Here's Everything You Must Know About Playing Card Dimensions.

Card games are still among the most played games around the world. As cards have evolved from simple to elegant over time, brands are looking for ways to upgrade their card boxes with different customizations.

Knowing the dimensions of your playing cards is important for ordering the right-sized box, so the cards stay safe during shipping. To keep cards from bending and creasing, order custom playing card boxes cut to your exact deck size.

Read this blog to learn about the different types of card games, their dimensions and how you can customize their boxes.

History of Playing Card Games

Playing card games can be traced back to 9th-century China. Since then, their popularity has kept growing, and people keep creating new card games. Today, thousands of card games are played around the world. People love to play them with friends and family, and many families have a tradition of gifting card games at Christmas.

With more manufacturers in the market, the competition to keep customers has grown sharply. This is where knowing the accurate size of your cards and box customizations comes into play. Get to know the playing card sizes for different games and find the dimensions that fit your needs best.

How Many Cards Are in a Deck?

Whenever the conversation turns to playing card deck size, another question comes up: the number of cards. A standard deck has 52 cards, often with two jokers. Games like Tarot have 78 cards in a deck, while kids' decks vary by game.

If you are wondering about the dimensions of a deck of cards, a standard deck is around 0.75 inches thick. You can find the standard playing card sizes in inches, millimeters and centimeters below.

Do Playing Cards Have Different Shapes?

Yes, they do. The standard playing card shape is rectangular, but some less common shapes are available too. These include:

• Circular decks, used for novelty or casino promotional decks.
• Polygonal cards, such as hexagon and triangle-shaped cards, for a unique look.
• Novelty die-cut shapes, such as a surfboard or a heart, made purely for customization.

Standard Dimensions of Various Card Games

Every card game has a size that sets it apart. Knowing the dimensions of your playing cards helps you get accurately sized boxes that prevent damage in transit. Here are popular adult card games and their standard dimensions in inches, millimeters and centimeters:

Poker Cards

Poker cards are among the most famous cards, and every seller offers a slightly different poker card size. Some are vintage while others are novelty cards. The standard poker card is 2.5 x 3.5 inches, and a single 52-card deck usually fits a tuck box of about 2.6 x 3.6 x 0.75 inches. Most poker decks are sold in tuck end cartons, such as our reverse tuck boxes.

• Card size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches / 63.5 x 88.9 mm / 6.35 x 8.89 cm
• Box size: 2.6 x 3.6 x 0.75 inches / 66 x 91.4 x 19 mm / 6.6 x 9.1 x 1.9 cm

Tarot Cards

Tarot card dimensions vary by seller. However, the standard and average size of these cards is around 2.75 x 4.75 inches, packed in a box of about 3.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches. Premium tarot decks often ship in two-piece rigid boxes with a lift-off lid.

• Card size: 2.75 x 4.75 inches / 69.9 x 120.7 mm / 7 x 12.1 cm
• Box size: 3.5 x 5.5 x 1.5 inches / 88.9 x 139.7 x 38.1 mm / 8.89 x 13.97 x 3.81 cm

Bridge Cards

Bridge cards are narrower than poker cards at 2.25 x 3.5 inches. Because bridge is played with two decks, a two-deck set fits a box of about 5.2 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches.

• Card size: 2.25 x 3.5 inches / 57 x 89 mm / 5.7 x 8.9 cm
• Box size: 5.2 x 3.3 x 1.2 inches / 132.1 x 83.8 x 30.5 mm / 13.2 x 8.4 x 3.0 cm

European-Style Cards

Usually, we don't think about cards by region, but European-style cards are an exception. They are a little different from standard cards, at around 2.4 x 3.8 inches (61 x 97 mm).

It's not a big difference to look at, but you notice it once you hold the card.

MTG Playing Cards

Magic: The Gathering is one of the most popular collectible card games. Its distinctive printed surfaces set it apart from other cards, and custom versions are even made as event gifts such as wedding favors. Wondering about its dimensions? It's the same as a standard playing card, at 2.5 x 3.5 inches.

