MTG Card Size: Exact Dimensions, Sleeve Sizes & Printing Guide

Quick answer: A standard Magic: The Gathering (MTG) card measures approximately 63 × 88 mm (2.48 × 3.46 inches). This is the standard size used to identify compatible sleeves for regular Magic cards. For reference, a standard card is about 6.3 × 8.8 cm. Check the specific sleeve manufacturer’s fit guide before buying, especially if you plan to double-sleeve cards.

If you are measuring a card for storage, comparing it with Pokémon or Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, or preparing custom trading-card artwork, the important distinction is between the finished card size, sleeve size, and print-file size. They are related, but they are not interchangeable.

MTG Card Size at a Glance

• Standard card dimensions: approximately 63 × 88 mm.
• In inches: approximately 2.48 × 3.46 inches.
• In centimeters: approximately 6.3 × 8.8 cm.
• Sleeves: choose sleeves labeled for standard-size trading cards or specifically compatible with MTG.
• Thickness: varies by card construction, condition, and manufacturer; do not assume every card has an identical thickness.
• Custom printing: confirm the printer’s trim size, bleed, safe area, resolution, and file requirements before designing.
• Packaging: if you are making a custom deck box, measure the actual sleeved deck and allow space for easy removal.

These are useful reference measurements, not a substitute for the specifications supplied by your card printer or sleeve manufacturer. Card-size references commonly list Magic cards at 63 × 88 mm, while other trading-card formats may be listed using slightly different nominal dimensions.

What Is the Standard MTG Card Size?

The standard MTG card size is approximately 63 mm wide and 88 mm tall. In inches, that is around 2.48 inches wide by 3.46 inches tall. These measurements refer to the physical card, excluding any sleeve or outer holder.

For a quick conversion:

Why do some websites say 2.5 × 3.5 inches?

The difference usually comes from rounding or from using the broader poker-size trading-card format as a reference. A 2.5 × 3.5-inch card is 63.5 × 88.9 mm, which is slightly larger than the commonly listed 63 × 88 mm MTG reference size.

This distinction matters when a fit needs to be precise. For everyday sleeve shopping, look for a product explicitly listed as compatible with Magic cards. For custom printing or a snug insert, measure the physical card or confirm the dimensions with the production supplier.

MTG Card Size in Inches, Millimeters, and Centimeters

When someone asks for the Magic: The Gathering card size, they may need the measurement for a sleeve, a deck box, a storage organizer, or a print layout. The correct dimensions depend on which part of the project you are designing.

Standard MTG card measurements

How to convert MTG card dimensions

Use these conversion rules:

• Millimeters to centimeters: divide by 10.
• Millimeters to inches: divide by 25.4.
• Inches to millimeters: multiply by 25.4.

For example, 63 mm divided by 10 equals 6.3 cm. Dividing 63 by 25.4 gives approximately 2.48 inches.

Small rounding differences are normal when websites display measurements to one or two decimal places. For a practical guide to other package and product measurements, see Bluebird Packaging’s article on box dimensions and sizing, and remember that a box’s dimensions describe the container—not the card itself.

How Thick Is an MTG Card?

A standard MTG card is a thin, layered paper-based card, but there is no single thickness measurement that should be assumed for every card. Card stock, coatings, print construction, moisture exposure, wear, and manufacturing tolerances can affect the result.

If you need the thickness for a deck box, storage tray, or shipping package, measure several cards together and divide the total by the number of cards. This can give you a more useful estimate than measuring one thin card with an ordinary ruler.

For example, if a stack of 50 cards measures 15 mm tall, the average thickness is approximately 0.3 mm per card:

This is an illustrative calculation, not a guaranteed MTG card specification.

How to estimate the height of an MTG deck

Deck height depends on the number of cards, card thickness, and whether the cards are sleeved. You can estimate the stack using:

Then measure the real stack to confirm. Sleeves add material around each card, so a sleeved deck can be noticeably taller and wider than an unsleeved deck.

If you are designing a storage box for a Commander deck or a larger collection, leave practical clearance for the sleeves, dividers, and easy access. Avoid using the card’s nominal width and height as the complete internal box dimensions.

What Size Sleeves Fit MTG Cards?

Most standard Magic cards fit standard-size trading-card sleeves designed for cards around 63 × 88 mm. Sleeve brands can differ in internal dimensions, material thickness, and fit, so check the packaging or manufacturer’s compatibility chart before purchasing. A sleeve’s advertised size is not always its exact internal measurement.

