Looking for the standard mtg card size? Whether you are double-checking sleeve sizes for your Commander deck or designing a custom game, precision is everything.
If your dimensions are off by even a millimeter, your cards won't shuffle correctly and will look unprofessional. Below is the definitive data on Magic: The Gathering card dimensions, updated for 2026.
Quick Reference: Standard MTG Card Dimensions
Don't have time to read? Here are the exact numbers you need for standard play and design.
| Measurement Type | Dimensions / Spec |
|---|---|
| Millimeters (Standard) | 63mm x 88mm |
| Inches | 2.48" x 3.46" (approx 2.5" x 3.5") |
| Pixel Size (300 DPI) | 744 x 1039 px |
| Thickness | 0.30mm - 0.32mm |
| Weight | 1.7g - 1.8g |
| Corner Radius | 3mm (approx 0.12") |
Why Pixels Matter: Designing for Print vs. Screen
If you are looking up these dimensions, chances are you are planning to print custom cards. This is where most creators make a critical mistake: Resolution.
An image that looks great on your phone or monitor is usually displayed at 72 DPI (Dots Per Inch). If you print a 72 DPI image on a physical card, it will look blurry, pixelated, and "cheap."
To achieve the crisp, sharp text found on authentic MTG cards, you must design your file at 300 DPI (High Resolution) or higher.
The "Bleed" Factor
When designing for professional printing (like we do here at QPMN), you cannot simply design to the exact 63x88mm edge. You need to add a "Bleed Area"—extra artwork that extends beyond the cut line. This ensures that if the cutting blade is off by a fraction of a millimeter, you aren't left with an ugly white border on your card.
- Safe Zone: Keep all text and mana symbols inside this area.
- Trim Line: This is where the card is actually cut (63x88mm).
- Bleed Line: Extend your background art to this edge.
Skip the Math: Download Our Free Templates
Don't risk a printing error. We've created pre-formatted templates with the correct resolution, bleed lines, and safe zones already set up for you.
Paper Weight and Thickness
Dimensions aren't just about height and width; they are also about how the card feels in your hand.
- Standard Thickness: A typical MTG card is approximately 0.30mm to 0.32mm thick.
- Card Stock: Authentic cards use a specialized layered paper (often called "Blue Core") to prevent light from shining through.
At QPMN, we offer Blue Core and Black Core stocks that mimic this snap and feel perfectly. You can explore our full selection of professional card stocks to ensure your custom deck shuffles just like the real thing.
Ready to bring your design to life?
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Why Exact Dimensions Matter for Gameplay
Maintaining the correct MTG card dimensions ensures:
- Compatibility: Fits standard sleeves (66 mm x 91 mm) and deck boxes.
- Fairness: Prevents "marked cards" in competitive play.
- Shuffling: Consistent shuffling and deck handling.
If you stray even a few millimeters off the official Magic card size, it can result in disqualification at sanctioned events or suspicion of cheating. Whether you are creating them for friendly play, playtesting, or even to sell your own custom game, size matters.
What are Proxy Cards?
As a true MTG enthusiast knows, there’s more to the game than just strategy—there's the art of the collection. Proxy cards are copies of real cards used as substitutes.
They serve several important purposes:
- Protection: Play with valuable cards without risking damage to your originals.
- Budget-Friendly: Build competitive decks (like a Vintage Cube) at a fraction of the cost.
- Playtesting: Experiment with different card combinations before investing in originals.
Are MTG Proxy Cards Legal?
Yes, but under strict conditions.
In official tournament settings (sanctioned DCI events), proxy cards are not permitted. Organizers require authentic cards to maintain fairness and integrity. This is similar to Yu-Gi-Oh! Championship Series rules, which also forbid proxies.
When is it legal?
It is generally acceptable to create and use proxy cards for personal use, such as playtesting (kitchen table Magic) and friendly battles with friends.
However, the designs and trademarks of official trading card games are protected intellectual property. Selling proxies that use copyrighted artwork or trademarked symbols (like the mana symbols or the card back) is illegal.
MTG vs. Other TCGs Comparison Table
How does Magic compare to other popular games?
| Game | Dimensions (Inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Sleeve Compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Magic: The Gathering | 2.5" x 3.5" | 63.5 x 88.9 | Standard (66x91 mm) |
| Pokémon TCG | 2.5" x 3.5" | 63.5 x 88.9 | Fully Compatible |
| Yu-Gi-Oh! | 2.31" x 3.37" | 59 x 86 | Requires "Mini" Sleeves |
| Poker Cards | 2.5" x 3.5" | 63.5 x 88.9 | Fully Compatible |
MTG Card Artwork Dimensions (History)
It may come as a surprise that while the physical card size has stayed the same, the artwork size has changed over the years as Wizards of the Coast updated their card frames.
- Original Border (1993-2003): 1.9 × 1.53 in (48.5 × 39 mm)
- Modern Border (2003-2014): 2.06 × 1.52 in (52.5 × 38.5 mm)
- Postmodern Border (2014-Present): 2.09 × 1.54 in (53 × 39 mm)
If you are designing a "retro" style proxy, ensure your art box dimensions match the era you are emulating.
Skip the Hassle, Print Like a Pro
Why struggle with expensive ink, printer calibration, and uneven corner cuts? Home prints often end up flimsy, sticky, and impossible to shuffle.
Upgrade to QPMN. We use professional-grade Blue Core and Black Core card stock—the same material used by major publishers. Whether you are building a Vintage Cube or playtesting Commander, get the perfect "snap" and authentic feel without the headache.
Ready to upgrade your deck?
Frequently Asked Questions
You can typically fit 9 cards on a standard 8.5" x 11" (Letter) sheet of paper arranged in a 3x3 grid. However, this leaves very little room for margins or bleed lines. For professional results without the hassle of precise cutting, we recommend using pre-cut card stock or a professional printing service.
Standard MTG card sleeves measure 66mm x 91mm. They are designed to be slightly larger than the card itself (63mm x 88mm) to allow for easy insertion and protection. "Perfect Fit" inner sleeves are tighter, usually measuring 64mm x 89mm.
No, neither. A standard Magic card (2.5" x 3.5") is significantly smaller than both A5 and A6 paper sizes. It is closest to the B8 ISO standard size (62mm x 88mm), though not an exact match. In the printing industry, this is simply referred to as "Poker Size."
Proxy cards are not legal for use in sanctioned DCI tournaments. However, they are widely accepted for "kitchen table" casual play, playtesting decks, and Cube drafts, provided they are clearly marked as proxies and not sold as authentic cards.
Contact Us
Have questions about proxy cards or need help creating your own? Let's connect!
Susanna is a Creator Strategy Advocate at QP Market Network, where she specializes in the intersection of print technology, e-commerce, and collectible culture. Her work focuses on demystifying the product lifecycle for independent artists and game designers—from initial design and rarity planning to choosing the right sales platform and understanding the collector's market. As an avid TCG player from Canada and a collector of unique tarot and oracle decks, Susanna is deeply committed to providing creators with the strategic insights they need to build a thriving brand in the creator economy.