Have you ever bought sleeves for your Pokémon cards only to find they don’t fit right? You’re not alone. Understanding Pokémon card sizes is essential for collectors, players, and anyone who wants to protect their valuable trading cards.
Whether you’re shuffling your deck for tournament play or organizing your collection in binders, knowing the exact dimensions matters more than you think.
Standard Pokémon Card Sizes
Official Dimensions of Standard Pokémon Cards
Standard Pokémon cards measure exactly 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63mm x 88mm). This is the same size as a regular playing card, making it easy to remember. The dimensions have stayed consistent since the game launched in 1996, which is great news for collectors who want their protection products to work across their entire collection.
These cards are roughly the size of a small smartphone or slightly larger than a business card. The standard size wasn’t chosen randomly—it’s perfect for children’s hands during gameplay, fits comfortably in pocket binders, and allows enough space for artwork and game information.
Pokémon Card Height and Length Breakdown
The height of a Pokémon card is 3.5 inches (88mm)—that’s the longer edge when you hold the card upright. The width or length measures 2.5 inches (63mm) across the shorter edge. These measurements are crucial when you’re buying sleeves, deck boxes, or storage solutions for your TCG collection.
Card thickness ranges from 0.01 to 0.03 inches (0.25 to 0.76mm), which affects how they feel during shuffling and play. Modern cards tend to be slightly thicker than older cards from the late 1990s, but they still fit in standard protection products.
Complete Pokémon Card Size Chart
| Card Type | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Usage | Protection Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 2.5″ x 3.5″ | 63mm x 88mm | Tournament play, booster packs | Standard sleeves |
| Box Topper | ~3.5″ x 5″ | 90mm x 126mm | Promotional, display only | Oversized sleeves (3.5″ x 5″) |
| Jumbo L (2020+) | 5.2″ x 7.3″ | 133mm x 185mm | Premium collections, display | Jumbo sleeves or framing |
| Jumbo XL (Pre-2019) | 5.7″ x 7.9″ | 145mm x 200mm | Older premiums, display | Specific XL sleeves |
| CoroCoro XXL | 5.7″ x 8.1″ | 145mm x 205mm | Japanese exclusive, rare display | Custom XXL protection |
Standard Card Size
Standard cards measure 2.5″ x 3.5″ (63mm x 88mm) and represent the vast majority of Pokémon cards you’ll find in booster packs and starter decks. These are the cards used in tournament play, competitive games, and regular gameplay with friends. Every player and collector needs to know this size because it’s the foundation of the entire TCG.
You’ll find standard size cards in everything from basic Common cards to ultra-rare Secret Rares. The dimensions ensure fair play and make shuffling your deck smooth and efficient. Whether you’re a pure TCG collector or an active player, these are the cards you’ll handle most often during your TCG journey.
Box Topper Card Size
Box Topper cards measure approximately 90mm x 126mm, making them about twice the size of normal cards. These promotional cards come in special collection boxes and aren’t legal for tournament play. They’re designed purely as novelty items and display pieces for your collection.
Finding protection for Box Topper cards requires specific oversized sleeves around 3.5″ x 5″. Many collectors frame these cards or use special display cases. They offer a bit more visual impact than standard cards while remaining easier to store than the larger jumbo formats.
Jumbo L Card Size (2020 and After)
Jumbo L cards measure 133mm x 185mm (approximately 5.2″ x 7.3″) and represent the modern standard for large promotional cards. Starting in 2020, The Pokémon Company shifted to this slightly smaller jumbo format. These cards come in premium collection boxes and special releases, offering impressive artwork on a larger canvas.
These oversized cards need specialized protection products that regular sleeves can’t provide. Look for jumbo card sleeves or consider custom framing options. While they’re not used in actual gameplay, they’re a big fan favorite for display purposes and make great conversation pieces in any collection.
Jumbo XL Card Size (Pre-2019)
Jumbo XL cards from before 2019 measure 145mm x 200mm (approximately 5.7″ x 7.9″). These are slightly larger than the newer Jumbo L format and represent the original jumbo card standard. If you have older promotional cards from premium boxes, they’re likely this size.
