What determines a card’s final grade?
A card’s grade is based on a combination of physical condition factors, not a single flaw or strength. Grading companies evaluate multiple elements together to determine how well a card has been preserved since production.
Even small imperfections can impact the final grade, especially at higher levels.
The four primary grading factors
Most grading decisions are based on these core areas:
Centering
Centering refers to how evenly the card’s design is positioned within its borders. Cards that are noticeably shifted left, right, top, or bottom typically receive lower grades.
Centering issues are among the most common reasons otherwise clean cards fail to achieve top grades.
Corners
Corners are examined for sharpness and uniformity. Soft corners, whitening, bends, or rounding can significantly reduce a card’s grade.
Corner damage often occurs from handling, stacking, or improper storage.
Edges
Edges are evaluated for chipping, rough cuts, or wear along the card’s perimeter. Colored or foil edges tend to reveal flaws more easily than plain white edges.
Minor edge wear can be difficult to notice without magnification but still affects grading outcomes.
Surface
Surface condition includes scratches, print lines, dimples, stains, dents, or coating issues. Surface flaws are especially important for glossy, chromium, or foil cards.
Surface defects are often the deciding factor between high grades.
Other factors that can affect grading
Beyond the primary areas, graders may also consider:
- Print defects or factory damage
- Off-cut or irregular sizing
- Warping or bending
- Evidence of trimming, recoloring, or alteration
- Ink defects or registration issues
While some flaws occur during manufacturing, they can still impact a card’s final grade.
Why minor flaws matter more at higher grades
Lower grades allow for more visible wear, but higher grades demand near-perfect condition. The difference between a top grade and the next level down is often determined by very subtle issues.
At the highest levels:
- A single surface line can prevent a top grade
- Slight centering shifts become more important
- Microscopic corner wear is penalized
This is why many cards that appear “perfect” to the naked eye do not receive the highest possible grade.
Can one flaw ruin a grade?
Not always. Grading is holistic, meaning strengths in one area can sometimes offset minor weaknesses in another. However, severe flaws in any single category can cap the maximum possible grade.
Understanding how graders balance these factors helps collectors set realistic expectations before submission.
How this fits into the Grading Guide
Knowing what affects a card’s grade allows collectors to:
- Evaluate cards more accurately before grading
- Decide which cards are worth submitting
- Understand why similar cards receive different grades
The next sections of the Grading Guide explain how these factors compare between raw and graded cards, and how grading impacts long-term collectibility.