Standard sleeves vs. inner sleeves

What is the MTG standard sleeve size?

For shopping purposes, the most reliable approach is to choose sleeves specifically advertised for Magic: The Gathering or standard-size trading cards. Many sleeve guides use a card reference around 63 × 88 mm, but the sleeve itself must be larger than the card to allow insertion.

Do not buy sleeves based only on a listing that says “63 × 88 mm” without checking whether that number refers to the card size the sleeve fits or the sleeve’s actual dimensions.

What are MTG perfect-fit sleeve dimensions?

Perfect-fit sleeves are designed to sit closely around a card and are typically used as inner sleeves. Their fit is intentionally tighter than a regular outer sleeve. Exact dimensions vary by brand, so there is no universal internal size that applies to every product.

Before purchasing, check the maker’s size chart and reviews for fit notes. A sleeve that is too tight can make insertion difficult or risk damaging a card, especially if the card has worn edges or a foil surface.

MTG double sleeving guide

Double sleeving means placing a card inside an inner sleeve and then putting that sleeved card inside a compatible outer sleeve. Players often use this method for additional protection against handling and spills.

A practical process is:

1. Choose an inner sleeve listed for MTG cards.
2. Insert the card gently without forcing the corners.
3. Select a standard-size outer sleeve that fits a card with the inner sleeve already attached.
4. Insert the double-sleeved card into the outer sleeve.
5. Check that the card sits flat and that neither sleeve is stretched or buckled.
6. Repeat with a few cards before sleeving an entire deck.

Double-sleeving increases the deck’s overall dimensions. If you use a deck box, measure the fully sleeved deck—not just one bare card—before selecting the storage size.

For a collection that needs organized storage, custom packaging can also be planned around deck count, dividers, and sleeve thickness. Bluebird Packaging’s custom cardboard box options may be useful for businesses exploring branded card-game or collectible packaging; final dimensions should be confirmed for the actual product.

MTG Card Size vs. Pokémon Card Size

Standard MTG and Pokémon cards are generally listed at approximately 63 × 88 mm, which means they are considered compatible with many of the same standard-size sleeves. Always check the sleeve maker’s fit guide because the stated card dimensions and the sleeve’s internal dimensions can differ.

Although their standard dimensions are similar, card thickness, surface finish, corner condition, and special editions may differ. If you are preparing a storage insert for a mixed collection, test it using actual cards and sleeves from the intended products.

MTG Card Size vs. Yu-Gi-Oh! Card Size

Yu-Gi-Oh! cards use a smaller format than standard MTG cards. Common size references list Yu-Gi-Oh! at about 59 × 86 mm (2.32 × 3.39 inches), compared with approximately 63 × 88 mm for MTG.

Can Yu-Gi-Oh! sleeves fit MTG cards? They are generally not the right choice. The smaller format can make the fit too tight or prevent the card from fitting properly. Choose sleeves specifically designed for MTG or standard-size trading cards instead.

If you are storing several card games together, keep the size difference in mind when selecting dividers, trays, deck boxes, or fitted packaging. A single compartment size may not work equally well for all formats.

Custom MTG Card Size and Printing Specifications

If you are creating custom artwork, a fan-made card, a game prototype, or a printed card product, begin with the finished trim size specified by your printer. The finished card dimensions are not necessarily the same as the complete artwork file because printers may require bleed beyond the cutting line.

For a standard MTG-style card, the common reference size is around 63 × 88 mm. However, a printer may ask you to work from a specific template with its own trim dimensions, bleed, safe zone, color profile, and export settings. Ask for that template before preparing the final file.

What size should I use to print a custom MTG card?

Use the dimensions provided by the print service you choose. If you are creating a noncommercial prototype, the standard 63 × 88 mm reference is a useful starting point. For an actual order, do not assume that the nominal card dimensions alone are a complete print specification.

A print-ready file may need:

• The correct finished card dimensions.
• Bleed added beyond the trim edge.
• A safe area for text, icons, and important artwork.
• High-resolution images.
• The color space requested by the printer.
• Fonts embedded or converted according to the supplier’s instructions.
• A PDF or other file type accepted by the production workflow.

For example, PrintNinja’s card setup guidance specifies bleed and safe margins for its own card-printing process. Those values are useful as a reference, but you should follow the specifications of your chosen printer rather than applying one supplier’s template to every job.

What resolution should an MTG card design use?

