Are Pokemon Cards Different Sizes?

As a collector, “Are Pokémon cards different sizes?” always running through my head. Not only me, but many other Pokémon Trading Card Game players do as well. For avid Pokémon card collectors, discovering the cards’ actual sizes is like finally reaching the bottom of the sea.

Pokémon cards come in different shapes and sizes. Usually, all Pokemon cards are of same standard size. But you’ll come across some cards that are larger than standard cards such as the oversized box topper and jumbo Pokemon cards from the early 2000s. In fact, they are designed for those who are interested in displaying different Pokemon card artworks.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover all about the size of Pokemon cards. Hold on to your Pokéball belts and give it a read!

Origin of Pokémon Cards

In 1995, Pokeman was created by Satoshi Tajiri in Japan. At that time, it came out as a simple game of trading with cards having different pictures on them. Soon after its release, it was popular all across the world.

Nintendo, a popular video game company, is the founder and owner of the Pokemon franchise. People from all parts of the world play and buy Pokemon cards as they’re among the top gaming cards.

What Size Are Pokémon Cards?

Pokemon cards vary greatly in sizes, some are of standard size while others are printed in large size. Here, we’ll discuss these different sizes of the Pokemon cards in detail.

1. Standard Size

Standard size originated in France in 1370s with the first playing cards. Since then it has been continued to be a standard size of all playing cards. So, you want to know how big a Pokemon card is? Let’s take a look!

Pokemon cards have a standard size measuring 2.5 X 3.5 inches (63 X 88 mm). This size is quite familiar, as it’s the same as standard playing cards used in games like Poker or Bridge. Interestingly, these dimensions have remained unchanged since 1996, providing a consistent experience for collectors and players. To safeguard these cards, you can choose between standard sleeves (2.5/8 inches by 3.5/8 inches) or slim-fit sleeves (2.5 inches by 3.5 inches), offering reliable protection.

Most of the TGCs have same card sizes (i.e. standard), so that their players get the same structure like Pokemon and Magic.This usual size that passed as a tradition is now use by most of the gaming companies.

In order to take advantage of the same facilities that print poker cards, when Wizards of the Coast started printing Magic the Gathering, they decided to print using the standard poker card size. Since Wizards of the Coast also produced the first several Pokemon sets, it makes sense that they would continue to print using the same size.

2. Oversized (Box-Toppers)

These cards were introduced as promotional items, often included with booster boxes, starting with the Legendary Collection set in 2002. They stood out for their size and for featuring reverse-holo variants of specific cards, adding rarity to the mix.

3. Oversized Jumbo (2000-2020)

The inaugural jumbo card featured Pikachu and made its debut in the year 2000. These original jumbo cards were 6 X 8 inches, translating to 145 X 200 mm.

4. Oversized Jumbo (2020-Present)

With the release of Meowth VMAX from the Meowth VMAX Special Collection, the Sword & Shield period of Pokémon cards, you have marked the beginning of a gradual drop in the size of the gigantic cards.

The new measurements for these giant cards are 136.5 x 187.3 millimeters (5.37 x 7.37 inches).

5. Carddass Cards

A month before the official introduction of the Pokémon Trading Card Game in 1996, Bandai Carddass released a set of Pokémon trading cards. These cards’ unique attraction stems from the original artwork by Ken Sugimori, unlike the official TCG cards.

Carddass cards are somewhat smaller in length and breadth than Pokémon TCG cards. Carddass cards are 58.7 x 85.7 mm (2.31 x 2.31 inches).

6. Topsun and TOPPS Sizes

Topsun cards, a separate series of trading cards, debuted in Japan in 1997. The dimensions of these Topsun cards are the same as those of Carddass cards, coming in at 2.31 x 3.37 inches (or 58.7 x 85.7 mm).

After undergoing a rebranding process, Topsun eventually entered the North American market under the moniker TOPPS. They started making new Pokémon cards with a modernized look during this time. Compared to their Japanese counterparts, TOPPS cards are a more conventional 2.5 x 3.5 inches size.

