Ever wondered why some playing cards feel wider or taller than others? Understanding playing card dimensions helps you choose the right deck for card games, magic tricks, printing, or custom designs. From classic poker cards to bridge and specialty decks, this guide breaks down the exact sizes clearly and simply.
Playing Card Dimensions (Complete Size Guide)
What Are Standard Playing Card Dimensions?
Standard playing cards come in two main sizes used worldwide:
Poker Size Playing Cards
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Dimensions: 2.5 × 3.5 inches
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Metric: 63.5 × 88.9 mm
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Most common size
Best for:
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Poker and casino games
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Magic tricks
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Cardistry and shuffling
Featured Snippet Answer:
Q: What is the standard playing card size?
A: The standard poker-size playing card size 2.5 × 3.5 inches (63.5 × 88.9 mm).
Bridge Size Playing Cards
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Dimensions: 2.25 × 3.5 inches
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Metric: 57 × 88.9 mm
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Narrower than poker cards
Best for:
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Bridge and rummy
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Players with smaller hands
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Faster dealing and holding multiple cards
Playing Card Dimensions Comparison Chart
| Card Type | Inches | Millimeters | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poker Size | 2.5 × 3.5 | 63.5 × 88.9 | Poker, magic |
| Bridge Size | 2.25 × 3.5 | 57 × 88.9 | Bridge |
| Tarot Cards | 2.75 × 4.75 | 70 × 121 | Tarot reading |
| Mini Cards | 1.75 × 2.5 | 44 × 63 | Travel games |
| Jumbo Cards | 4 × 6 | 101 × 152 | Teaching, visibility |
Thickness and Weight of Playing Cards
Dimensions aren’t just about height and width.
Card Thickness
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Average thickness: 0.3 mm
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Deck thickness (52 cards): ~17 mm
Card Stock and Finish
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Paper stock: Linen or smooth finish
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Weight: Typically 300–330 GSM
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Coating: Plastic or air-cushion finish for durability
Why Playing Card Dimensions Matter
Choosing the correct playing card size improves:
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Comfort: Easier shuffling and gripping
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Performance: Better control for magic and cardistry
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Compatibility: Fits standard card sleeves and boxes
Custom Playing Card Dimensions
Designing your own deck? Custom card sizes are possible, but consider:
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Printing costs
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Storage and sleeves
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Player familiarity
Tip: Stick close to standard poker dimensions for best usability.
FAQ – Playing Card Dimensions
What size are standard playing cards in inches?
Standard poker cards measure 2.5 × 3.5 inches.
Are poker and bridge cards the same size?
No. Bridge cards are narrower but have the same height.
Which playing card size is best for magic tricks?
Poker-size cards are preferred for most magic performances.
Do all countries use the same playing card dimensions?
Most modern decks follow poker or bridge sizes, but some regional decks vary.
What size are playing cards in millimeters?
Poker cards are 63.5 × 88.9 mm; bridge cards are 57 × 88.9 mm.
Key Takeaway and Call-to-Action
Understanding poker card dimensions helps you pick the perfect deck—whether you’re playing poker, practicing magic, or designing custom cards.
Next step: Decide your use case, measure your needs, and choose the card size that feels right in your hands.