A common print-design target is 300 pixels per inch (PPI) at the final output size, unless the printer specifies another requirement. This helps maintain sharp text and artwork, but resolution alone does not make a file print-ready. Correct dimensions, bleed, safe margins, color settings, and file preparation matter too.

For a simple pixel calculation, multiply the intended print dimensions in inches by the target PPI. Using the approximate 2.48 × 3.46-inch reference size at 300 PPI gives about 744 × 1,038 pixels before adding any printer-required bleed. Card-dimension references also list around 744 × 1,039 pixels for the rounded 63 × 88 mm measurement.

Treat that pixel count as a guide for the trimmed artwork—not the final canvas size if bleed is required.

MTG card bleed and safe area

Bleed is the extra artwork extending beyond the final trim line. It helps avoid thin white edges if cutting varies slightly during production. The safe area is the inner region where text, logos, and important details should remain so they are less likely to be trimmed.

There is no single bleed value that should be assumed for every card printer. For example, one card printer may specify 0.125 inches of bleed, while another service may use different file requirements.

Before exporting your custom card artwork:

1. Download the template supplied by your printer.
2. Confirm the trim size and document dimensions.
3. Extend background artwork to the bleed line.
4. Keep text and critical details inside the safe area.
5. Export using the requested color settings and file format.
6. Review a digital proof and, if the project warrants it, a physical sample.

If you are making a custom card game for retail sale, remember that card printing and packaging are separate production requirements. A card printer can advise on the card stock and cut size; a packaging supplier can help develop an appropriately sized box for the finished deck.

How to Choose a Custom Trading Card Box

The right box depends on the number of cards, the sleeve type, whether the deck includes dividers or accessories, and how the product will be sold or shipped. Measure the finished, sleeved stack first, then plan the internal box dimensions around it.

For businesses developing card games, collectible products, promotional decks, or branded tabletop merchandise, the packaging may need to protect the cards while communicating the brand.

Consider these factors before ordering:

• Deck capacity: Decide how many cards the box must hold.
• Sleeves: Include the extra width, height, and stack height caused by sleeving.
• Dividers: Allow room if the deck needs sections for different card types.
• Opening style: Choose a structure that makes it easy to remove and replace cards.
• Material: Select a suitable paperboard or corrugated structure based on the weight and protection required.
• Artwork: Prepare the logo, color palette, product name, and any required product information.
• Shipping: Consider how the finished package will be packed and transported.
• Quantity and budget: Ask for pricing based on the intended order quantity and specifications.

Bluebird Packaging offers a range of customizable paper-based box styles. For retail-oriented packaging, explore custom retail boxes; for a more substantial presentation, consider the custom rigid box collection. The most suitable structure depends on the actual card stack, the design, and the protection needed.

Packaging styles to consider

Cardboard boxes

Suitable as a starting point for many small retail products and compact card-game packaging. Explore cardboard box options.

Corrugated boxes

Worth considering when the package needs added protection during shipping. See corrugated box options.

Rigid boxes

Can suit premium collector sets, special-edition decks, or gift-oriented presentations. Browse rigid box options.

You can also explore Bluebird’s guides to types of packaging, packaging materials, and product packaging to understand how different materials and structures serve different uses.

How to Measure an MTG Deck for a Custom Box

Use this process when preparing specifications for a custom card storage box.

1. Choose the cards. Use the actual deck or a representative stack from the intended product.
2. Sleeve them first. If the deck will be sold or stored in sleeves, measure it in that finished state.
3. Measure width and height. Check the widest and tallest points of the sleeved stack.
4. Measure stack thickness. Use a ruler or caliper and keep the stack aligned without compressing it excessively.
5. Account for dividers and accessories. Include any tokens, rule cards, or inserts that will share the box.
6. Allow usable clearance. The deck should slide in and out without being squeezed or rattling excessively.
7. Confirm with the packaging supplier. Ask them to review the internal dimensions, material thickness, closure, and intended use.
8. Approve a sample or proof. Test the fit before approving a larger production run.

A custom box should be sized to the actual product rather than relying only on nominal card dimensions. If you need a branded package for a card game or promotional deck, Bluebird Packaging’s custom packaging service is a useful starting point for discussing the structure and specifications.

For a better understanding of how box sizes are selected, read the guide to measuring a box. If you are still comparing structural options, the article on cardboard versus corrugated boxes explains the difference between common paper-based packaging materials.

