Card Sleeves vs. Playing Cards
Comparing 2 standards across 17 specifications. 17 key differences identified.
Card sleeves are protective polymer covers manufactured in standardized millimeter dimensions to fit trading card games (TCGs) and board games. The universal matrix spans Standard Size (66×91 mm for MTG, Pokémon, Lorcana), Small/Japanese Size (62×89 mm for Yu-Gi-Oh, Cardfight Vanguard), Perfect Fit/Inner Sleeves, and Tarot Sleeves, measured in micron thickness grades (50 to 120 µm).
Standard playing cards are manufactured in rigid international dimensional standards. The two dominant global formats are Poker Size (2.5×3.5 inches / 63.5×88.9 mm, the universal standard for US casino gaming and TCGs) and Bridge Size (2.25×3.5 inches / 57.1×88.9 mm, narrower for multi-card hand holding), typically printed on 300–330 GSM embossed linen cardstock.
Specification Comparison Table
17 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Mini-European Size
|
46 × 71 mm (fits 44 × 68 mm board game cards) | 1.73 × 2.68 inches (44 × 68 mm) Board game size |
|
Mini-American Size
|
43 × 65 mm (fits 41 × 63 mm cards) | 1.61 × 2.48 inches (41 × 63 mm) Board game size |
|
Standard Size (MTG / Pokémon)
|
66 × 91 mm (fits 63.5 × 88.9 mm / 2.5 × 3.5" cards) | — |
|
Small / Japanese Size (Yu-Gi-Oh)
|
62 × 89 mm (fits 59 × 86 mm cards) | — |
|
Standard Inner (Perfect Fit)
|
64 × 89 mm (snug inner sleeve for double-sleeving) | — |
|
Japanese Inner (Perfect Fit)
|
60 × 87 mm (snug inner for Japanese cards) | — |
|
Tarot Sleeve Size
|
73 × 122 mm (fits 70 × 120 / 70 × 121 mm cards) | — |
|
Penny Sleeve Thickness
|
40 to 50 microns (µm) / 1.5 to 2.0 mil | — |
|
Standard Gaming Sleeve Thickness
|
100 to 120 microns (µm) / 4.0 to 4.7 mil (Dragon Shield/Katana) | — |
|
Polymer Materials
|
Polypropylene (PP), Acid-Free, No PVC | — |
|
Poker Size Dimensions
|
— | 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm) Standard US/Casino width |
|
Bridge Size Dimensions
|
— | 2.25 × 3.5 inches (57.1 × 88.9 mm) Narrow width (0.25" narrower) |
|
Tarot Size Dimensions
|
— | 2.75 × 4.75 inches (70 × 121 mm) Standard Tarot/Oracle card |
|
Casino Cardstock Weight
|
— | 300 to 330 GSM (Grams per Square Meter) |
|
Corner Radius Standard
|
— | 3.5 (0.138 inches) mm (standard 1/8" die-cut rounded corner) |
|
Standard Deck Count
|
— | 52 + 2 Jokers + 2 Ad Cards 56 cards per standard pack |
|
Finish Textures
|
— | Air-Cushion (Embossed Linen) vs Smooth Gloss |