MTG Card Size: What Size Are MTG Cards?
We get asked all the time, what size are MTG Cards? There are a few reasons customers come to us curious about the Magic card dimensions:
- They want to verify authenticity
- They’re trying to find the right sleeves
- They’re considering making proxy cards
Whatever the case, the MTG card size is 63.5mm by 88.9mm (2.48 inches by 3.46 inches). Learn more about the size of MTG cards below or find your new favorite MTG cards for sale at Danireon!
Quick Look at the MTG Card Size
|
Measurement |
Metric |
Imperial |
|
Width |
63.5 mm |
2.5 in |
|
Height |
88.9 mm |
3.5 in |
|
Thickness |
0.30 mm |
12 pt |
|
Weight (Pre-M15) |
1.75 g per card |
|
|
Weight (Post-M15) |
1.8 g per card |
|
Why the Magic Card Dimensions Matter
There’s no easier way to identify counterfeits than by checking the Magic card dimensions. You can avoid becoming the victim of a scam by comparing the card in question to the actual correct MTG card size. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need a legit card on hand, either. Just a ruler or tape measure.
However, authenticity checks aren’t the only reason you should know the size of Magic cards.
Finding the Right Sleeves For Your Cards
Score! You found a super rare Magic the Gathering card in your latest pack. Now it’s just a matter of keeping it in pristine shape so you can preserve its value. But, what size are MTG cards relative to Pokémon and other TCGs? Can you use the same sleeves and binders?
MTG card sleeves are engineered with meticulous precision to meet precise Magic card dimensions. Too-tight a sleeve could bend or crease your card, compromising on its grading. On the other hand, too-loose a sleeve could cause the card to slip out. Neither is ideal.
The good news is you don’t have much to worry about. You just have to shop Danireon’s collection of card sleeves for the perfect storage solution!
Creating Proxy Cards
Speaking of rare cards, there are many cases where you may decide to print your own MTG cards to use as a proxy to your authentic card. This way, you don’t risk damaging your prized possession when heading over to a friend’s house.
We want to be very clear - proxy cards are not legal for tournament play. Selling them on the secondary market is a scam, and a good way to land yourself in serious trouble.
They do have their place, however. Understanding the Magic card dimensions is paramount for printing legit-looking proxy cards. Resolution is the most important factor here. You need a high-resolution file before printing proxy cards. (300 DPI or better).
Then, you need to account for “bleed,” which refers to the extra artwork beyond the cut line. This way, you aren’t left with a strange-looking white border on your card if the cutting blade is off ever so slightly.
A Word on Weight
The Magic card dimensions are just one piece of the puzzle. What size are Magic the Gathering cards in terms of weight? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. MTG card size is split into two camps:
- Pre-M15: Cards before 2014 were generally 1.75 grams per card (sometimes higher with foil features).
- Post-M15: Cards after the shift in production quality were made beefier at around 1.8 grams.
This is to say you can’t always use weight as the end-all, be-all in identifying counterfeits. You have to get more specific about when the card was printed.
What Size Are MTG Cards Compared to Other TCGs?
We get asked how MTG and Pokémon compare all the time. Or MTG and Yu-Gi-Oh!. Here’s a quick breakdown of the different sizes across your favorite TCGs:
|
Card Type |
Dimensions (mm) |
Dimensions (in) |
Sleeve Size |
|
Magic: The Gathering |
63.5 × 88.9 |
2.5 × 3.5 |
Standard |
|
Pokémon TCG |
63 × 88 |
2.5 × 3.5 |
Standard |
|
Yu-Gi-Oh! |
59 × 86 |
2.25 × 3.25 |
Japanese / Small |
|
Standard Playing Cards |
63.5 × 88.9 |
2.5 × 3.5 |
Standard |
You’ll notice the sleeve sizes are more or less the same across the board, with Yu-Gi-Oh! being the exception. That means you can basically use the same storage and organization essentials for all the cards you collect.
Shop Authentic Magic the Gathering Cards at Danireon!
In closing, what size are MTG cards? We hope this guide has left you feeling clear and confident regarding all things Magic card dimensions. All that’s left to do now is stock up on the sleeves and binders you need to preserve your collection at Danireon!
We have thousands of authentic cards and binders perfectly designed to hold them. This will keep them safe from the outside world, helping them maintain their long-term value. Plus, our friendly team can help you with all the details. Whether you want to know how to get better at Magic the Gathering or need to check the price of a rare card, we’ve got you covered.
Frequently asked questions
Are MTG cards 63x88?
Close, but not exactly. MTG cards are 63.5 x 88.9mm. People say MTG cards are 63x88 because it’s fine for rounding and brevity when you’re just buying sleeves. But it’s worth knowing the actual MTG card size as it pertains to checking counterfeits and creating proxies. The devil is in the details, as they say!
What thickness are MTG cards?
Around 0.30mm, or 12pt card stock. You’ll find that foil cards feel a little thicker because of the metallic layer on the surface. On the other hand, standard cards feel a little bit thinner. But anything that feels “flimsy” is a red flag and should be checked for authenticity.
Are MTG cards standard or Japanese size?
Standard. They measure 63.5 x 88.9mm. That’s the standard size for poker cards here in North America. Japanese cards are quite a bit smaller at only 59 x 86mm - enough of a difference for you to see visually. This matters when shopping for sleeves. Companies differentiate their sleeves as either “Standard” or “Japanese.”
How many MTG cards fit on 8.5 x11?
You should be able to fit NINE properly sized MTG cards on an 8.5 x 11 sheet. Use a 3x3 grid. You’ll be left with just enough room around the edges for trimming. This is the default layout for proxy printing tools and PDF generators. Be sure to set your print file to 300 DPI for sharp, vivid text that looks legit. Always leave a little room (bleed) so you have margin to cut corners.
Are MTG proxies legal?
Only in playful matches with friends and family, and even then, the moral thing to do is explain you’re using a proxy because you don’t want to damage your prized possession. You WILL NOT be able to use proxies in any sort of sanctioned play, however. And it’s also important that you're aware that selling proxies as genuine cards is fraud. Proxies only have their place in using expensive cards through your commander decks without risking the originals, playtesting new brews before buying in, that sort of thing.
What about MTG tokens?
Same size as a standard MTG card. Official tokens measure 63.5 x 88.9mm and are printed on the same card stock as regular Magic cards.
Related Resources
What is Lifelink MTG? | How to identify rare Magic: The Gathering cards