Complete Guide on Playing Card Size, Dimensions, Style, and Cardstock

With the emergence of video games and mobile games, nothing can still beat the fun and enjoyment of playing cards. Playing cards are still one of the most played games in family gatherings, among friends, clubs, and in casinos. That’s why the playing card remains an evergreen business with new customisation techniques in the card industry.

That's why learning the process of dimensions of playing cards is important to invent your own playing cards. Let’s dive deep into the playing card measurements, size, cardstock, designs, and what other popular cards use to be aesthetically pleasing and fun. Keep reading.

Why does the Measurement of a Playing Card Matter?

If you’re going to invent new playing cards, then the first and most important thing you need to learn is about the size, length, width, and height. Why? The reason is size effects handling, shuffling, and dealing with playing cards to enhance the gaming experience. Not forgetting the needed artwork space to attract gamers. The dimensions also ensure your cards will fit into boxes and packaging.

What are the Dimensions of Standard Playing Cards?

The standard playing card size is 2.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall, with 2mm bleed along each edge. The size of almost all playing cards is the same, but some specially customised cards may vary in size. However, this size has become standard for most decks, including for poker, tarot, and all types of playing cards. The reason is that they come in handy and allow enough space for you to design your unique game.

How Many Cards are in a Deck?

The most popular playing card game, “Poker”, contains 52 cards with 4 suits, Ace, Jack, Queen, King, and numbers 2-10. But let’s not forget the modern variations, which include 54-card decks with 2 jokers. Other games like Tarot have 78 cards in a deck, while the Piquet deck has 32 cards in a deck.

Let’s Examine Distinctive Dimensions of Some Popular Playing Cards

These are the varieties of playing cards that reputable businesses have invented. Read on to learn what your playing cards need:

Poker Cards

Poker cards use a standard size which measures 2.5 by 3.5 inches, which is equivalent to (63.5 x 89 mm). These sizes are commonly used in other traditional games like blackjack and casinos because of their easy shuffling and handling.

Tarot Cards

If you want your cards to be shuffled ideally while displaying the detailed artwork found on the cards, then the dimensions of tarot cards will do the job. Tarot playing card size is around 2.75 x 4.75 inches.

Bridge Cards

The nature of bridge cards is thinner than a poker-sized card. Their regular playing card size is 2.25 x 3.5 inches (57 x 89 mm). Their size makes cards easy to hold, especially in games like bridge, where players have to hold many cards at once.

Oracle Cards

Oracle cards are not limited to any specific size or dimensions; Instead, they come in a wide range of sizes from compact mini decks to large decks that showcase detailed artwork. Have a look at their distinctions:
Traditional/Standard Tarot: 2.7 x 4.7 inches / 70 x 120 mm ( Known for its comport and handling)

Large: 3.5 x 5 inches / 89 x 127 mm (ideal to show intricate details and artwork)

Pocket/Mini: 2.4 x 3.4 inches / 63 x 88 mm (ideal to fit in a bag and purse, also easy to handle)

Trump Cards

The size of the trump cards is 62 x 100 mm, or 2.44 × 3.94 inches. Usually used in a game where every card has a unique ability. 

Ensuring the Playing Card Thickness & Durability 

The Thickness of cards matters more than anything because you don’t want your players' game ruined because of thin card stock or less durable, even if they didn’t settle well in their hands while playing. Here are the most common thicknesses of cardstock used in the production of playing cards. Read on:

Classic Smooth (CS27): The thickness of this card is approximately 0.28 mm with GSM 270. These cards have a blue core layer in the middle to reduce transparency. Classic Smooth (CS27) is your go-to option for budget-friendly and promotional marketing.

Gaming Linen (GL29): The board and card game industry broadly uses this card, as its thickness is approximately 0.33 GSM (290). With its excellent gripping and linen pattern, these cards also feature a blue core layer to lessen transparency.

Regular Linen (RL28): The Regular linen is a standard linen cardstock with a blue core centre to reduce transparency. The thickness of this card is approximately 0.31 mm, with a GSM rating of 280.

Premium Smooth (PS30): Opt for this if you prefer high-quality printing and a smooth finish. Premium smooth card is widely used in gaming card designers, for high-end business promotion, weddings, and is also great for printing photos. Card thickness is around 0.33 with GSM 300.

Casino Linen (CL31): You’ll love this if your motto is professional playing cards for the gaming industry or for those who want top-quality playing cards for their printing. These cards feature a black core centre to block light shining through, with a linen finish and an air pocket to make them more durable and easier to handle. The thickness of these cards is approximately 0.31 mm, with a GSM rating of 310.

Deluxe Smooth (DS33): Want your card to be one of the finest in the playing cards industry? Choose Deluxe smooth with its extra smoothness and enhanced visual contrast compared to standard stock, resulting in vivid colours, a clean feel, and a superior option. The thickness of the cards is approximately 0.31 mm, with a GSM rating of 330.

Final Thoughts

Now you know the different sizes of playing cards that are widely used in the gaming industry. By knowing dimensions and measurements, you can make your personal cards, or if you’re making cards for projects, you know which size will fit your style, whether it’s a typical poker card size or a bigger size like tatort. 

Want to customise your own personal deck of playing cards? The cards of your dreams can be customised to suit various printing, sizes, and finishes that ensure the value of gaming marketing and professional branding. At OXO Packaging, you’ll get print-on-demand card services and endless sizes and cardstock. Want more information? Get in touch with our customer service and begin your journey of playing with cars, dimensions, and designs!