The worldwide popularity of playing cards can’t be denied. These cards are used to play more than 1000 games. Whether used for friends or family gatherings, these cards can create a joyous group activity. If you are planning to start a playing card business or are running one, understanding the standard dimensions of playing cards is necessary. Doing so will help you make an informed decision about the sizes of your playful products. In this blog, we will discuss in detail the sizes and measurements of different types of playing cards. Read on!
History of Playing Cards
Playing cards were first introduced in the 10th century in China. But, markings of Chinese people playing with these cards are not out there. These cards were first introduced in Europe in 1370. Since then, the popularity of these cards has grown. They can be used to play endless games.
People often like playing card games in social gatherings and families. The increase in demand for these cards has enhanced the competition in the playing card market. If you want your brand to stand out, you need to pay attention to quality material and premium design as well.
Importance of Standard Playing Card Dimensions
The significance of keeping the standardized playing card size can’t be overlooked. Standardization of sizes brings uniformity in the card dimensions that are accepted by the industry.
Choosing the right size of playing cards is also necessary to provide an exclusive playing experience to the users. The reason is that appropriate card dimensions help print elements in a suitable size that players can easily see.
Staying minimal while meeting the needs of customers in playing card sizes also helps you save money. If you go for optimal sizes, you can save card materials without compromising the experience of users.
Standard Playing Card Sizes
Now that you know the importance of playing card dimensions standardization, let’s explore some standard sizes of these cards. Here are some common types of playing cards popular in the market, along with their sizes and dimensions:
Poker Cards
When it comes to the most commonly used playing cards in the market, poker cards are at the top of the list. These cards are mostly used to play classic yet famous games like Blackjack. The dimensions of a standard poker card are 2.5 by 3.5 inches or 63.5 x 89 mm.
These cards are mostly packed in playing card tuck boxes, as these packaging boxes come with an easy-to-open mechanism. The poker playing card measurements are 2.51 x 3.5 x 1.75 inches.
Miniature Cards
These cards come in small sizes that can easily fit inside your pocket. Miniature cards are primarily used to play games during traveling and picnics. When it comes to the sizes of these cards, they are mostly 1.73 × 2.52 inches or 44 mm by 64 mm.
These cards can be easily packed in small packaging boxes of size 1.74 × 2.53 × 0.69 inches. Tuck-style boxes are most commonly used to pack these tiny cards.
European Playing Cards
The standard sizes of playing cards vary in Europe than in other countries. European playing cards mostly come in 2.4 × 3.8 inches or 61 mm × 97 mm dimensions. These cards exude a luxurious packaging and different feel.
When it comes to packing European cards, wooden, rigid, or acrylic boxes are mostly used. The dimensions of the packaging boxes for European playing cards are 2.42 × 3.82 × 1.7 inches. However, if thick boxes are used to pack these cards, the dimensions of these boxes may vary.
Tarot Cards
Tarot cards are another remarkable playing card option that are famous for their unique artwork. These cards are not only used for playing purposes but also for interpretation. The dimensions of these exclusive cards are 2.75 x 4.75 inches or 70 x 120 mm.
These cards are mostly packed in luxury clamshell boxes of rigid stock or wood. The dimensions of the tarot deck box are 2.75 x 4.75 x 1.5 inches. These boxes mostly come with classic artwork that resonates with the feel of the tarot deck.
Bridge Size Playing Cards
When it comes to unique features of bridge-size cards, it’s narrower as compared to regular poker cards. The reason is that narrower cards are easier to shuffle during games like Canasta and Bridge. However, when it comes to the dimensions of these cards, they are similar to those of poker cards. These cards come in 2.25” x 3.5”.
Square Playing Cards
Most playing cards are rectangular, however, the option of square-shaped cards is also available in the market for novelty games. Such a unique design is liked by designers and some game creators. The standard dimensions of square packaging cards are 3” x 3”.
Educational Cards
When it comes to playing along with getting an education, educational cards always work. These colorful cards come with educational graphics printed on them. These cards serve the purpose of providing kids with knowledge along with engaging them in a playful activity. The dimensions of such cards are kept a bit larger than other cards so that the imagery on them is visible to children.
Educational card dimensions are 3.5 by 5.75 inches or 89 x 146 mm. And they are mostly packed in tuck-top boxes with dimensions of 3.5 x 5.75 x 2 inches.
Trump Cards
These cards are used in games where each card has a special power. They are often used in the game “Top Trumps”. Specific cards can be “trumped” by others to grant players an advantage in the game. Trump cards generally have dimensions of 2.44 × 3.94 inches, which are equivalent to 62 x 100 mm. You must get these cards printed with bright colors and high-resolution graphics to make your customers’ gaming experience memorable.
