A Real Guide to Playing Card Dimensions (Tarot, Bridge & More)

Why does a deck of 52 playing cards make you feel just right in your hands, while others feel awkward to shuffle? Do you think it's because of the design — no, it's the dimensions that make you feel different. The size of playing cards matters more than you think.

From poker nights to magic tricks, playing cards are a set of small and thin  yet heavy rectangular-shaped cardboard cards printed with marked distinctive motifs on one side to indicate their rank and suit.

Whether you're dealing a royal flush or performing sleight-of-hand magic, understanding the playing card dimensions is essential.

The standard playing cards measure 2.5" in width and 3.5" in height (6.35 cm x 8.89 cm). In millimeters, the size of playing cards is 63.6 x 88.9 to prepare a card deck. This standard size provides a base for the design and manufacturing of game pieces worldwide.

For a better understanding, this guide will break down standard sizes, specialty shapes, and what works best for every type of card game. You will learn the exact measurements of poker, bridge, and tarot cards and variations that came forth from the 19th century and can help you pick the right one for your next card game.

Overview of Standard Dimensions of Playing Cards

Being a globally popular card game, it is the favorite of millions of people who enjoy playing it in their leisure time. The size of these custom cards is measured in width and height. Their measurement indicates the width and height of a playing card.

Standard Playing Cards Measurement

The standard playing card size and dimensions are 2.5 inches x 3.5 inches. The sizing of the rounded corners of these playing cards is 3.5mm. If we talk about the margin on these cards, the most recommended margin is 5mm. The size of bleed lines on these cards is 2mm for each edge.

What is a Playing Card Deck, And How Many Cards are in a Deck?

Standard playing cards, also known as poker cards, are discovered in a classic deck of 52 cards divided into four suit symbols: spades, hearts, diamonds, and clubs. Each suite contains 13 cards. With 2 additional Joker cards, there are a total of 54 cards. This playing card game consists of 4 suits: King, Queen, Ace, and Jack. Each card has a printed number from 2 to 10, except Jack, Queen, and King.

Size Variations in Playing Cards

Here are some differences to help you understand the variations in the dimensions of playing cards.

Miniature Playing Cards

Small in size and popular due to their knick-knack and easy handling. Usually, the dimensions of miniature playing cards are:

• 1.75" x 2.5" (4.45 cm x 6.35 cm)
• Popular for pocket-sized entertainment on the go.

If you are travelling, take these cards to enjoy playing a unique, exciting card game during your journey.

Jumbo Playing Cards

Jumbo cards are larger and measure up to 3.5" x 5" (8.89 cm x 12.7 cm). They provide a larger surface area and make it convenient to handle and view cards easily.

Tracing the Historical Roots of Playing Card Dimensions

Let's take a historical perspective and explore the origins of the playing card journey.

Dimensions of Playing Cards Through the Ages

When it comes to looking into the history of playing cards, you go back to ancient times. Chinese rectangular cards and round cards were used in India. However, the sizes of playing cards evolved over time.

Standardization in the 19s

The standard sizes of playing cards were pushed in the 19th Century when mass production developed. Many card manufacturing companies realized the significance of invariability which led to adapting new dimensions. This size became the standard dimensions 2.5 x 3.5 inch, we know today.

Effects of Card Measurements on Visual Design

The size and measurement of playing cards are crucial in the design process. You, as a designer (pro or beginner), must look into the sizes and layout of the cards to ensure their aesthetics and functionality.

Freedom in Customization and Custom Sizing of a Playing Card

You would have seen different card games or promotional decks. They actually feature distinctive dimensions from the standard dimensions. This customization gives you full freedom to customize the design you want.

Playing Cards Found in Different Types

If we look at the traditional playing cards, they are not the only ones people love to play with. Some types of playing cards are available in different sizes and shapes for playing other card games. Let’s glance at the dimensions of the most commonly used playing cards of various types.

Bridge Card Playing Card Dimensions

Bridge cards, also known as slim cards, have similar standard playing card dimensions. They differ from poker cards and are designed for a different card game. The user-friendly size of bridge cards allows ease of handling and shuffling.

