Playing cards have been around for centuries, but did you know they don’t all come in the same size? Whether you’re playing poker, designing a custom deck, or collecting tarot cards, knowing the standard playing card dimensions makes all the difference.
What is the Standard Playing Card Size?
The standard playing card size used in most poker decks is:
2.5 × 3.5 inches
63.5 × 88.9 millimeters
This size is sometimes referred to as the “poker size card”, and it’s the most widely recognised format across casinos, gaming tables, and custom printed decks.
Why this size?
- Easy to shuffle and handle – fits comfortably in the hand.
- Great for card tricks and games – wide enough for graphics but still manageable.
- Industry standard for printing – ensures compatibility with boxes, sleeves, and accessories.
📌 Quick Tip: If you’re planning to design your own deck, always set your artwork canvas to 63.5 × 88.9 mm + 3 mm bleed. This ensures nothing important gets trimmed during printing.
Playing Card Size Comparison Chart (mm & inches)
Below is a quick reference table showing the most common playing card sizes, with both inches and millimeters:
Card Type Size (inches) Size (mm) Common Use Cases
Poker (Standard) 2.5 × 3.5 in 63.5 × 88.9 mm Casinos, card games, custom decks
Bridge 2.25 × 3.5 in 57 × 88.9 mm Trick play, bridge, narrower decks
Mini 1.75 × 2.5 in 44.5 × 63.5 mm Travel games, novelty cards
Jumbo / Giant 3.5 × 5 in 88.9 × 127 mm Stage magic, teaching, kids
Tarot / Oracle 2.75 × 4.75 in 70 × 120 mm Collectible, spiritual decks
MTG / Trading Cards 2.5 × 3.5 in 63.5 × 88.9 mm Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!
Square 2.5 × 2.5 in 63.5 × 63.5 mm Custom, promotional, creative designs
Common Playing Card Sizes Explained
Poker Card Size
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm)
- Overview: The poker size card is the most widely recognised format and is considered the global standard. It’s used in casinos, poker tournaments, and most family card games.
- Why it matters: Its slightly wider shape makes the cards easier to shuffle and display graphics, which is why designers and custom card printers prefer it. If you buy a standard deck off the shelf, chances are it’s poker size.
- Printing tip: Always design with a 3 mm bleed to avoid trimming important artwork when creating custom poker decks.
Bridge Card Size
- Dimensions: 2.25 × 3.5 inches (57 × 88.9 mm)
- Overview: Bridge cards are slightly narrower than poker cards but keep the same height. This slimmer design makes them easier to hold, especially for games requiring larger hands of cards like Bridge and Canasta.
- Why it matters: Their narrower profile makes shuffling smoother and handling more comfortable for smaller hands. They’re also a favourite for magicians who need precision in card tricks.
- Printing tip: Ideal if your design calls for a lighter, more compact deck without losing the professional feel.
Mini Playing Cards
- Dimensions: 1.75 × 2.5 inches (44.5 × 63.5 mm)
- Overview: Mini playing cards are a scaled-down version of standard poker decks. They’re often used for travel games, party favours, and promotional items.
- Why it matters: Their small size makes them easy to carry, though they’re not always practical for serious gameplay. They’re excellent for novelty gifts or branding projects.
- Printing tip: Due to their size, keep designs simple and bold so details remain visible.
Jumbo Playing Cards
- Dimensions: 3.5 × 5 inches (88.9 × 127 mm)
- Overview: Jumbo cards are oversized and designed to be seen from a distance. They’re commonly used for teaching, stage magic, or children’s games.
- Why it matters: Their large size makes them more fun and accessible, but less convenient for fast-paced games.
- Printing tip: Great for marketing promotions where visibility is key—think branded giveaways or oversized novelty decks.
Tarot & Oracle Cards
- Dimensions: 2.75 × 4.75 inches (70 × 120 mm)
- Overview: Tarot and oracle decks have been used for centuries in spiritual and divination practices. Their taller format allows for more detailed illustrations and symbolic artwork.
- Why it matters: Collectors and practitioners value these cards for their aesthetics as much as their function. The extra height provides space for intricate designs.
- Printing tip: Use premium card stock with a matte or linen finish to enhance durability and create a luxury feel.
MTG / Trading Card Size
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm) — same as poker size
- Overview: Trading cards such as Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, and Yu-Gi-Oh! use the same dimensions as poker cards but are printed on slightly thicker, durable stock to withstand frequent handling.
- Why it matters: Collectors rely on standard sizing so cards fit perfectly into protective sleeves and binders.
- Printing tip: If you’re designing custom trading cards, choose a sturdy finish to preserve print quality and resist wear.
Square Playing Cards
- Dimensions: 2.5 × 2.5 inches (63.5 × 63.5 mm)
- Overview: Square cards are a modern, creative twist on traditional decks. They’re popular for custom games, branding, and promotional events.
- Why it matters: The unusual shape stands out and makes any deck feel unique, though it’s less common in standard gameplay.
- Printing tip: Works best for custom designs where originality is more important than standardization.