Oracle Cards

Oracle card dimensions vary by brand, and every brand has some variation in graphics and size. The five most common types are:

Traditional

Traditional or standard oracle cards measure 2.7 x 4.7 inches. The box for traditional oracle cards is 4.72 x 2.74 x 0.75 inches.

• Card size: 2.7 x 4.7 inches / 70 x 120 mm / 7 x 12 cm
• Box size: 4.72 x 2.74 x 0.75 inches / 119.9 x 69.6 x 19.05 mm / 12 x 7 x 1.9 cm

Tall

Tall oracle cards measure around 3.5 x 5.7 inches. To keep them safe, the box measures 4.95 x 6.5 x 2.25 inches.

• Card size: 3.5 x 5.7 inches / 89 x 145 mm / 8.9 x 14.5 cm
• Box size: 4.95 x 6.5 x 2.25 inches / 125.7 x 165.1 x 57.2 mm / 12.6 x 16.5 x 5.7 cm

Wide

Wide oracle cards measure 3.2 x 4.7 inches for a bigger view of the artwork. The box for wide cards is 4.25 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches.

• Card size: 3.2 x 4.7 inches / 81 x 119 mm / 8.1 x 11.9 cm
• Box size: 4.25 x 5.5 x 0.75 inches / 108 x 139.7 x 19.05 mm / 10.8 x 14 x 1.9 cm

Large

Large oracle cards generally measure 3.5 x 5 inches. To keep them safe in transit, choose a box of 4.5 x 5.75 x 1.7 inches.

• Card size: 3.5 x 5 inches / 89 x 127 mm / 8.9 x 12.7 cm
• Box size: 4.5 x 5.75 x 1.7 inches / 114.3 x 146.1 x 43.2 mm / 11.4 x 14.6 x 4.3 cm

Mini

Mini oracle cards measure around 2.4 x 3.4 inches. The box for mini oracle cards is 3 x 4.2 x 0.89 inches.

• Card size: 2.4 x 3.4 inches / 61 x 86 mm / 6.1 x 8.6 cm
• Box size: 3 x 4.2 x 0.89 inches / 76.2 x 106.7 x 22.6 mm / 7.6 x 10.7 x 2.3 cm

Custom Size

Not every deck fits a standard size. If your game uses a unique card size or shape, the box can be built to your exact card dimensions and deck thickness.

Mini Cards

Many brands offer mini card games for easy travel, as they are pocket-friendly. A common mini card size is 1.85 x 2.63 inches, and the box for mini cards is 2.82 x 1.87 x 0.69 inches.

• Card size: 1.85 x 2.63 inches / 47 x 66.8 mm / 4.7 x 6.7 cm
• Box size: 2.82 x 1.87 x 0.69 inches / 71.6 x 47.5 x 17.5 mm / 7.2 x 4.8 x 1.75 cm

Kids' Playing Card Dimensions

Kids' card games come in many different sizes, and many people wonder what size playing cards are for kids. Normally, kids' cards are smaller than adult cards so they are easier to handle. However, you can get game card boxes in custom dimensions to suit your brand. Here are a few famous kids' card games and their standard dimensions in inches, millimeters and centimeters:

Traitors Aboard

Traitors Aboard is a popular kids' game. Its cards measure 2.26 x 3.5 inches, which makes the deck easier for kids to handle. The standard box for these cards is around 3.15 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches.

• Card size: 2.26 x 3.5 inches / 57.4 x 88.9 mm / 5.7 x 8.9 cm
• Box size: 3.15 x 1.97 x 1.18 inches / 80 x 50 x 30 mm / 8 x 5 x 3 cm

Slap Jack

Slap Jack cards use bright, fun colors to attract kids. The standard card size is 2.75 x 4 inches, and you can order these cards in other dimensions as well. The box for Slap Jack is 9.25 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches.