The dimensions of a bridge card in inches are:

• 2.25" x 3.5"

The bleed lines on bridge cards are:

• 2mm along each edge

The rounded corner size is:

• 3.5mm

The margin is:

• 5mm

Tarot Playing Cards Dimensions

Tarot playing cards, discovered in a deck of 78 cards containing unique names and meanings, are used primarily for divination and spiritual guidance. They are larger than standard playing cards and printed with intricate symbols and designs. The size of tarot playing cards is:

• 2.75” x 4.75”

The bleed lines are measured as:

• 2mm along each edge

The recommended margin is:

• 5mm

The rounded corner size is:

• 6mm

Large Playing Cards Dimensions

These jumbo-sized playing cards are far larger than poker playing cards. Usually, their width is:

• 3.5 inches (8.9 cm)

The height is:

• 5 inches (12.7 cm)

However, this measurement can be extended to 4 inches in width and 6 inches in height. 

The bleed lines are measured as:

• 2mm along each edge

For margin, it is:

• 5mm

The rounded corner size is:

• 6mm

These larger playing cards are used for educational, novel, and teaching purposes, or you can find them in:

• Math games
• Memory exercises
• Cognitive therapy

Using these cards is vital to ensure visibility in larger areas like outdoor games and team building. You can find the uses of these cards in various special events and promotions to add novelty and entertainment value.

MTG (Magic The Gathering) Playing Card Dimensions

One of the most popular choices of playing cards is MTG. These cards are printed with personalized designs, gifts, and favors. Similar to Bridge and traditional playing cards, they have the exact playing card measurements of:

• 2.5 inches width x 3.5 inches height

Their bleed lines have the exact similarity of:

• 2 mm along each edge

The rounded corner size is:

• 3.5mm

The margin is:

• 5mm (which is also similar to a standard playing card)

Standard Poker Playing Card Box Dimensions

These are the dimensions of poker playing cards.

• Inches: 2.5 x 3.5 x 0.75
• Centimeters: 6.35 x 8.89 x 1.91
• Millimeters: 63.5 x 88.9 x 19.05

Bicycle Playing Card Dimensions

Bicycle playing cards by name define tradition and are compatible with a variety of card games. The dimensions of bicycle playing cards are typically:

• 2.5 inches in width (6.35)
• 3.5 inches in height (7.89 cm)

This size keeps a balance between the handling and classic aesthetic of bicycle playing cards. You can find these dimensions for various bicycle decks from the classic Rider Back to complex designs.

Playing Card Box Dimensions and Sizes

The sizes and dimensions of the playing card boxes do vary. It is based on several factors, including the number of cards in a deck and the thickness of the cards. Putting in additional inserts is another factor. A standard deck of 52 cards without extra features typically measures:

• Length: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)
• Width: 2.6 inches (6.6 cm)
• Depth: 0.75 inches (1.91 cm)

Tuck Box Dimensions for Poker-Size Cards

A standard poker-size tuck box (for decks like Bicycle, Bee, or Copag) has these dimensions:

• Length: 3.5 inches (8.89 cm)
• Width: 2.6 inches (6.6 cm)
• Depth: 0.75 inches (1.91 cm)

Key Tips:

• Add 1 mm extra on each side if you want to design the box for a snug fit.
• The boxes designed with embossing or a premium appearance may be slightly thicker. The box thickness can be 0.8" or 20 mm.

How Many Playing Cards are in A Box?

Printed on 14pt and laminated on both sides, globally used playing cards contain enough thickness and strength of 0.2mm to hold various playing cards.

When it comes to knowing the number of playing cards in a box, it depends on the specific game and purpose.

Usually, a deck of playing cards contains:

• 54 cards in total, (including two additional joker cards)

The deck of tarot contains a set of:

• 78 cards

Let’s Wrap Up The Things

After studying this guide, you will have an understanding of playing card dimensions and be able to measure the size yourself. Next, after determining the sizes, you can print back photos of your choices on these decks of playing cards or oracle cards. 

By joining hands with Custom Product Packaging, you can print all types of playing cards in any size and with accurate dimensions. You have complete freedom to design these playing cards in custom sizes. Drop us an email at orders@customproductpackaging.com to request a custom quote. So, why wait? Hurry up and book your order today!

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a bicycle standard and playing cards?
Bicycle standard cards are actually durable playing cards with a classic "rider back" design.. While playing cards are small and rectangular pieces of cardstock for playing card games or magic tricks.

2. What are bridge-size playing cards?
The bridge size playing cards' dimensions are typically 57mm x 88.8mm.

3. What is the official playing card size?
Its size is 2.5" x 3.5" (63.5mm x 89mm).