Bicycle Cards
The best thing about bicycle playing cards is their compatibility with all kinds of card games. Their dimensions are similar to those of poker cards. Bicycle playing card dimensions in inches are 2.25” x 3.5”. And their dimensions in mm are 57.15 x 88.9. Get these cards customized with vivid printing to ensure your customers love them.
Oracle Cards
Some cards aren’t for playing only; they can also be used to guide your meditation. Oracle cards are used for this purpose. These cards come with unique, meaningful graphics printed on them. These cards mostly come in 3 dimensions as follows:
- Traditional: 2.75 x 4.72 inches (70 x 120mm)
- Tall: 3.5 x 5.74 inches (89 x 146mm)
- Wide: 3.34 x 4.72 inches (85 x 120mm)
- Large: 3.5 x 5 inches (89 x 127mm)
- Pocket or mini: 2.48 x 3.46 inches (63 x 88mm)
Custom-Sized Game Cards
Some playing card sellers and toy brands customize their own dimensions for playing cards. Doing so gives them a distinctive appeal in the market. It is an efficient method to stand out from the competition and captivate your target audience. Colors and prints of these cards can also be personalized according to the brand. Packaging boxes of these cards are also tailored according to brand requirements. To do so, brand logos and taglines are printed on these packaging boxes.
Jumbo Cards
One of the largest playing cards available in the market is called jumbo cards. These cards are mostly used to play games on a large table where seeing cards from a distance becomes difficult. These cards mostly come in A4, A5, or even larger sizes. To easily play with such a large size, thick cardstock is used to make these cards. These cards are mostly packed in custom-sized packaging boxes.
Regional Variations in Playing Card Sizes
The dimensions of playing cards may vary depending on the region in which they are used. Here are some size differentiations of cards based on their region:
US: Poker size (2.5 x 3.5 inches) is the most common.
Europe: Bridge size cards (2.25” x 3.5”) are most commonly used.
Asia: Mahjong and mini cards are most common in Asia.
How to Design the Playing Cards with Your Brand Identity?
When designing your playing cards keep in mind the designs and colors. Visual appeal is an important aspect of the playing cards, regardless of the age group you are selling the cards to. Test different designs before you choose the ones that best describe that game and your brand. Keep in mind the following things as well:
- Bleed area should be around 0.12. You can get free design support and expert insight as well.
- Resolution is usually kept at 300 DPI
- Color combination is decided based on visibility and prominence
Where to Customize Playing Cards And Their Boxes?
Now that we know everything about playing card dimensions, let’s explore where you can customize these cards and their packaging boxes. Partnering with an online printing company like The Customize Boxes can help in this regard. By partnering with us, you can benefit from endless customization and free design support. Also, you can enjoy free shipping US-wide and fast turnaround. Apart from playing cards, you can get their packaging from us as well. Get in touch with us and enjoy wholesale pricing.
Final Words
Knowing standard playing card dimensions is essential to creating appropriate cards for your customers. We hope the above guide on playing card dimensions will help you create a suitable option for you. If you still have questions or want to get a quote for your custom playing cards or playing card boxes, get in touch with us today!
The standard playing card size is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63.5 mm x 88.9 mm). This size is widely recognized and used in various card games, including poker and blackjack.
The 2.5" x 3.5" dimensions are a result of manufacturing efficiency. Card stock comes in 70cm x 100cm sheets, and cutting 63.5mm x 88.9mm allows for optimal use of the material, accommodating 110 cards per sheet.
A standard playing card typically has a thickness of 0.2mm. This thickness provides durability and flexibility, ensuring longevity and ease of handling.
For custom playing cards, a bleed of 2mm along each edge is recommended, with a margin of 5mm to ensure proper alignment and prevent important elements from being cut off during production.
Tarot cards are larger, measuring 2.75 inches by 4.75 inches (70 mm x 120 mm). This size accommodates the detailed artwork and symbolism typical of tarot decks.
Mini playing cards are smaller, usually measuring 1.75 inches by 2.5 inches (44.45 mm x 63.5 mm). They are often used for travel-sized games or as novelty items.
Yes, custom playing cards can be produced in various sizes to suit specific needs or preferences, including mini, jumbo, or tarot sizes.
Collectible playing cards often adhere to standard sizes, such as 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63.5 mm x 88.9 mm), to maintain consistency and compatibility with card accessories.
