Playing Cards
Gaming Supplies · 9 specs
Direct Answer
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.
Source: United States Playing Card Company (USPCC) / Cartamundi Standards · Last reviewed Aug 28, 2026
Specs
| 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 |
| Mini-European Size | 1.73 × 2.68 inches (44 × 68 mm) Board game size |
| Mini-American Size | 1.61 × 2.48 inches (41 × 63 mm) Board game size |
| 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 |
Poker Size vs. Bridge Size: The Key Difference
Both formats share the identical 3.5-inch (88.9 mm) height, but differ by exactly 0.25 inches (6.4 mm) in width:
- Poker Size (2.5 × 3.5 in / 63.5 × 88.9 mm): Wider format used for Poker, Blackjack, Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and general casino table games.
- Bridge Size (2.25 × 3.5 in / 57.1 × 88.9 mm): Narrower format designed specifically for Contract Bridge, Spades, and Hearts, allowing players to comfortably fan and hold hands of 13 or more cards at once.
Cardstock Core & Caliper Standards
Professional playing cards are composed of a three-ply laminate:
- Black Core (USPCC / Bicycle Standard): An opaque black carbon sheet laminated between two outer paper layers prevents card see-through under bright casino lighting.
- Blue / Grey Core: Common in European and commercial board game cards.
- 100% Plastic (PVC / Acetate): Standard for casino poker rooms (Copag, Kem, Modiano); completely waterproof, resistant to creasing/marking, and washable.