Grade Your Own Card: Centering, Corners, Edges and Surface Checklist
Quick answer
A pre-submission checklist built from PSA's centering tolerances and Beckett's four subgrade definitions, so you can estimate a grade before paying for one.
Updated 2026-09-10 · Sources: PSA, Beckett
What are the key facts?
- Centering (PSA 10): The image must be centered on the card within a tolerance not to exceed approximately 55/45 percent on the front, and 75/25 percent on the reverse.
- Centering (BGS Pristine): 50/50 all around on front. 55/45 or better on back.
- Corners: The corners of a trading card are one of the most critical factors in determining the card's grade. The card should be free of dings, creases, bends, or discoloration.
- Edges: The edges of a trading card are another factor that is considered in grading. The edges should be crisp and free of any fraying, chipping, and dings.
- Surface: The surface of the trading card refers to the front and back of the card. The surface should be free of any stains, smudges, or scratches.
Step 1: measure centering
Measure the left and right borders, then top and bottom, on the front; express each as a split (e.g. 60/40). PSA's limits by grade: 9 → 60/40; 8 → 70/30; 7 → 75/25; 6 → 80/20; 5 → 85/15; 4 → 85/15 front, 90/10 back; 3 → 90/10 front and back. Do the back too; PSA allows 75/25 on the reverse for a 10.
Step 2: corners under magnification
The corners of a trading card are one of the most critical factors in determining the card's grade. The card should be free of dings, creases, bends, or discoloration. Look at each corner under a loupe from the front and the back; a corner that looks sharp to the eye often shows a touch of white or a soft point at 10x.
Step 3: edges
The edges of a trading card are another factor that is considered in grading. The edges should be crisp and free of any fraying, chipping, and dings. Run the edge past a light source; chipping shows as white flecks on dark borders, and rough cuts show as fuzz.
Step 4: surface
The surface of the trading card refers to the front and back of the card. The surface should be free of any stains, smudges, or scratches. Tilt the card under a single bright light and rotate it; print lines, scratches and dimples appear only at certain angles.
Step 5: check for qualifiers and alterations
Any writing or ink means MK; a border cut off or a second card showing means MC. PSA will not grade cards that bear evidence of trimming, re-coloring, restoration, or any other forms of tampering, or are of questionable authenticity.
What this checklist cannot do
It estimates; it does not authenticate. Grading companies use multiple graders and their own lighting, and PSA notes graders may allow a small centering variance for eye appeal. The grading guide explains what the number will mean once you have it.
FAQ
How do I measure centering on a card?
Measure the two opposite borders on the front with a ruler or a centering tool and write the split as the larger number over the smaller (60/40). PSA 10 allows about 55/45 front and 75/25 back.
Will a slightly soft corner keep a card from a 10?
Yes under the published standards: PSA 10 requires razor-sharp corners and Beckett's Pristine 10 requires corners perfect to the naked eye and virtually flawless under scrutiny.
Can the app grade my card?
It can help you photograph and inspect the card and estimate condition against these published standards. Only a grading company issues a grade.
More in Card Grading Scales: PSA, BGS and CGC Explained
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Sources
Compiled by the StarLens editorial team
Every fact on this page is taken from the sources listed above and quoted rather than paraphrased where numbers are involved; anything the sources do not state is marked as not confirmed. Checked 2026-09-10. We do not sell, grade or appraise items; the app identifies what you photograph and points you to these references.