Size of MTG Card: Complete Guide for Magic: The Gathering Players

If you’re new to Magic: The Gathering or a long-time collector, one detail that often comes up is the size of MTG card. Knowing the exact dimensions of Magic cards is more important than it might seem at first glance. From buying the right sleeves and deck boxes to organizing binders and protecting valuable cards, card size plays a key role in the overall MTG experience.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the size of MTG cards, including standard dimensions, thickness, comparisons to other trading cards, and why accurate sizing matters for players and collectors alike.

What Is the Standard Size of MTG Card?

The standard size of MTG card is:

• Height: 88 mm (3.46 inches)
• Width: 63 mm (2.48 inches)

This size has been consistent since the early days of Magic: The Gathering and is now considered an industry standard for many trading card games. MTG cards are commonly referred to as standard trading card size.

Whether you’re handling a common land card or a rare mythic, the physical dimensions remain the same across nearly all official Magic releases.

Why the Size of MTG Card Matters

Understanding the size of MTG card is not just trivia—it has practical importance in several areas.

1. Card Sleeves and Protection

MTG cards are often sleeved to protect them from wear, scratches, and spills. Buying the wrong sleeve size can result in loose cards or bent corners. Since MTG uses standard-sized cards, you’ll want sleeves labeled as “Standard Size” rather than smaller alternatives.

2. Deck Boxes and Storage

Deck boxes, binders, and long storage boxes are all designed with card size in mind. Knowing the exact MTG card dimensions helps ensure your deck fits snugly without damage.

3. Tournament Legality

In competitive play, cards must remain uniform in size and condition. Any noticeable size difference caused by trimming, warping, or damage could lead to disqualification.

Thickness of an MTG Card

While length and width are well-known, the thickness of MTG cards is another important factor.

• Average thickness: approximately 0.305 mm (0.012 inches)

This thickness allows MTG cards to feel sturdy while still being flexible enough for shuffling. Variations can occur between print runs, older sets, and foil cards, but the difference is usually minimal.

Foil cards, for example, may feel slightly thicker due to the foil layer, which can sometimes cause curling over time.

MTG Card Size vs Other Trading Card Games

Many players wonder how Magic cards compare to other popular trading cards. Let’s take a closer look.

MTG vs Pokémon Cards

• Pokémon card size: Same as MTG
• Both games use standard-size trading cards, making sleeves and binders interchangeable.

MTG vs Yu-Gi-Oh Cards

• Yu-Gi-Oh card size: Smaller (often called Japanese size)
• Yu-Gi-Oh cards are narrower and shorter, so they require different sleeves.

MTG vs Sports Cards

• Most modern sports cards also match the MTG card size, which is why card storage accessories are often compatible.

This widespread adoption of the standard size makes MTG cards easy to store and protect.

Are All MTG Cards the Same Size?

For the most part, yes—but there are a few exceptions worth knowing.

Oversized MTG Cards

Oversized cards are typically used for:

• Commander products
• Promotional items
• Display purposes

These cards are much larger than standard MTG cards and are not legal for gameplay. They are designed for visual appeal rather than playability.

Token Cards

Most MTG token cards are printed at the same size as standard MTG cards, making them easy to sleeve and shuffle alongside decks if needed.

Art Cards

Art cards, commonly found in collector boosters, are also the same size as standard MTG cards but differ in thickness and finish.

MTG Card Size and Sleeves: What You Should Know

When shopping for sleeves, you’ll often see terms like:

• Standard size
• Standard trading card sleeves
• 63.5 x 88 mm sleeves

These are all designed to fit the size of MTG card perfectly.

Inner Sleeves

Inner sleeves are thinner sleeves that fit snugly around the card before placing it into a regular sleeve. These are popular for protecting valuable or foil cards.

Double Sleeving

Double sleeving uses both inner and outer sleeves for maximum protection, especially for competitive or high-value decks.

Binder Pages and MTG Card Size

Binders and pages are another area where knowing the exact card size matters.

• 9-pocket binder pages are designed for standard MTG cards
• Cards slide in easily without bending when pages are properly sized

Using incorrect binder pages can cause cards to shift or warp over time, especially when stored vertically.

Measuring the Size of an MTG Card Yourself

If you ever want to verify card size at home, here’s how:

1. Place the card on a flat surface
2. Use a ruler or caliper for precision
3. Measure width and height in millimeters
4. Compare with standard MTG dimensions

This can be helpful when checking for misprints, counterfeit cards, or unusual production variations.

Does Card Size Affect Gameplay?

While the size of MTG card doesn’t affect gameplay mechanics directly, it impacts how the game feels:

• Easier shuffling due to consistent dimensions
• Uniform appearance in sleeves
• Fair play in tournaments

Cards that differ even slightly in size can be identifiable in a deck, which is why consistency is essential.

MTG Card Size for Custom Cards and Proxies

Players who create custom cards or proxies often ask about sizing.

To match official MTG cards:

• Use 63 mm x 88 mm dimensions
• Match thickness as closely as possible
• Print with rounded corners

This ensures custom cards fit seamlessly into decks without standing out.

Common Myths About MTG Card Size

“Older MTG cards are smaller”

False. While older cards may feel different due to print quality or wear, the actual size has remained consistent.

“Foil cards are bigger”

Foil cards may feel thicker, but their width and height are the same as non-foil cards.

“Commander cards are larger”

Only oversized promotional Commander cards are larger. Regular Commander-legal cards follow standard MTG size rules.

Why MTG Uses This Card Size

The chosen dimensions strike a balance between:

• Comfortable hand size
• Easy shuffling
• Durability
• Storage efficiency

This size has proven effective for decades and has influenced many other trading card games to follow the same standard.

Final Thoughts on the Size of MTG Card

The size of MTG card may seem like a small detail, but it plays a huge role in how the game is played, stored, and enjoyed. With standard dimensions of 63 mm by 88 mm, Magic cards fit seamlessly into sleeves, binders, deck boxes, and competitive play environments.