background beyond the cutting line. You can think of the additional length and width as a working allowance area.
That means your document size is larger than the card size or finished size by a few point-inches or millimeters. For example, the document size of a poker card is 2.75 x 3.75 inches (69 x 95 mm). It includes the standard 1/8 or 0.25 inch (3mm) bleed allowance for both the width and length.
We tell you more about card bleed in the print boundaries section.
Print Boundaries
Print boundaries are design details that increase the card’s tolerance to cutting or trimming at the finishing stage. They include details such as bleed, trim, and safe area.
Bleed
Bleed is the additional area on your card design that extends beyond the actual size of the finished card. It works as a cushion for the card area when trimming.
The idea is that the design “bleeds” into this area, so the background colors of the card are the same on the trimmed edges, not a white edge.
So, the bleed ensures a polished edge in normal circumstances, and if ever a slight shift happens during cutting.
The standard bleed area size is usually 3mm (0.125 inches or 1/8 inch).
Trim line
The trim line marks the exact place where the cutter will pass. In graphic terms, it separates the actual card from the rest of the paper that’s trimmed off.
Safe area
The safe area (safe zone) is the one enclosed within the trim line. It is the actual card area that displays the art and text, and any other content on the card. Setting the boundaries of the safe area with the trim line prevents important graphics from being trimmed off.
As you can guess from looking at a finished card, the graphic details don’t usually sit on or immediately next to the trim line. They are separated by a standard 3mm (0.125″) bleed.
Some printers may allow a 2 mm bleed, but 3 mm is the industry standard. Keep in mind that the cutting machine has the same tolerance for small and big cards.
Let’s demonstrate the bleed, trim line, and safe area with this graphic.
So, what’s the purpose of these print boundaries?
The main function of print boundaries is to ensure your cards have a professional edge-to-edge finish and are framed perfectly and consistently.
More specifically, print boundaries:
- Prevent undesired white edges: This is done by extending the design images or the background colors to the bleed area so that it is the same on the edges. White edges are considered unprofessional and aesthetically unappealing.
- Ensure professional quality: Print boundaries are crucial in preventing jagged edges and off-center designs. It’s thanks to them that your cards have a polished and professional finish.
- Protect card design: The safe areas of a card design ensure that the desired content of the card design does not run beyond the trimming boundaries. That would mean size inaccuracies that cause part of the content to be trimmed off.
Rounded Corners (Corner Radius)
Corner radius describes how curved the card’s corner is. It is a more common finish on playing cards than the 90-degree sharp corner.
The standard corner radius for the most popular playing cards is 1/8 inch (around 3.175 mm, or it could go to 3.5mm, depending on the card type).
Rounded corners have a functional and aesthetic purpose:
- They make shuffling easier as the curved corner is easier to pass the hand through than a sharp corner of a deck of cards.
- They look more polished than a sharp corner.
- They feel more comfortable to the touch.
- They are more durable than sharp corners, which fray more easily.
But round corners don’t come easy on your design. They require you to keep in mind some key design details:
- Keep design elements within the safe area: Design elements like index numbers and symbols must be kept at least 3-4mm from the edge of the corner to prevent them from being trimmed or distorted.
- Allow the standard bleed area: Depending on the card size, keep a 2-3mm bleed area to ensure the edge has the background colors. This will prevent white edges after the corner rounding.
- Decide between a softer and sharper corner radius: A 3.5mm corner radius is considered good enough to give a professional finish and a comfortable and smooth feel in the hand. Consider that a larger radius has a softer look and a smoother shuffle feel. Instead, a smaller radius has a sharper appearance, and the edger wears faster.
Weight vs Thickness (GSM, Caliper, Deck Thickness)
In the context of playing cards, the terms GSM (Grams per Square Meter), Thickness (Caliper), and Deck Thickness are different but related. They refer to aspects of playing card paper density, card size, and stack height.
GSM
Gram per Square Meter measures the density or weight of playing card paper (not its thickness). It’s the standard measure we use to compare paper strength.
The rule of thumb is that higher GSM numbers, between 300 and 350, indicate more durable card paper. This is the quality of card paper we use for casino-grade cards. Lower GSM numbers will give you lighter and more flexible playing cards.
So, the point is, a high GSM number does not necessarily mean a thicker card. It means a denser or weightier card. As such, you could have a 330 GSM silk card that’s denser but thinner than a 300 GSM matte card, and that’s because silk is more compressed.
Also, standard playing cards have a typical GSM of around 280-300.
Caliper (Thickness)
Caliper is the measure of a single card’s thickness. We indicate it in millimeters or thousandths of an inch, sometimes presented as ‘points’ or ‘mils’. 1 point = 0.001 inches.
Thickness does not directly correlate with a card’s GSM. In other words, you can have two cards of the same GSM but different thickness. The card’s material often determines the weight difference.
Generally, standard playing cards have a caliper of 0.25-0.31mm, or 11-12 points. This caliper makes them thicker and more durable, showing better resistance to strain, such as bending or spills.
From a player’s experience point of view, card thickness can affect how a card feels in your hand, its durability, and how easily it slides and shuffles.
Deck thickness
As you can guess from the name, deck thickness refers to the total thickness or height of a deck of cards. Typical card decks have 52 to 54 cards, and a standard deck will have a thickness between 17mm and 18mm.
Deck thickness can vary depending on factors such as:
- Card material and coating.
- Card caliper or thickness.
- Deck size or the number of cards.
With these playing card size terms clear, you are ready for the next step: Print your playing cards with a reliable manufacturer.
Print Custom Playing Cards with EzraCard
If you are planning to make custom playing cards with your preferred design and card size, it is paramount you do it with the best playing card manufacturer.
Explore EzraCard’s over 300 free download templates and choose the one that suits your dream card deck. You can choose your preferred design, corner style, and a range of card shapes, from rectangular to circular, heart, polygon, and even triangular.
The process is simple:
Choose your preferred card design template — add your artwork — send back to us in PDF or other supported file. We’ll then work the rest of the magic.
Summing It Up!
Playing cards are all over the place, from casinos to homes, on the streets working magic, and in schools helping children learn.
Being so accustomed to seeing playing cards can make you ignore their size details. But playing card size is extremely crucial.
For designers, your card must fit the right playing card dimensions to print correctly. For publishers, the card must come out perfectly by tracing the key lines and spaces.
As a player, playing card size can make or break your card-holding experience and make shuffling and sliding easier or harder.
We solved all the hurdles for everyone. Whether you are a playing card manufacturer, designer, or player, this comprehensive playing card dimensions guide just made your life easier.
Sources:
- CPP Boxes: The Complete Guide to the Standard & Custom Playing Card Sizes.
- IPACKU: Playing Card Dimensions: Sizes, Types & Design Guide.
- 24/7 Solitaire: What Are The Dimensions of Playing Cards?
- Print-Safari.ca: Bleed & Safe Area.
- DriveThru Cards: Preparing your mini-card product for press.
- Wikipedia: Hanafuda.
- QPMN: What Are the Dimensions of a Playing Card? A Guide to Standard and Custom Sizes.
- Spingold: Best Playing Card Sizes Comparison Guide.