• Card size: 2.75 x 4 inches / 69.85 x 101.6 mm / 7 x 10.2 cm
• Box size: 9.25 x 8.1 x 0.6 inches / 235 x 205.7 x 15.2 mm / 23.5 x 20.6 x 1.5 cm

Old Maid

Most kids' card games are less than 5 inches long, because larger decks are hard for kids to handle. Old Maid is one such game, with cards measuring 2.4 x 3.4 inches. To keep the cards safe in transit, the standard box is 3.9 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches.

• Card size: 2.4 x 3.4 inches / 61 x 86.4 mm / 6.1 x 8.6 cm
• Box size: 3.9 x 3.0 x 0.3 inches / 99.1 x 76.2 x 7.6 mm / 9.9 x 7.6 x 0.8 cm

Crazy 8s

Crazy 8s is another famous kids' card game, with cards measuring 2.5 x 3.5 inches. To keep the cards safe during shipping and on the shelf, the box for this game is 3.75 x 4.5 x 2.72 inches. Customize both the cards and the box size to keep customers coming back.

• Card size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches / 63.5 x 88.9 mm / 6.35 x 8.89 cm
• Box size: 3.75 x 4.5 x 2.72 inches / 95.25 x 114.3 x 69.1 mm / 9.5 x 11.4 x 6.9 cm

Playing Card Size in Pixels

If you are designing your own deck, set up your artwork at 300 DPI for print. Add a 0.125-inch bleed on every side so the design runs cleanly to the cut edge.

How Thickness Impacts the Dimensions of a Playing Card

Material thickness shapes the structure of the packaging, but it matters even more for the card itself, because it decides how durable the card is. Playing cards range from about 0.17 mm to 0.24 mm thick, while a full deck is around 0.67 to 0.95 inches thick.

Standard Thickness of Cards

The standard card thickness is around 0.0078 inches, which makes it easy to stack 52 cards or more without damage. You can choose a custom thickness for a distinctive feel. However, remember that a thicker card stock needs a deeper, sturdier box. The standard depth of a card game box is around 0.75 inches.

• Card thickness: 0.0078 inches / 0.2 mm / 0.02 cm
• Box depth: 0.75 inches / 19.05 mm / 1.9 cm

The Core of Playing Cards: Materials and Finishes

Whenever you hold a playing card, you feel its sturdiness and textured surface. That's no accident, but careful crafting. Playing cards are usually made from either 100% plastic or paper cardstock. For the box itself, see our guide to the best material for playing card boxes.

To make the surface more appealing, coatings are applied, such as:

• Laminations (mostly matte)
• Embossed or textured finishes
• Liquid finishes (varnishes)

Get Customized Playing Cards to Enhance Visual Appeal

Customization helps a brand attract customers and stand apart from the competition. Many sellers offer new variations of the same game, and they rely heavily on customization to stand out.

Sometimes the customization depends on the deck dimensions, since smaller cards look better with cleaner designs. But you can choose any design regardless of size. You can customize your cards with OXO Packaging and get beautiful designs, bright colors and premium finishes.

Designs

Choosing a design may seem hard, but it's not that daunting. All you need is a bit of expert help to get your ideas on paper. Adult card designs tend to be simple yet elegant, while kids' cards can play on the fun side with animated characters and cute designs.

Colors

Choose the colors for your cards wisely. For kids' card games, you can use light and bright colors such as pastels or a touch of neon. For adult cards, darker and muted colors work well. Oracle and Tarot cards usually use dark shades for a mystical look.

Finishes

Adding finishes to your cards and boxes is a great way to keep customers hooked. You can use a gloss finish to make certain graphics shine, such as the moon. Similarly, a matte finish gives Tarot cards a more subdued look. On the box, a raised logo like those on our embossed boxes adds a tactile touch shoppers notice.

Choose an Accurate Box Size for Your Playing Cards

There you have the measurements of decks used in popular games around the world. You can choose these standard sizes or go fully custom to suit your brand. OXO Packaging is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today for a free personalized quote for your custom packaging.