Frequently Asked Questions About MTG Card Size

1. What is the exact size of an MTG card?

A standard MTG card is commonly listed as approximately 63 × 88 mm, or 2.48 × 3.46 inches. The exact physical measurement can vary slightly, so use a printer’s specification or measure the card if precision is essential.

2. How many millimeters is a Magic card?

The common reference dimensions are 63 mm wide and 88 mm tall. That is 6.3 × 8.8 cm. These figures describe the card, not the sleeve or storage box.

3. What size sleeves do MTG cards need?

Choose standard-size sleeves that explicitly list compatibility with Magic: The Gathering. Check the sleeve manufacturer’s compatibility chart and fit notes, particularly if you intend to double-sleeve cards.

4. Are MTG and Pokémon cards the same size?

They are generally listed at the same reference dimensions: approximately 63 × 88 mm. Many standard-size sleeves fit both, but you should still check the specific product’s compatibility information.

5. Are MTG cards the same size as Yu-Gi-Oh! cards?

No. Standard MTG cards are commonly listed at about 63 × 88 mm, while Yu-Gi-Oh! cards are about 59 × 86 mm. Yu-Gi-Oh! typically uses smaller Japanese-size sleeves.

6. How thick is a standard MTG card?

Thickness can vary with construction, finish, condition, and measurement method. If the measurement is important for a deck box, measure a stack of cards and divide by the card count, then confirm the final fit with the sleeved deck.

7. What size should I use to print a custom MTG card?

Start with the printer’s supplied template and specifications. The commonly listed card size of 63 × 88 mm is a useful reference, but you must confirm trim dimensions, bleed, safe area, resolution, color settings, and export format before submitting the file.

8. What resolution should an MTG card design use?

A common target for print artwork is 300 PPI at the intended output size, unless the printer says otherwise. Follow the chosen printer’s instructions for canvas dimensions and bleed rather than setting the file to the trimmed card dimensions alone.

9. Do MTG cards fit standard trading-card sleeves?

Usually, yes—provided the sleeves are intended for standard-size trading cards and explicitly list MTG compatibility. The phrase “standard size” can be used inconsistently in product listings, so confirm the intended card format before buying.

10. How much bleed is needed when printing custom trading cards?

There is no universal value for every printer. Some suppliers specify 0.125 inches, while others may have different requirements. Use the exact template and bleed instructions from your selected print provider.

11. Can I use MTG card dimensions to design a deck box?

Use the card size as a starting point, not as the final box size. Measure the complete deck with its sleeves, add space for dividers or accessories, and confirm the internal dimensions and material thickness with the packaging supplier.

12. What packaging is suitable for a custom trading card deck?

The best structure depends on the deck’s size, weight, price point, protection needs, and presentation goals. Paperboard boxes can suit compact retail packaging, while stronger shipping-oriented structures may be more suitable for transport. Confirm the final design using a real deck or sample.

Final Takeaway

The standard MTG card size is approximately 63 × 88 mm (2.48 × 3.46 inches). Standard-size trading-card sleeves are generally the right category for Magic cards, while Yu-Gi-Oh! cards use a smaller format. For custom printing, always follow your printer’s trim, bleed, safe-area, resolution, and file requirements.

If you’re designing a deck box or branded card-game package, measure the cards after sleeving and allow for dividers and practical clearance. For custom packaging options, you can review Bluebird Packaging’s custom cardboard boxes and request a quote with your dimensions, quantity, and design requirements.

External references

• Card Dimensions — Magic: The Gathering size reference
• PrintNinja — Card deck setup guides
• Handwrytten — Card design specifications

Related resources for planning a card-packaging project

If you’re developing a tabletop game, collectible deck, or promotional card set, these additional resources can help you plan the design and packaging:

• Explore packaging design principles before finalizing the box artwork.
• Review custom printed packaging options for branding and printed presentation.
• Learn about packaging printing and the production considerations that affect printed results.
• Compare custom packaging costs before deciding on materials, finishes, and quantity.
• Read about packaging for small businesses if you’re testing a new card-game product.
• Consider ecommerce packaging if the deck will be shipped directly to customers.
• Explore sustainable packaging materials if material selection is part of your product brief.
• Learn how a packaging manufacturer can help review structural requirements.
• For an ecommerce-friendly format, browse custom mailer boxes.
• For a natural paper-based look, explore Kraft boxes.
• If the cards need to be presented on a retail counter, consider display boxes.
• Visit the Bluebird Packaging homepage to explore packaging options, or use the contact page to discuss a specific project.