Grading basics
How to grade a Pokémon card at home before sending it away
A simple centering, corners, edges and surface checklist to estimate a card’s condition without promising a professional grade.
You cannot guarantee a professional grade at home, but you can screen a card consistently. The goal is to spot defects early and decide whether grading costs make sense.
Use the four-part check
- Centering: compare the borders on front and back
- Corners: look for whitening, bends and soft tips
- Edges: inspect chipping, silvering and rough cuts
- Surface: tilt the card to reveal scratches, dents and print lines
Inspect without the sleeve
Use diffuse light, clean hands and a dark, clean surface. A sleeve or top loader can hide fine scratches and edge wear. Never press or flatten a card to improve its appearance.
Separate printing defects from damage
Poor centering, print lines and factory rough cuts can affect a grade even when the card was handled perfectly. Dents, scratches and whitening usually come from handling or storage. Both can influence the result.
Estimate a range, not a promise
Record a likely range such as “strong 8 to possible 9” instead of declaring a 10. Professional graders evaluate the physical card under their own standards, and results can differ between companies or submissions.
Photograph what you see
Take clear front, back and angled-light photos before shipping. They help you compare your assessment with the returned grade and document the card’s condition before transit.