The size difference between Jumbo XL and Jumbo L is small but matters when buying protection. Check which format your jumbo cards are before ordering sleeves or display cases. Vintage collectors especially need to know this distinction for proper storage of their older promotional cards.
CoroCoro XXL Card Size
CoroCoro XXL cards measure 145mm x 205mm (approximately 5.7″ x 8.1″) and are exclusive Japanese promotional cards. These rare oversized cards were typically included with CoroCoro Comic magazine subscriptions. They’re among the most sought-after promotional items for serious collectors.
Finding these cards outside Japan is challenging, and they command premium prices due to their rarity. The extra length compared to Jumbo XL cards means you’ll need custom protection solutions. Many collectors opt for professional framing to display these unique pieces properly.
How Pokémon Card Sizes Compare to Other Trading Cards
Standard TCG Card Size Comparison
Pokémon cards share the same size as Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and most other trading card games.
This standard size of 2.5″ x 3.5″ makes life easier for collectors who play multiple games.
Japanese vs. International Pokémon Card Sizes
Japanese Pokémon cards measure slightly smaller at 59.9mm x 86.1mm compared to international cards at 63mm x 88mm.
This small difference matters when you’re buying sleeves—Japanese-specific sleeves won’t fit international cards properly, and vice versa.
Other Dimensions: Beer Can Dimensions: Guide to Size, Height and Length
FAQ’s
What are the sizes of Pokemon cards?
Standard Pokémon cards measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63mm x 88mm). Promotional cards come in larger formats: Box Toppers (90mm x 126mm), Jumbo L (133mm x 185mm), Jumbo XL (145mm x 200mm), and CoroCoro XXL (145mm x 205mm).
What size is a XL Pokémon card?
Jumbo XL Pokémon cards from before 2019 measure 145mm x 200mm (5.7″ x 7.9″). These oversized promotional cards aren’t legal for tournament play but serve as impressive display pieces for collectors.
What Pokémon card is worth $1,000,000?
The Pikachu Illustrator card sold for $5.275 million in 2021, holding the record for most expensive Pokémon card. Other million-dollar cards include rare Trophy Pikachu variants and the 1999 First Edition Shadowless Charizard. All maintain standard card size despite their extreme values.
What size are Pokemon cards in CM?
Standard Pokémon cards measure 6.3cm x 8.8cm in centimeters. The thickness ranges from 0.25mm to 0.76mm. These metric measurements are used by international manufacturers and global retailers.
Are fake Pokemon cards different sizes?
Yes, counterfeit Pokémon cards frequently have incorrect dimensions. Authentic cards measure exactly 63mm x 88mm with only ±0.5mm tolerance. Fakes are often 1-2mm off and have inconsistent thickness, helping identify them.
Is Pokémon TCG 40 or 60 cards?
Standard Pokémon TCG decks contain exactly 60 cards for constructed formats. Limited formats like Sealed or Draft require a minimum of 40 cards. You can include up to four copies of any card except Basic Energy.
What is a normal card size in cm?
A normal card size is 6.3cm x 8.8cm (or 63mm x 88mm in millimeters). This applies to Pokémon cards, playing cards, and most trading card games following the American standard card format.
What is the standard TCG card size?
The standard TCG card size is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63mm x 88mm). This applies to Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and most Western trading card games, ensuring compatible protection products.
What size sleeves do Pokemon cards fit in?
Standard Pokémon cards fit in sleeves measuring 2.625″ x 3.625″ (66.7mm x 92.1mm). For maximum protection, use Perfect Fit inner sleeves (2.52″ x 3.54″) with standard outer sleeves. Jumbo cards need oversized sleeves around 4″ x 6″ or larger.
Haru, the dedicated Admin of candimension.com, curates an informational blog on Can Dimension. With passion and expertise, Haru delivers insightful articles to educate and empower readers on this fascinating niche.
