Why does centering matter when grading cards?
What centering means
Centering compares the border on each side of the card. A perfectly centered card has equal margins on the front and back. Grading companies look at both sides, and they check the left-to-right and top-to-bottom balance.
Centering is one of several factors, along with corners, edges, and surface. A card can be well centered but still lose points for a corner ding or surface scratch. Grading companies publish their standards, so review them if you plan to submit.
- Check the front and back separately
- Look at all four borders
- Compare with grading guidelines before submitting
Checking before you submit
You can estimate centering with a ruler or a magnifier by comparing the border widths. Be honest about what you see, since a card that looks slightly off in person can grade lower than expected.
Keep in mind that the card's age, print process, and manufacturing variance affect centering. Even modern cards often have some off-center printing, so expectations should match the product.
Lighting and camera angle can make a card look more centered in photos than it is in hand, so check it with a ruler under good light. Measure the front and back before deciding whether a grading submission is worth the fee.
Common mistakes
- Assuming a card looks centered just because the front looks even.
- Ignoring the back, where centering can also affect the grade.
