Playing cards are more than a game night staple—they're an emblem of strategy, design, and heritage. But have you ever taken a moment to think about the size of a playing card or why there are so many types? Whether you're printing your custom deck or shipping cards for store sale, knowing the playing card size dimensions is important. And playing card box also matters for safety of cards from damages.
In this guide, Custom Packaging Pro (CPP) breaks down the most popular playing card sizes, their uses, and what you should consider when designing packaging for them.
The dimensions of a playing card directly influence how the cards feel in hand, how they shuffle, and how they perform in professional games. From poker tournaments to magic tricks, choosing the correct playing card size can elevate the user experience and ensure your packaging fits like a glove.
Dimensions: 2.5 inches × 3.5 inches (63.5 mm × 88.9 mm)
Use Case: Commonly used in casual play, casinos, and card games requiring an easy grip and readability.
It is the most widely recognized regular playing card size worldwide and is well-suited for cards such as Texas Hold'em. Its dimensions provide a large enough space for personalized artwork and imprinting, which is why it is widely used in custom card decks and promotional products.
Dimensions: 2.25 inches × 3.5 inches (57 mm × 88.9 mm)
Use Case: Preferred for games requiring more cards in hand like Bridge or Pinochle.
he bridge card is smaller in size than the poker deck and is simpler to hold several cards simultaneously. This is a preferred size by most professional card players due to its ergonomic advantages
Dimensions: 1.75 inches × 2.5 inches (44.45 mm × 63.5 mm)
Use Case: Great for children’s games, promotional merchandise, and travel sets.
If you're wondering what size a small playing card deck is, this is it. Mini cards are fun, portable, and ideal for novelty purposes. They're also budget-friendly for brands looking to mass-produce creative inserts or game pieces.
Dimensions: 3.5 inches × 5 inches (88.9 mm × 127 mm)
Use Case: Party games, display, or users with visual impairments.
Jumbo cards leave a strong impression and are great for teaching or entertainment. Their large size provides room for bigger fonts and illustrations—great for high-impact advertising or accessible play. Thanks to our superior printing, your personalized Jumbo cards will stand out.
Dimensions: 5 inches × 3.5 inches (127 mm × 88.9 mm)
Use Case: Great for scorekeeping, double-sided games, and card tricks requiring more space.
Double poker cards are essentially the size of two poker cards placed side-by-side. This larger format provides extra surface area—ideal for instructional content, extended artwork, or double-suited games. They're also popular in board games that require detailed graphics or dual-language instructions. Custom printing these giant cards can produce a distinctive and memorable product.
Dimensions: 3 inches × 5 inches (76.2 mm × 127 mm)
Use Case: Commonly used for education, quick memorization games, and presentations.
Flash cards are tailored for quick learning, making them essential tools for classrooms and training programs. The larger size allows for clear text and visuals. They're frequently custom-printed for brands, schools, and companies for interactive learning or promotional purposes. With our templates and custom options, creating instructional cards is simple and efficient.
Dimensions: 2.75 inches × 4.75 inches (70 mm × 121 mm)
Use Case: Primarily used in spiritual readings, mysticism, and psychological exercises.
Tarot cards are taller than standard decks and typically come with rich illustrations. Their dimensions cater to intricate designs and symbolic imagery. Due to their niche use, tarot cards are often custom-packaged in premium rigid boxes for preservation and presentation.
Dimensions: 2.5 inches × 3.5 inches (63.5 mm × 88.9 mm)
Use Case: Magic tricks, casual card play, and professional cardistry.
Bicycle cards adhere to the standard poker size but are distinguished by their signature finish and durability. Favored by magicians and cardists worldwide, their consistent quality makes them ideal for sleight of hand and fast-paced handling.
Dimensions: 2.28 inches × 3.58 inches (58 mm × 91 mm)
Use Case: Traditional European games and collector’s editions.
