What Is The Size Of A Playing Card?: A Brief Overview!
Playing cards, a ubiquitous form of entertainment, come in a specific size for good reason.
A standard playing card measures 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63.5 mm x 88.9 mm). This is the size of a poker card, bridge card, or a card used in most traditional card games. The exact dimensions can vary slightly between card manufacturers, but 2.5 x 3.5 inches is considered the standard playing card size.
This article delves into the standard dimensions of playing cards, exploring their length, width, thickness, corner radius, and the crucial role size consistency plays in card games.
Standard Playing Card Dimensions
Explore the essential characteristics of standard playing cards, including their length, width, thickness, corner radius, and the importance of size consistency in this informative section.
Length
The length of a standard playing card is 3.5 inches (88.9 mm). This measurement is taken from the top of the card to the bottom.
Most modern card decks adhere to this length, allowing the cards to be easily shuffled and dealt.
Minor variations in length may occur due to differences in manufacturing, but these are typically no more than 1-2 mm.
Width
The width of a standard playing card is 2.5 inches (63.5 mm). This is measured from the left side of the card to the right side.
Again, most modern playing card decks conform to this width to maintain consistency in card handling and gameplay.
Slight variations in width between card producers are common but rarely exceed 1-2 mm.
Thickness
The thickness of a playing card can range from 0.010 to 0.012 inches (0.25 to 0.30 mm). Poker cards tend to be on the thinner side while bridge playing cards may be slightly thicker.
The card stock material and number of layers can factor into the overall thickness. But in general, playing cards are thin enough to be flexible while still maintaining their shape.
Corner Radius
The corner radius of a playing card measures approximately 0.11 inches (2.8 mm). This determines the roundness of the card’s corners.
A sharper corner radius allows for easier shuffling while a more rounded corner makes the cards more resistant to wear. Most playing cards have a corner radius between 0.09 – 0.13 inches.
Size Consistency
The standard dimensions allow playing cards from different decks or manufacturers to be combined and used together without sticking out.
This consistency is vital for most card games. Minor size variations may occur between brands, but these are typically no larger than 1-3 mm.
Specialty Playing Card Sizes
While the standard poker size is the most popular, some other specialty playing card sizes exist:
1. Mini and Small Size Cards
Dimensions
- Small size cards are around 1.9 x 2.8 inches (48mm x 70mm)
- Also known as mini cards
Uses
- Easier for travelers to carry while on the go
- Suitable for children and players with smaller hands
- Facilitate card flourishing techniques and fancy shuffles
- Allow playing card games in tight spaces
Games
- MiniBridge
- Rummy
- Spit
- Snap
- Old Maid
- Go Fish
2. Jumbo and Oversized Cards
Dimensions
- Usually 3.5 x 5 inches (89mm x 128mm)
- Can be up to 4 x 7 inches (102mm x 178mm)
Uses
- Stage performers use for easy visibility
- Magicians manipulate them for illusion tricks
- Used in casinos for baccarat and blackjack
- Help teach card games to new players
- Visually impaired players can see the pips
- Ideal for card flourishing and cardistry
Games
- Poker
- Blackjack
- Baccarat
- Twenty-One
- Fan Tan
3. Bridge Size Cards
Dimensions
- 2 1/4 x 3 1/2 inches (57mm x 89mm)
Uses
- Popular for contract bridge games
- Easier to hold than poker-sized cards
- Comfortable for players with arthritis or small hands
Games
- Contract Bridge
- Whist
- Euchre
4. Tarot Cards
Dimensions
- 2 3/4 x 4 3/4 inches (70mm x 120mm)
Uses
- Displays the 78 elaborate symbolic cards in a tarot deck
- Ideal shape and size for tarot card reading and spreads
- Also used for cartomancy and divination
Games
- Tarot card reading
- Cartomancy
- Divination
Major Playing Card Types
While poker sized cards are considered standard, there are some other popular playing card sizes:
- Bridge size – 2 1/4 inches x 3 1/2 inches (57mm x 89mm) – Intermediate size between poker and mini cards.
- Mini/small size – 1 7/8 inches x 2 3/4 inches (48mm x 70mm) – Smaller cards used for some games.
- Tarot size – 2 3/4 inches x 4 3/4 inches (70mm x 120mm) – Larger than standard cards and used for cartomancy.
- Jumbo size – 3 1/2 inches x 5 inches (89mm x 128mm) – Oversized cards mainly used for magic tricks and performances.
Brief History of Playing Card Sizes
Playing cards originated in China before spreading to Europe and the rest of the world.
The earliest playing cards were hand-painted and varied greatly in size and shape. As printing developed in Europe in the 1300s, card sizes became more standardized but still showed some variability.
It wasn’t until the early 1800s that 2.5 by 3.5 inches became the widely accepted standard size thanks to mass production.
As technology has improved over the last 200 years, minor refinements have been made to optimize playing card sizes and performance while retaining the traditional dimensions.
Continuing to use familiar sizes has allowed playing cards and games to maintain their worldwide popularity over generations.
Regional Size Variations
While 2.5 x 3.5 inches is considered the standard, some regional size variations do exist:
- Bridge size – 2.25 x 3.5 inches; popular for bridge games
- Poker size – 2.5 x 3.5 inches; the most common size
- Tarot size – 2.75 x 4.75 inches; used for tarot card games
- JP size – 2.5 x 3.75 inches; common size in Japan
So if purchasing foreign playing cards, be aware the sizes may differ somewhat from the international standard. But most modern card decks adhere closely to the widely accepted 2.5 x 3.5 inch dimensions.
Playing Card Size FAQs
Discover the key facts about the size and dimensions of standard playing cards in this FAQ section. Learn why they are the size they are and more.
What Size Are Standard Playing Cards?
The international standard size for playing cards is 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches (63.5 mm x 88.9 mm). This size is used for most decks across card games, gambling, magic tricks, cardistry, and general recreation.
Why Are Playing Cards That Size?
The dimensions of 2.5 x 3.5 inches were popularized in the early 1800s as mass production made standardized sizing possible. The size has endured as it allows easy shuffling, dealing, and handling of cards in most games.
Are All Playing Cards Exactly The Same Size?
Most are very close, typically within 1-3 mm of the standard size. Minor variations occur due to differences in manufacturing processes and materials. But most brands adhere closely to the familiar 2.5 x 3.5 inch dimensions.
How Thick Are Playing Cards?
Playing card thickness is typically 0.010 to 0.012 inches (0.25 to 0.30 mm). Thicker cards of up to 0.016 inches may be used for bridge or tarot cards. The card stock material also affects overall thickness and flexibility.
Why Are Poker Cards And Bridge Cards Different Sizes?
Poker cards tend to be 2.5 x 3.5 inches while bridge cards are narrower at 2.25 x 3.5 inches. The more narrow bridge size allows easier handling for the complex shuffling required in bridge games.
Are Playing Cards Getting Bigger Or Smaller Over Time?
The standard size has remained remarkably consistent over the past 200 years. Minor manufacturing refinements have been made but the familiar 2.5 x 3.5 inch dimensions are still used today.
Summary
The enduring standard size of playing cards, 2.5 x 3.5 inches, has maintained its popularity for over two centuries.
These dimensions, though not entirely uniform due to manufacturing variations, ensure ease of shuffling and gameplay.
From poker to bridge, tarot to regional variations, understanding the significance of these dimensions enhances your appreciation of the games we love.
In a world of evolving technologies, the traditional size of playing cards remains a constant, connecting generations of players.