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Have you ever wondered why card size matters in games like poker and bespoke card games? Size affects handling, shuffling, and dealing with playing cards. Of course, you already know that different decks of cards come in various sizes. However, when you improvise a standard deck set for a promotional event or select a poker deck for your poker night, it is essential to understand the difference. Let’s find out why the size and dimensions of playing cards matter!
Standard Playing Card Dimensions
What are the dimensions of a deck of cards?
When people mention standard size and dimension of playing cards, they are most likely to be referring to poker-sized cards. Due to their easy grip and recognizable design, players use poker cards in many games beyond just poker.
As a result, we define a standard poker playing card sizes in inches, measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (or 64mm by 89mm). These dimensions work best for card games that require shuffling and holding multiple cards in hand, also piles on the table.
Plus, these dimensions have been adopted widely for many card games, not just poker. The reason is due to the fact that they are usable yet not too big.
How Thick Is a Deck of Cards?
The admitted range for the thickness of a deck of cards may not be representative of the range that exists because card quality varies. A standard deck of cards consists of 52 cards, although players can add additional jokers and instruction cards, making it 54 or 56 cards at most. Each deck of poker has a thickness ranging from 0. 59 to 0. 75 inches.
This thickness makes the deck easily shuffle, but at the same time, the deck can be used several times. You may notice that premium cards are thicker due to the material used, while cheap sets are thin and wear out quickly. The thickness of the deck affects the shuffling and fanning that is necessary during a game.
So, let’s break it down!
Poker Size Playing Cards Dimensions
While the typical playing card measurements are of poker size, there exist many variations in sizes depending on the type of card game you have. These are available for the very important reasons of style of play, handling of the cards, and variety of techniques played in the game.
Bridge Cards
Bridge-size playing cards are more slender or narrower than poker-sized cards, making it easier for players to grip several of them at once. How tall is a deck of cards?
Well, ridge cards are smaller at 2.25 inches by 3. 5 inches (57mm by 89mm), making them easier to manipulate, especially in bridge games. The conditions of slim width lead to a reduction of hand pressure, which can be considered highly beneficial for card games that require endurance.
Miniature Cards
Miniature cards are even smaller than typical card size. Plus, they are sometimes termed mini cards. People use these cards for entertainment, travel games, or other customized cards where size plays a significant role in their needs.
So, what size is a small playing card deck?
Traditionally, mini cards are about ¾ of an inch in width and 1 3/8 inches in height or equivalently 44mm by 64mm. Mini cards are perfect for specialised and compact games that are not played on a typical playing field.
Jumbo Cards
The cards on the other end are known as jumbo-sized playing cards, and they are larger than the standard cards. Jumbo cards can be used for celebrations, education, and gifts. These oversized cards can assist viewers notice features on cards when teaching children in class or card games. The jumbo cards have an average size of 4 x 6 inches or 102mm x 152mm.
Specialized Card Dimensions
Skill-based games also differ in card size since game rules and appearance often integrate with the particular game.
Tarot Cards
It is pertinent to note that practitioners use Tarot cards as tools in divination and spirituality; therefore, the size of the cards carries significance and symbolism. Tarot cards are usually 2.75 inches by 4.75 inches (70mm by 120mm). This is possible due to the size which enables more detail and artwork as well as the use of symbolism on each of the cards.
Magic: MTG Card: The Gathering
Magic: Even the standard uncut sheets of The Gathering (MTG) cards come with the formatted size. They are available in poker card sizes of 2. 5 by 3. 5 inches/ 63mm by 88mm. This size is suitable for shuffling and storage of trading cards in sleeves which makes it ideal for almost every trading card game.
Various Sizes of Custom and Promotional Cards
It is noteworthy that in the sphere of custom or promotional cards, you will have more freedom in terms of the card measure. From business events to marketing strategies to a custom board game, the dimensions of the playing cards can be adjusted as required.
Poker-size cards are most typically used to make promotional decks. However, small or huge cards may be used to create a unique product. There is more to this than meets the eye when deciding the size of the deck to be created, apart from the fact that it is a new structure. Let’s find out!
Playing Card Box Dimensions
The conventional rectangular boxes should be accurate with the playing card. So, what are the measurements of a playing card?
It comes approximately 2.75 inches by 95mm by 19mm. This way, the boxes can hold a standard pack of fifty-two poker-size cards.
Also, players can safely store and easily move the box, which is manageable in size, for their cards. These could vary based on card thickness and other packing accessories. For example, you can insert cards or rulebooks that could dig deeper into the box.
Custom & Specialty Card Box Size
If you want to design a standard or a particular card box, then the size of the card will be of the essence when putting up the dimensions. You will definitely need a large box to hold tarot cards, as they are large. Meanwhile, you can get a box of mini cards that is quite small. The best part is that you can build custom boxes to accommodate multiple decks and provide extra sections for accompaniments like instruction books or tokens.
Yes, businesses and designers can order custom playing card boxes from Instant Custom Boxes to meet their design and branding needs. You can design and customize the boxes with your ideas, too. As a result, you can get unique boxes to present your specialty cards.
Playing Cards Dimensions Across the Centuries
Indeed, playing card sizes have varied over time based on the material and card game culture. So, the first type of playing cards differed in size and were completely authentic, depending on the area of use and the design of the deck.
Over time, we can see the advances in the development of card games, especially poker, which became famous in the nineteenth century. Hence, standardized poker card sizes were developed.
Present-day cards come in a variety of sizes from miniature up to jumbo novelty sets of cards. Even better, card games come in various sizes, reflecting their great differences. Thus, we can say that the uses for playing cards extend beyond simple entertainment.
Why Is It Essential to Know Playing Cards’ Measurement?
Yes, you need to know the dimensions of playing cards if you’re interested in card games or if you’re a designer or a business owner. To be frank, everything including the game experience and how it feels in hand depends on the size of the cards.
You may choose the right playing card size for a friendly poker game or a custom deck for a promotional event by knowing the different sizes.
Many businesspeople and designers consider the correct card and box size when designing a product that serves its goal.
Most importantly, card game advancements will diversify card sizes and shapes, increasing the possibility for actualization and play.
Wrapping Up
No doubt, size affects handling, shuffling, and dealing with playing cards. In fact, it is important to consider the size of the playing cards so that proper game-playing can be enhanced. The large cards may not shuffle easily but they are easy to see at a distance, especially for games that require a lot of visualization.
For more information about designing and getting custom playing card boxes, feel free to contact Instant Custom Boxes!
FAQs
What are the dimensions of a deck of cards?
A standard deck of poker cards is 2. 5 inches by 3. 5 inches in size and a standard deck of cards is anywhere between 0. 59 and 0. 75 inches thick for a deck of 52 to 56 cards.
How large are poker playing cards?
Poker playing cards normally come with standard dimensions of 2. 5 inches in width and 3. 5 inches in width.
What is the thickness of a deck of cards?
A deck of cards in general is between 0. 59 inches to 0. 75 inches thick depending on the material of manufacture and the number of cards in the pack.