These cards slightly differ from U.S. standards and are commonly used in games like Skat or Belote. The unique dimensions reflect regional gaming preferences and often feature traditional European suits and artwork. They're commonly printed on textured cardboard for authenticity.
Dimensions: 3 inches × 4 inches (76.2 mm × 101.6 mm)
Use Case: Used in schools, therapy sessions, and learning apps.
Educational cards are designed with legibility and engagement in mind. The slightly larger dimensions accommodate larger fonts, diagrams, or dual-language content. Custom packaging for these cards often includes tuck boxes or slide trays for classroom convenience. You can use our printing services to make visually stunning and instructional cards that are also educative.
Dimensions: 2.5 inches × 3.5 inches (63.5 mm × 88.9 mm)
Use Case: Competitive games, trivia-based card battles, and promotional games.
Trump cards use the same dimensions as poker cards but differ in gameplay mechanics. Each card represents a data point—like speed, power, or intelligence—and players compete based on these stats. They're often used for branded campaigns and children's games.With personalized graphics and vivid colors, our custom printing can make your one-of-a-kind Trump card game come to life.
Dimensions: Varies depending on gameplay and branding needs
Use Case: Tailored for unique board games, educational tools, and storytelling decks.
Custom-sized cards allow full creative freedom. Whether you need square cards, hexagonal shapes, or oversized rectangular formats, the dimensions can be defined based on the game mechanics. Custom Packaging Pro offers precision die-cut solutions for all custom sizes, ensuring perfect alignment, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
Thickness and card stock of a playing card play an important part in determining its feel and quality. The most common types of card stock are enumerated below, accompanied by an approximate measurement of thicknesses:
Gaming Linen (GL29)
Premium Smooth (PS30)
Deluxe Smooth (DS33)
Casino Linen (CL31)
When it comes to playing cards dimensions, packaging them correctly is vital. A box too snug can cause damage; too loose, and the cards shift, risking bends or tears. At Custom Packaging Pro, we specialize in tailoring custom packaging solutions that fit every playing card deck size—whether it's a collector’s edition or a travel mini deck.
Using premium materials and high-resolution printing, we ensure every card deck is packaged not only securely but beautifully. From tuck-end boxes to rigid gift sets, our options match your needs across all dimensions of a playing card.
Fresh Insight: Playing Cards in the Digital Age
While physical games remain timeless, digital creatives are also tapping into playing card sizes for AR, VR, and print-on-demand gaming platforms. Designers now require precision even in digital templates, making it essential to adhere to the dimensions of playing cards even virtually.
Moreover, eco-conscious brands are now integrating sustainable packaging for their card decks—using recycled paperboard and soy-based inks. CPP offers multiple eco-packaging solutions in this regard, ensuring your product stays stylish and responsible.
Get the Right Fit Every Time
Whether you're a game designer, marketer, or manufacturer, knowing the playing card size dimensions can help you create functional, beautiful, and lasting playing card box. At Custom Packaging Pro, we merge creativity with technical precision to provide packaging that enhances your product’s appeal.
So, whether you're designing a classic poker size playing card deck or a quirky mini card game, trust custom packaging Pro to deliver custom packaging that fits perfectly.
Q1. What are the dimensions of a standard playing card?
A. A standard playing card typically measures 2.5 inches × 3.5 inches (63.5 mm × 88.9 mm), commonly known as poker size.
Q2. What size is a small playing card deck?
A. Small playing cards are usually around 1.75 inches × 2.5 inches (44.45 mm × 63.5 mm), ideal for compact or travel-sized games.
Q3. What do you use to coat inkjet-printed playing cards?
A. Use a clear acrylic spray or lamination to seal inkjet-printed cards and protect them from smudging or moisture.
Q4. How to print playing cards?
A. Design your cards using graphic software, print on high-quality cardstock, then cut and optionally laminate or coat for durability.
Q5. What kind of paper are playing cards printed on?
A. Playing cards are typically printed on coated paperboard with a blue or black core to prevent transparency and increase stiffness.
