Playing cards have existed for hundreds of years and have provided entertainment at home, in casinos, and in tournaments around the world. These tiny rectangles of paper and plastic have become ubiquitous, used for everything from amateur family “friendly competition” to professional poker tournaments. And how about, have you ever wondered what are the dimensions of regular playing cards?
Whether you design games, enjoy printing, or are just curious about the topic, it’s important to know playing card sizes. In this guide we will dissect the various playing card sizes, their application, and how size influences gameplay, design, and collecting.
What Are the Standard Playing Card Dimensions?
The following is the most common size for playing cards: 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63 mm by 88 mm)
This is referred to as the poker size and is the standard used by casinos and most of the newer card games. The size is just right, in terms of comfort during handling, design print area, and shufflability.
Did You Know: The sports trading card (baseball and Pokémon cards etc.) is the same size as the standard poker-size card.
Why Do Playing Card Dimensions Matter?
A minor size discrepancy would not seem significant at first, but . But, in practice, dimensions affect gameplay, playability, or even art.
- Handling – Larger cards can be clunky to shuffle, smaller cards may slip.
- Game Type – Poker and bridge vary in the size of cards needed to play comfortably.
- Design Space – Larger cards can accommodate more detailed artwork.
- Storage & Collecting – Sleeves, cases, boxes are all of a specific size.
Whether you are purchasing or designing a deck, it is important to know the appropriate playing card sizes to provide an optimal gaming experience.
What Are Poker-Size Playing Card Dimensions?
Here are poker size playing cards: 2.5 by 3.5 inches (63 by 88 mm)
- This is the most common size in the world. Used in:
- Poker and blackjack tables.
- Informal family game nights of rummy or crazy eights.
- Branded decks for businesses and events.
They are easy to shuffle, deal, and hold because of their size. They also provide sufficient space for bold designs, names of brands, or works of art.
What Are Bridge-Size Playing Card Dimensions?
The bridge size playing cards have slightly more narrow dimensions: 2.25 inches by 3.5 inches (57 mm by 88 mm)
These are often used for:
- A game of Bridge (hence, the name).
- Casino blackjack (the skinny version is favored by some casinos).
- Those who have smaller hands, and find holding them easier.
Magicians and cardists particularly prefer bridge-size cards, as the slimmer design makes sleight-of-hand tricks easier to perform.
What Are Tarot Card Dimensions?
In their own dimensions, tarot cards are: 2.75” x 4.75” (70 mm x 120 mm) (standard tarot) 3 in × 5 in (76 mm × 127 mm) (large tarot)
The cards have a larger format in order to have more room for symbolic images. Because tarot readings are image- and interpretation-based, the larger-sized cards add impact to the visual experience.
What Are Mini Playing Card Dimensions?
- Miniature playing cards are: 1.75” × 2.5” (44 mm × 63 mm)
- They are employed to: Games on the go.
- Promo products or party gifts.
- Novelty decks for children.
They’re not as easy to shuffle and deal for a long game though, as much as they are fun to use.
What Are Jumbo Playing Card Dimensions?
Jumbo playing cards are oversized playing cards and usually : 3.5×5 inches (88 mm × 127 mm) or larger
These Cards are useful for : Live theatrical productions.
- Teaching children card games.
- Displaying Showing artwork.
- Fun party game.
Some novelty jumbo decks are even 8 inches × 11 inches and are primarily for display purposes rather than gameplay.
Comparison of Popular Playing Card Dimensions
| Type of Playing Card | Dimensions (inches) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Uses |
| Poker Size | 2.5 × 3.5 | 63 × 88 | Casinos, home games, custom decks |
| Bridge Size | 2.25 × 3.5 | 57 × 88 | Bridge, blackjack, magicians |
| Tarot Size | 2.75 × 4.75 | 70 × 120 | Tarot readings, collectors |
| Mini Size | 1.75 × 2.5 | 44 × 63 | Travel decks, party favors |
| Jumbo Size | 3.5 × 5 (or bigger) | 88 × 127+ | Stage tricks, novelty, teaching |
How Do Playing Card Dimensions Affect Game Design?
Selecting an appropriate size is an important consideration when creating a new card game.
- For strategy games: Larger cards (tarot size) allow for more text and images.
- For fast games: The regular poker size is easy to handle.
- For collectible games: Standard trading card dimensions (63 × 88 mm) are recommended.
The wrong size card can make your game uncomfortable or not playable at all.
Are There Regional Differences in Playing Card Dimensions?
YUP! Each region has its own traditions.
- US & UK – Sizes preferred for poker and bridge.
- Japan – Smaller card games have greater popularity.
- Europe – Usage of Tarot and oracle decks is widespread.
- India & Pakistan – Rummy sets often use bridge size cards.
Cultural variations bear not only on size but also on the designs, colors, and symbols.
What Are the Dimensions of a Playing Card Box?
A tuck box is typically a bit larger than the deck it contains.
- Poker deck box: 2.6” × 3.6” × .75” (66 × 91 × 19 mm)
- Bridge deck box: 2.4 × 3.6 × 0.75 inches (61 × 91 × 19 mm)
- Tarot box: Approximately 3 × 5 × 1.25 inches (76 × 127 × 32 mm) although may vary.
This way, the cards fit snugly and are protected from abuse.
Conclusion
The dimensions of playing cards, though they appear trivial, are highly significant to their handling, gameplay, and art. The poker-size cards, measuring 2.5 x 3.5, are the standard size for cards in casinos, while smaller decks of tarot cards are often used for spiritual readings; other sizes can serve their own purposes.
Whether you are a game designer, a card collector, or a casual player, knowing playing card sizes will help you select the appropriate deck for an appropriate time.
Thus, next time you handle a shuffled deck you will know why it is so right. Read more
FAQs About Playing Card Dimensions
What is the standard size of a playing card in casinos?
Casinos usually use poker-size cards (2.5 × 3.5 inches) or bridge-size cards depending on the game.
Are tarot cards the same size as poker cards?
No, tarot cards are larger (around 2.75 × 4.75 inches) to allow for detailed artwork.
Do mini playing cards come in full 52-card decks?
Yes! Mini decks have the same number of cards, just in smaller dimensions.
Can I design custom playing card dimensions?
Absolutely. Printers can create unique sizes, but non-standard cards may not fit common sleeves or boxes.
What are jumbo playing cards used for?
They’re mainly used for magic tricks, teaching, novelty games, or decoration.