For your convenience, here is the table for the dimensions of Pokemon cards.

Card Type	Dimensions (in inches)	Dimensions (in mm)
Standard Size	2.5 X 3.5	63 X 88
Oversized (Box-Toppers)	Varies	Varies
Oversized Jumbo (2000-2020)	6 X 8	145 X 200
Oversized Jumbo (2020-Present)	5.37 X 7.37	136.5 X 187.3
Carddass Cards	2.31 X 3.37	58.7 X 85.7
Topsun / TOPPS	Varies	Varies

Please note that the dimensions for Oversized (Box-Toppers) can vary and are not standardized. The size may differ depending on the specific promotional release.

Jumbo Pokémon cards delight collectors who enjoy the finer points of card design due to the extra space afforded by their oversized format. Seeing your favorite Pokémon in colossal proportions gives you a whole new respect for their design, whether it’s a giant Charizard, Pikachu, or any other Pokémon.

Size of Fake Pokemon Cards

The size of Pokemon cards is something that is not tough to replicate. All the trading cards come in the market with the same size as of Pokemon cards.

If you find some cards to be fake, their sizes will be same as original Pokemon cards, so it’s pretty difficult to differentiate them on the basis of their size. If you searc on Google, you’ll find hundreds of templates and designs that you can even create your own Pokemon cards. They will be of the right size.

Although there are some smaller Pokemon cards for sale in the market. If you come across any such cards, don’t buy them. Pokemon Company never produced small cards, so we can guarantee these cards are definitely fake.

Products to Protect Your Pokemon Cards

When it comes to protection of Pokemon cards, collectors are very much concerned about it. As an experienced Pokemon card collector, I always make sure my cards are protected. I’ve tried many different products to know which are best to protect my cards perfectly.

Here, I want to share some of the products that I would recommend you. I’ve used them personally and they are best fit for Pomon cards.

1. Toploaders: They give rigid protection to your Pokemon cards at your home. For example: Vault X toploaders
2. Graded Pokemon card storage case: If you want to protect most valuable graded cards, these storage cases are an ideal option. For example: FunGuys graded trading card storage box
3. Penny sleeves: They’re suitable for grading. You should place them on your cards before putting in Semi rigid. Example: Ultra pro Penny Sleeves
4. Pokemon card binders: They are ideal for binding sets. For example: Vault X premium Exo-Tech binders
5. Semi Rigid Card Holders: These holders work best when you are sending your Pokeman cards for grading. For example: Ultra pro Semi Rigid Sleeves

Conclusion

It is essential to know that most Pokémon cards measure 2.5 by 3.5 inches. Giant Pokémon cards are a rarity that are usually exclusively utilized for promotional purposes. The Pokémon Company has standardized card sizes to create a level playing field for Pokémon TCG players.

All Pokémon cards are the same standard size, and variations from this size are not allowed in official tournaments and events, After reading this article,  you may rest confident if someone asks, “Are Pokémon cards different sizes?”

Remember that Pokémon card’s charm comes from the stories they tell and the magic they contain, not from their actual size!

FAQS

1. Are Pokémon cards the same size?

Yes, all the Pokemon cards produced by Japanese Pokemon company are of same size i.e. 2.5×3.5 inches. This measurement is also standard for all the other trading cards playing cards including Magic, baseball cards except a few. Exception are YuGiOh and Cardfight Vanguard cards (6.05×8.75 cm).

2. What are the measurements of the giant Pokémon cards?

The standard size of an oversized card is much greater than a standard card’s. These extra-large cards are often offered in two standard sizes: 6 inches by 8 inches (before 2020) and 5.75 inches by 8 inches (after 2020). The 6′′ x 9′′ sizes are an exception; nonetheless, the content below focuses on the more standard sizes.

3. Are Japanese Pokémon cards a different size?

The usual size of a Pokémon card is 2.5 × 3.5 inches, which is in keeping with the standard size of playing cards used in games like Poker. Since 1996, there has been no change to these measurements.