Trading Card Centering Tool
Interactive card centering & grading utility
Helpful Tips
- Upload card against a solid background, preferably black or white.
- Keep the camera parallel to the card; avoid tilt/skew.
- Adjust badge sensitivity to Low or Medium on mobile.
- Use Zoom & Rotate as needed.
- You can adjust line settings and badge size.
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Vertical
Grade
Display Zone Card Centering Guide & Standards
Display Zone’s Card Centering Tool is free, fast, and easy to use—no ruler or printed template required. Use it to check centering before you grade, list, or buy.
How Is Card Centering Measured?
Centering is expressed as a percentage and evaluated in four places:
- Front: Left/Right and Top/Bottom
- Back: Left/Right and Top/Bottom
Example formula (Left/Right): If the left border measures 3 mm and the right border 2 mm, the total is 5 mm. Left = 3/5 = 60%, Right = 2/5 = 40%. That card’s L/R centering is 60/40. Most graders use the lower of the two (L/R or T/B) as the overall front or back centering figure.
Why Card Centering Matters for Grading
Centering is a core factor in grading alongside surface, edges, and corners. Uniform borders improve eye appeal and can be the difference between a Mint and Gem Mint grade. Checking centering ahead of time helps you decide whether to submit, negotiate price, or select a better-centered copy.
Common Centering Standards by Grading Company
These ranges are provided for general guidance; always consult the latest standards from each grading company.
Front of Card – Approximate Requirements
| Grade | PSA | SGC | BGS | Other (e.g., Edge) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (Gem) | ~55/45 | ~55/45 | ~50/50 | ~55/45 |
| 9 | ~60/40 | ~60/40 | ~55/45 | ~60/40 |
| 8 | ~65/35 | ~65/35 | ~60/40 | ~70/30 |
| 7 | ~70/30 | ~70/30 | ~65/35 | ~75/25 |
Back of Card – Approximate Requirements
| Grade | PSA | SGC | BGS | Other (e.g., Edge) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 (Gem) | ~75/25 | ~55/45 | ~50/50 | ~70/30 |
| 9 | ~90/10 | ~60/40 | ~70/30 | ~80/20 |
| 8 | ~90/10 | ~65/35 | ~80/20 | ~90/10 |
| 7 | ~90/10 | ~70/30 | ~90/10 | ~90/10 |
Note: Some companies use special “Pristine”/“Black Label” tiers that are stricter than standard Gem Mint. Standards can change—verify with the grader you plan to use.
Card Centering Template vs. Free Digital Tool
- Physical centering template: Works well at shows or when photographing flat on a grid, but requires careful alignment and good lighting.
- Display Zone Free Card Centering Tool: Fast, mobile-friendly, and precise—no printing or measuring required. Great for pre-grading checks and comparing candidates before you buy.
FAQ: Card Centering & Grading
What does 60/40 centering mean?
It indicates one border measures 60% of the combined width (or height) of both opposite borders, with the other at 40%. Lower of Left/Right or Top/Bottom is used as the overall centering figure for that side (front or back).
Does back centering matter as much as front?
Yes—though some graders are slightly more lenient on the back. Poor back centering can cap your overall grade, so check both sides before submitting.
Can a perfectly centered card still miss Gem Mint?
Yes. Centering is one part of grading. Surface, edges, and corners must also meet the grader’s Gem Mint standards.
Is a physical template required if I use the Display Zone tool?
No. Our free digital tool is designed as a modern alternative to physical rulers/templates, helping you quickly estimate centering on any device.
Do centering standards ever change?
Occasionally. Always confirm the latest standards with the grading company (PSA, SGC, BGS, etc.) before submission.
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