Regional Playing Card Sizes (US, UK & EU)
Although the poker card size (2.5 × 3.5 inches / 63.5 × 88.9 mm) is recognised as the global standard, there are subtle regional differences worth noting:
United States
The US playing card industry sets the tone for most global standards, especially through brands like Bicycle and Copag.
Poker size is dominant, but bridge size is also common, particularly in casino play.
United Kingdom
In the UK, both poker and bridge sizes are widely available, with bridge cards often favoured in trick-taking games.
Collectors may also come across slightly varied dimensions in vintage British decks, particularly in pre-20th-century designs.
European Union
EU-printed decks generally align with US standards but sometimes use rounded metric conversions (e.g., 64 × 89 mm instead of 63.5 × 88.9 mm).
Tarot and oracle decks are especially popular in mainland Europe, where taller card formats are standard.
Why Regional Variations Matter
- Compatibility: Custom decks printed in slightly different measurements may not fit standard card sleeves or boxes.
- Design accuracy: When preparing artwork for printing in another region, always confirm the exact template sizes in mm, not just inches.
- Collecting: For enthusiasts, regional decks can be a unique addition to a collection.
📌 Tip for designers: If you plan to sell decks internationally, stick to 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm) to guarantee global compatibility.
Playing Card Thickness & Card Stock
When people ask about “how thick are playing cards?”, they’re usually referring to the weight and stock material used. While card dimensions set the size, thickness determines how a deck feels, shuffles, and lasts over time.
Standard Playing Card Thickness
Most playing cards fall between 0.27 mm and 0.33 mm thick (measured per card).
In paper weight, this translates to roughly 280–330 GSM (grams per square metre) or 10–13 pt in printing terms.
A typical 52-card deck is about 17–20 mm thick when stacked.
How Card Thickness is Measured
Caliper (mm/pt): Measures the actual thickness of a single card.
GSM (grams per square metre): Indicates the weight of the card stock — heavier GSM means sturdier, thicker cards.
Common Types of Playing Card Stock
Premium Smooth (PS30): Standard smooth finish, great for everyday play.
Deluxe Smooth (DS33): Slightly heavier, offering more durability.
Gaming Linen (GL29): Textured surface that reduces sticking and improves shuffle — a favourite among magicians.
Casino Linen (CL31): Professional-grade with air-cushion texture, designed for frequent handling.
Why Thickness Matters
Durability: Thicker cards last longer, especially for collectors or frequent players.
Performance: Linen finishes improve handling, while smooth finishes are better for clear, crisp artwork.
Custom Printing: Choosing the right stock ensures your deck feels professional, not flimsy.
Pro tip: If you’re creating a custom deck, 300–310 GSM with a linen finish is a safe choice for balance between flexibility and longevity.
Design Considerations for Printing Playing Cards
If you’re planning to design or print a custom deck, card dimensions are just the starting point. To achieve professional results, you also need to consider bleed, margins, finishes, and packaging.
Bleed and Safe Zones
- Bleed area: Always add at least 3 mm bleed on all sides of your artwork. This prevents white edges when cards are trimmed.
- Safe zone: Keep important text, logos, or numbers at least 3–4 mm inside the trim line to avoid accidental cuts.
Resolution and Colour Mode
- Use 300 dpi resolution for sharp print quality.
- Set files in CMYK colour mode to ensure colours print accurately.
Card Finishes
- Gloss finish: Adds shine and makes colours pop.
- Matte finish: Softer look with less glare, popular for luxury decks.
- Linen texture: Improves shuffle and handling, ideal for magicians and gamers.
Packaging Considerations
- Standard tuck boxes fit poker or bridge decks.
- For tarot, jumbo, or custom sizes, you may need a bespoke box for a snug fit.
- Adding extras like foil stamping or window cut-outs can enhance branding.
At OnlinePrintingFactory, we can print your playing cards in poker, bridge, tarot, or custom sizes, with premium stocks and finishes to match your design. Whether you need a single prototype or a full production run, our team ensures professional results every time.
👉 Get a Custom Playing Card Quote Today
FAQs
What size are standard playing cards?
The standard playing card size is 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm). This format, known as poker size, is used in casinos and most card decks worldwide.
Are poker cards bigger than bridge cards?
Yes. Poker cards are wider at 2.5 inches, while bridge cards measure 2.25 inches wide. Both are the same height at 3.5 inches. Bridge cards are easier to hold in large hands of cards, while poker cards provide more room for artwork.
What size are playing cards in mm?
Standard poker playing cards measure 63.5 mm × 88.9 mm. Bridge cards are 57 mm × 88.9 mm, mini cards are about 44.5 mm × 63.5 mm, and jumbo cards are 88.9 mm × 127 mm.
How thick are playing cards?
Most playing cards are between 0.27 mm and 0.33 mm thick, which equals 280–330 GSM or 10–13 pt card stock. Premium decks may use linen or casino-grade finishes for extra durability and better shuffle.
Can I print custom-sized playing cards?
Yes. While poker and bridge sizes are standard, you can print custom playing cards in any dimension or shape, such as square or oversized cards. Professional printers like OnlinePrintingFactory offer a range of finishes and custom packaging to suit your design.