Wodzu 
Pokemon Centering – Guide for TCG Cards | Centering Tool
What is centering and why is it important?
Centering is one of the most important aspects of assessing the quality of trading cards. It refers to the position of the card’s main image relative to its borders. In the case of Pokémon TCG cards, centering determines how evenly spaced the yellow (front) or blue (back) borders are around the card. An ideal card should have equal margins on all four sides.
Proper centering has a significant impact on the card’s value, especially for collectors seeking top-tier pieces. Even if a card is in perfect condition with regard to surfaces, corners, and edges, poor centering can significantly reduce its grade and value.
How is centering measured?
Centering is usually expressed as a ratio, such as 60/40 or 55/45. The first number indicates the percentage of the border on one side of the card, and the second number indicates the percentage on the opposite side. This measurement is performed for both the horizontal (left-right) and vertical (top-bottom) axes.
For example, a card with a 60/40 horizontal centering has 60% of the frame on the left side and 40% on the right. The closer to 50/50, the better centered the card is.
How to Check the Centering of Pokemon Cards Yourself
There are several methods for checking card centering, from simple to more advanced:
Visual Method
The simplest method involves visually inspecting the card. Holding the card in front of you, you can assess whether the borders appear even from all sides. However, this method is subjective and inaccurate.
Ruler Method
- Measure the border width on each side of the card (top, bottom, left, right)
- Calculate the proportions for each pair of opposite sides
- Use the formula: X = 100*(LEFT FRAME/(LEFT FRAME + RIGHT FRAME))
- Similarly for top-bottom: X = 100*(TOP FRAME/(TOP FRAME + BOTTOM FRAME))
TCG Card Centering Tool Method
A special tool called a centering tool is a clear plastic cover with measuring lines that is placed over the card. After aligning the card corners with the tool, you can read the values from the measurement lines and determine the exact centering proportions.
Digital Method
- Scan or take a high-quality photo of the card.
- Open the image in a graphics editing program.
- Measure the distance in pixels between the edge of the image and the edge of the card on each side.
- Calculate the proportions as in the ruler method.
The Impact of Centering on Grading Firms’ Ratings
Different grading firms have different standards for centering. Here’s how centering affects ratings at the most important firms:
PSA (Professional Sports Authenticator)
| Grade | Needed centering (front) | Needed centering (back) |
|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 (Gem Mint) | 55/45 do 60/40 | 75/25 |
| PSA 9 (Mint) | 65/35 | 90/10 |
| PSA 8 (Near Mint-Mint) | 70/30 | 90/10 |
| PSA 7 (Near Mint) | 75/25 | 90/10 |
| PSA 6 (Excellent-Near Mint) | 80/20 | 90/10 |
| PSA 5 i niżej | Worse than 80/20 | Worse than 90/10 |
PSA applies a 5% margin of tolerance to cards graded 7 or higher. This means that a card that meets all other criteria for a PSA 9 and has a 60/40 centering on the front can still receive a MINT 9 grade.
If a card has significantly worse centering than acceptable for a given grade but meets all other criteria, it may receive an OC (Off-Center) qualifier, such as a PSA 9 (OC).
BGS (Beckett Grading Services)
BGS uses a subgrade system where centering is one of four aspects graded (along with surfaces, corners, and edges).
| Subgrad center | Needed centering |
|---|---|
| 10 | Better than 55/45 |
| 9.5 | 55/45 do 60/40 |
| 9 | 60/40 do 65/35 |
| 8.5 | 65/35 do 70/30 |
| 8 | 70/30 do 75/25 |
| 7.5 | 75/25 do 80/20 |
| 7 and lower | Worse than 80/20 |
BGS is generally more stringent in its center grading than PSA, which makes cards graded BGS 10 typically rarer and more valuable.
ACE Grading
| Grade | Ccentering needed (front) | Centering needed (back) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 (Gem Mint) | Better than 60/40 | Better than 60/40 |
| 9 (Mint) | Better than 65/35 | Better than 70/30 |
| 8 (Near Mint) | Better than 70/30 | Better than 75/25 |
| 7 (Excellent) | Better than 75/25 | Better than 80/20 |
| 6 (Very Good) | Better than 80/20 | Better than 80/20 |
| 3 (Good) | Better than 85/15 | Better than 85/15 |
| 1 (Poor) | Any | Any |
ACE Grading uses advanced technology to measure centering accuracy to within 1/1000th of a millimeter, ensuring highly accurate grades.
Tools for Checking Pokémon Card Centering
Centering Tool
The Centering Tool is a specialized tool for collectors that helps determine card centering. It is a clear plastic overlay with measurement lines that is placed over the card.
How to use the Centering Tool:
- Place the overlay on the card, aligning its corners with the card’s corners.
- Read the values from the measurement lines on both sides of the card.
- Compare the readings to the percentage chart included with the tool.
- Determine the approximate grade of a card based on grading standards.
Digital Caliper
- A digital caliper is a precision measuring tool that can be used to accurately measure the width of a card’s borders. The advantage of a caliper is its ability to measure to within 0.01 mm.
- How to use calipers:
- Measure the width of the border on each side of the card
- Record the measurements
- Calculate the proportions for each pair of opposite sides
- Determine the centering based on the calculated proportions
Common centering problems
Common Centering Problems
| Problem | Desription | Impact on grading |
|---|---|---|
| Left-right shift | Image shifted left or right | Lower by 0.5-2 points |
| Up-down shift | Image shifted up or down | Lower by 0.5-2 points |
| Rotation | Image rotated relative to frame | Lower by 1-3 points |
| Miscut | A card that is cut incorrectly, showing parts of other cards. | Usually MC qualifier |
Causes of Centring Problems
Centring problems are primarily caused by the manufacturing process. Various inaccuracies can occur during the printing and cutting of card sheets:
- Inaccurate sheet positioning during printing
- Cutting machine calibration errors
- Cutting tool wear
- Mass production and time pressure
Impact of Centring on Card Value
Centering has a significant impact on card value, especially for rare and sought-after pieces. Here’s an approximate estimate of the impact of Centring on value:
| Centering quality | Impact on value |
|---|---|
| Ideal (50/50) | Max value |
| Very Good (55/45) | 90-100% max value |
| Good(60/40) | 70-90% max value |
| Average (65/35) | 50-70% max value |
| Poor(70/30) | 30-50% max value |
| Very poor (75/25 or worse) | 10-30% max value |
For high-end cards, the difference between a 60/40 and a 55/45 centering can mean thousands of zlotys in value.
Tips for Collectors
- Before Sending Cards for Grading – Card Sleeves and Toploaders
- Check Centering – Use one of the methods described to assess card centering before shipping.
- Choose the Right Company – Different companies have different standards; choose the one that best suits your cards.
- Prepare Cards – Place cards in a toploader or card saver to avoid damage during shipping.
- Documentation – Take photos of cards before shipping as proof of their condition.
When Purchasing Cards
- Ask for Photos – Always ask for high-resolution photos of the front and back of the card.
- Check Centering – Evaluate centering based on photos before purchasing.
- Ask for Details – If the card is already graded, ask about subgrades, especially centering.
- Avoid Cards with Off-Center Qualifiers – Cards with an Off-Center qualifier typically have lower value.
Pokemon Centering – Summary
Centering is one of the most important aspects of assessing the quality of trading cards. A proper understanding of how to measure and evaluate centering can help collectors make better purchasing decisions and maximize the value of their collections.
Whether you’re a beginner collector or a seasoned investor, paying attention to card centering is crucial to building a valuable collection. Remember that even slight variations in centering can significantly impact a card’s value, especially in rare and sought-after pieces.
About the Author
