Standard Playing Card Size: Guide for Designers & Manufacturers
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What Is the Standard Playing Card Size? An Overview for Designers and Manufacturers

date read icon February 6, 2026

The standard playing card size is commonly 2.5 x 3.5 inches (63.5 x 88.9 mm). These dimensions bridge the gap between a beautiful concept and a functional product for designers and manufacturers. In addition, the dimension of the deck directly influences how it feels in your hand and how it shuffles.

In spite of the digital age that we live in, the physical card remains the true masterpiece. Their popularity makes them an essential part of the world's entertainment and game culture. Playing cards are available in different sizes, each suited to a different purpose or game. Occasionally, even millimeters can make all the difference between a premium deck and a toy.

A standard playing card size guide will explain what the card size is, how it varies across various formats, including bridge size cards, tarot card dimensions, mini cards, jumbo cards, and MTG cards, and how margins, edge radius, and bleed affect the card size.

Key Takeaways

    • Poker size playing cards: 2.5" x 3.5" is the default deck size worldwide
    • Bleed: plan around 0.125" on each side for all formats
    • Safe margin: keep key text and logos 0.125" inside trim
    • Rounded corners: about 1/8" radius for most card decks
    • Bridge size playing cards are narrower and easier to fan in large hands
    • Tarot card dimensions, mini playing cards, and jumbo playing cards are mainly about artwork space and visibility

    Quick Reference For Standard Playing Card Size And Common Variations Used Worldwide


    In ancient times, people played cards as a favorite game. Compared with each other, these games have slightly different card sizes. The question arises every time a player discusses playing card sizes. The following is a quick size chart you can share with your design team or sourcing department:

    Card type

    Common use

    Size (inches)

    Size (mm)

    Standard poker playing cards

    Casinos, most games, MTG-compatible

    2.5" x 3.5"

    63.5 x 88.9 mm

    Bridge size playing cards

    Bridge, trick-heavy games

    2.25" x 3.5"

    57 x 89 mm

    Tarot card dimensions

    Tarot, oracle decks

    2.75" x 4.75"

    70 x 120–121 mm

    Mini playing cards

    Travel decks, promos

    1.75" x 2.5"

    45 x 64 mm (approx.)

    Jumbo playing cards

    Stage, displays, novelty

    4" x 6"

    102 x 152 mm (typical)

    MTG card size (trading cards)

    Magic: The Gathering, TCG sleeves

    ~2.5" x 3.5"

    63 x 88 mm


    You can base your tuck boxes, trays, and display packaging on these outer sizes, then add your own tolerances and buffer.

    What Are The Famous Standard Playing Card Sizes?

    In the world of card manufacturing, you will find out that “standard” is a relative term. The same core formats appear over and over again in playing card production. It includes poker, bridge, tarot, mini, jumbo, kids, and various European styles. As far as manufacturing is concerned, these sizes determine everything from die lines to the layout of sheets to the dimensions of boxes. 

    Here are the famous playing card sizes in detail.

    Standard Poker Playing Card Sizes


    Poker size (2.5" x 3.5") is the default answer when someone asks for standard playing card size. This is what casinos use, what most retail decks use, and what many trading cards match. 

    In production, you normally treat poker cards like this. 

      • Final poker card size: 2.5" x 3.5" (63.5 x 88.9 mm)
      • Bleed to supply: 0.125" on each side (file: 2.75" x 3.75")
      • Recommended safe margin: 0.125" inside trim (roughly 2.25" x 3.25")
      • Round corner radius: 1/8" (3 to 4 mm) typical for mass production

      For many brands, poker size playing cards are ideal when you want maximum compatibility with standard card sleeves, tuck boxes, and retail accessories. Most stock tuck cartons, countertop boxes, and display trays are designed around this footprint.

      Standard Bridge-Size Playing Card Sizes


      The size of bridge cards is slightly smaller than that of poker cards, measuring 2.25" x 3.5 inches. The majority of casinos in the USA use bridge-size cards when playing games like Texas Hold'em. Their shuffle and handling abilities make the process easier.

      Here are bridge-size playing card sizes for production. 

        • Final bridge card size: 2.25" x 3.5" (about 57 x 89 mm)
        • Bleed to supply: 0.125" on each side (file: 2.5" x 3.75")
        • Recommended safe margin: 0.125" inside trim (approx. 2.0" x 3.25")
        • Round corner radius: about 1/8" (3 mm) to match poker decks

        Among B2B buyers, bridge size can be an advantage for niche card games, casino side games, or premium decks in which a slimmer hand feel is a key feature. Your tuck box will be slightly narrower, so confirm the inner width with your packaging supplier.

        Standard Tarot Card Playing Card Sizes


        Standard tarot card playing cards measure 2.75 x 4.75 inches that makes them larger and thinner than standard poker cards. The extra space on these cards is used for artwork and symbolism. Key benefits of this size include improved visual storytelling, a luxurious, premium feel, and easier handling. 

