The Ultimate Guide To Playing Card Dimensions

A important consideration in the design process is the playing card size dimensions. For the cards to be readable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional, designers must consider their size and arrangement. While remaining functional, the standard playing card size offers a canvas for artistic creativity. Each playing card size is appropriate for a specific game or use.

An important factor when designing a playing card is choosing the card size dimensions. To make the cards not only readable but also attractive and functional, designers have to give the size and layouts of the cards their utmost attention. One standard size for a playing card is more than enough space for artistic designs and is still functional.

There is no doubt that it is very important to know the correct size for the custom printed cards, whether you like tarot, bridge, or poker cards. As a leading printing company, we offer high-quality printing services to cater to your playing card needs. This detailed article will look at different sizes and dimensions of playing cards.

Sized To Play: The Dimensions Of A Playing Card

The standardization of playing card measurements aims at providing consistency and allowing different card games to be compatible with each other. A common playing card size in inches is 3.5 inches (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm) in height and 2.5 inches in width. The game industry generally recognizes and accepts this size for playing cards and cardboard boxes. 

Miniature Cards

Compared to regular cards, the mini cards are considerably smaller. Sometimes they are even called tiny cards. Sometimes, people even call them tiny cards. They primarily use these cards for travel games, entertainment, and other personalized cards where size is a crucial factor. How big is a mini-sized playing card deck, then?

Mini-sized playing card decks generally range from approximately 44mm x 64mm in size. Each deck is roughly this size in width (approx. 1″ inch) and height (approx. 1 3/8″ inches). These are only suitable for special small games.

Poker Cards

Normally, the dimensions or size of poker cards are 2.5 by 3.5 inches (63.5 x 89 mm). Such sizes are great for classic card games, including Blackjack and Texas Hold’em. Should you wish to make a custom deck or playing card boxes for your upcoming poker night, we offer top-notch printing services, which will guarantee your custom designs are very clear.

European Playing Cards

Playing cards often have slightly different sizes in different parts of Europe. French playing cards may feel different than the usual American playing card sizes. For example, they could be 2.4 inches by 3.8 inches (61 mm by 97 mm).

Bicycle Playing Cards

Bicycle is a versatile brand that associates itself with the quality and tradition of playing cards. Most card games can be played with Bicycle playing cards. In terms of their size, they are the same as the industry-standard poker card size. Usually, Bicycle playing cards have dimensions of 2.5 inches in width and 3.5 inches in height (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm), thus they have the perfect portability ratio to classic style.

Measurements have been consistently maintained throughout the product line, from the classic Rider Back to the intricate designs of the limited editions of bicycle decks. It is essential to know the size of Bicycle playing cards for a smooth and enjoyable gaming session, which can be seen as a continuation of the brand’s commitment to quality, no matter the level of the player’s experience.

Bridge Cards

Bridge cards are only slightly thinner than poker cards. The standard scale of their playing cards is 2.25 x 3.5 inches (57 x 89 mm). Because of their size, they are less cumbersome, especially in games where you have to hold a lot of cards. We allow you to design a valuable and one-of-a-kind set through our custom printing options.

Tarot Cards

Tarot cards are generally larger and measure 2.75 x 4.75 inches (70 x 120 mm). Such dimensions allow the separate pieces in a Tarot deck to have complex and symbolic illustrations. Think about using our bespoke printing solutions with which every detail of your one-of-kind Tarot card would be beautifully, precisely, printed.

Educational Cards

Educational cards come in different sizes, yet the common size of 3.5 by 5.75 inches (89 x 146 mm) is one of the most popular. These offer more space for pictures or a longer text. We can print beautiful and educational cards through our printing services.

Trump Cards

Standard card dimensions for trump cards are typically 62 by 100 mm, or 2.44 by 3.94 inches. They are mainly used in games where certain cards have special powers. Our custom printing, with personalized graphics and bright colors, can beautifully showcase your unique Trump card game.

Flash Cards

Flash cards are a wonderful educational resource and measure 5.8 by 4.1 inches (148.5 by 105 mm). Both children and adults can benefit from custom, printed flash cards for learning. Making educational cards is easy and fast with our templates and custom features.

Custom-Sized Game Cards

Game cards are very different in size from one game to another. We offer custom-sized cards that not only enhance the gaming experience but also ensure that your game parts fit perfectly. Our top-notch printing methods, along with our design process templates, can take almost any playing card dimensions or sizes you want. Contact us for more details.

Double Poker Cards Size

Double poker card sizes include 3.5 x 5.0 inches (89 x 127 mm). These are used for large novelty decks or special promotional games. Custom printing these extra-large cards can turn out to be a distinctive and memorable item.

Jumbo Cards

Jumbo cards, typically A5, A4, or even bigger, are yet larger. They are perfect for marketing, events, or simply as a fun twist to the traditional card games. With our top-notch printing, your custom-made Jumbo cards will attract the crowd.

Card Stock Thickness: Where Durability Meets the Deal

The thickness and card stock of a playing card affect its texture and quality a lot. Below are the most common kinds of cardstock with the rough thickness of each:

Gaming Linen (GL29)

The thickness of gaming linen (GL29) is around 0.33 mm. The popular linen pattern GL29, which is a private creation, is widely used by the board and card game industries. These cards also have a blue core in the center to reduce the transparency.

Premium Smooth (PS30)

Premium Smooth (PS30) thickness is around 0.33 mm. This is the most commonly used cardstock. It has a blue core center for less transparency and a smooth finish. It is perfect for gaming card designers, promoting upscale businesses, and weddings. It’s also excellent for printing photos.

Deluxe Smooth (DS33)

It measures around 0.31 mm in thickness. DS33 is a premium, grade cardstock with a smooth surface, making it one of the best options on the market. They generate more vibrant colors because they deliver a higher visual contrast than the regular stock. These cards are nicer, look neater, and last longer. They are the best choice for those who require the highest-quality smooth card surfaces and game card creators.

Casino Linen (CL31)

Its thickness is approximately 0.31 mm. The linen texture and air pockets allow these cards to be stronger, do less work, and have more slides. CL31 is a sophisticated option. The intense center of the cards prevents light from passing through. The people who are well-versed in the playing cards and gaming fields, or anybody who wishes quality playing card stock for their print, would consider these high-quality cards as their first choice.

Wrapping-Up

If you are looking to make a card game or have a custom deck made, you must know the playing cards’ dimensions and specifications. Get the perfect fit if you know the dimensions, whether your project is personal use or artistic. Every card is different in function and target market. There is the standard poker card size, and then there are the larger tarot and educational card sizes. Keep in mind that the card’s thickness and size not only impact how the game is played but also how the cards are visually and functionally.

Since you know everything about playing cards’ dimensions and materials, why not make your own deck now? If you are going to use the deck for personal projects, gaming, or professional branding, the right size and cardstock ensure that your deck is not only attractive but also pleasant to handle. The Claws Custom Boxes provides a print, on, demand card deck service. With our wide range of customization options, you can create your perfect deck and even sell it to us. Are you wondering about something? Contact us now and start your journey to mastering card design and dimensions!