        Here are standard tarot card dimensions:

          • Tarot card size: 2.75" x 4.75" (about 70 x 120–121 mm)
          • Bleed to supply: 0.125" on each side (file: 3.0" x 5.0")
          • Recommended safe margin: 0.125" inside trim (around 2.5" x 4.5")
          • Round corner radius: often 1/8"–5/32" (3.5–4 mm) for smoother edges

          It is necessary to use taller tuck boxes and inserts for these taller cards. It is common for publishers to use rigid boxes rather than simple tucks to package their tucks, since they also need to include guides.

          Standard Large (Jumbo) Playing Card Dimensions


          Large playing cards, also known as jumbo or oversized playing cards, measure 3.5 x 5 inches. They are approximately 50% larger than standard poker cards, providing greater visibility on the table and making it easier to read from a distance. People use them for stage magic, training decks, and educational kits. 

          Here are the dimensions of large (jumbo) playing cards. 

            • Final card size: often around 3.5" x 5" (89 x 127 mm)
            • Bleed to supply: 0.125" on each side (file: 3.75" x 5.25")
            • Recommended safe margin: at least 0.125"–0.1875" inside (about 3.25" x 4.75")
            • Round corner radius: 1/8"–3/16", depending on look and handling

            This type of card uses more boards, is more expensive per deck, and weighs more during transit. Please communicate the card count and deck weight to your packaging supplier so they can design a tuck box or rigid box that holds the deck securely without bulging.

            Standard MTG Playing Card Sizes


            The standard MTG playing card size is 2.5 x 3.5 inches. The gathering and many trading card games follow the same format. Several industry sources report that MTG cards measure 63 x 88 mm, equivalent to poker size, specified in millimeters.

            Here are the standard MTG playing card dimensions. 

              • Final card size: 2.5" x 3.5" or 63 x 88 mm (trading card standard)
              • Bleed to supply: 0.125" on each side (file: 2.75" x 3.75")
              • Recommended safe margin: 0.125" inside trim for rules text and borders
              • Round corner radius: around 1/8" to fit standard TCG sleeves

              The manufacturing of MTG playing cards demands rigorous consistency. It only takes a fraction of a millimeter of deviation to cause "marked cards" to be rejected from tournament play. 

              Standard Kid’s Playing Card Sizes


              Kids’ playing cards are usually smaller and thicker because they have to withstand rough handling. They typically measure 1.75 x 2.5 inches. A compact deck is a great travel companion and usually contains a full 54-card deck. 

              Here are standard Kid’s playing card sizes or dimensions you can use:

                • Final card size: about 1.75” x 2.5” (44.45 mm x 63.5 mm)
                • Bleed to supply: 0.125" on each side (file: 2.25" x 3.25")
                • Recommended safe margin: at least 0.125" inside (around 1.75" x 2.75")
                • Round corner radius: 1/8" or slightly larger to soften edges

                The format is suitable for schools that sell educational cards, flashcards, or story decks, and it fits neatly into compact tuck boxes for convenient shipping in bulk.

                Why Print247 Is A Smart Partner For Custom Playing Card Packaging?

                Once you have finalized your playing card size, you need packaging that fits perfectly and looks on-brand. We at Print247 are able to help you with this as a full-service packaging supplier.

                  • Print247 supports brands and manufacturers across the US with:
                  • Free design support so your card deck, tuck box, and display packaging line up correctly
                  • Free shipping across the US on qualifying orders to keep landed costs under control
                  • Eco-friendly materials, including recyclable boards and soy-based inks for low-impact cartons
                  • Fast shipping and quick production windows that help you hit tight launch dates
                  • Physical samples so your team can test card fit, shelf presence, and unboxing before full production

                  If you need packaging for mini playing cards, tarot decks, or full poker decks, Print247 will create a custom box that protects your product and supports your brand story in retail and e-commerce.

                  FAQs

                  What size playing cards should I get?

                  If you want a safe choice for most games and retail channels, use poker size playing cards at 2.5” x 3.5”. For card-heavy games where players hold many cards, bridge-size playing cards (2.25” x 3.5”) feel easier to fan and stack, especially for smaller hands. 

                  How thick are playing cards?

                  Single cards usually fall between about 0.27mm and 0.33 mm in caliper, which lines up with roughly 280 to 330 GSM or 10-13 PT boards. Thinner decks feel flexible and light, while thicker boards feel stiffer and more premium. Always match the thickness to your tuck box depth.

                  Do standard poker cards vary in size?

                  Yes, but only slightly. According to poker rules, the standard playing card size is 2.5" by 3.5" (63.5 x 88.9 mm). There can be small tolerances for trimming and cutting in large production runs, or millimeters may round a bit.

                  How many playing cards are in a deck?

                  In many games, there are 52 cards plus two jokers, for a total of 54 cards. A typical Tarot or Oracle deck consists of 60 to 80 cards, while boosters and starter decks have their own count. For accurate box sizing, always include the exact card count in the packaging brief.

                  Author: Bill ‘Hogg’ Ryan
                  AUTHOR

                  Bill ‘Hogg’ Ryan

                  Bill is a Houston-based packaging writer with 6 years in the industry. His hands-on career began with printing machines; he has built profound expertise in custom packaging solutions across multiple sectors, including cosmetics, food, and retail. A recognized industry contributor in the State. Bill now shares insights through writing, focusing on packaging trends and innovations. In his leisure time, he can be seen riding his favorite Stallion, ‘Tex,’ or jamming to country music.