Professional graders evaluate a card across several condition factors. Here’s a plain-English overview of what’s examined — then see each provider’s own official standards.
How evenly the artwork sits within the borders, front and back. Measured as a ratio (e.g. 60/40). Off-center cards lose points quickly at the top grades.
Scratches, scuffs, print lines, indentations, dimples, and factory texture. Surface is often the hardest factor to keep clean on holo and foil cards.
Nicks, chipping, and whitening along the four edges. Dark-bordered cards show edge wear most.
Sharpness and integrity of all four corners. Even microscopic fraying or softening is penalized at gem-mint levels.
Loss of ink/color exposing the white core, usually at edges and corners from handling or cutting.
Factory issues such as print lines, ink spots, color banding, or miscuts. Some are cosmetic; some cap the achievable grade.
Any bend or fold that breaks the card's fibers. Even a light crease is a significant, often grade-limiting flaw.
Discoloration, water marks, or residue on the surface or edges.
Fine lines on the surface, most visible on holo/foil under angled light.
Trimming, recoloring, restoration, or other tampering. Detected alterations typically make a card ineligible for a numeric grade.
Each grader publishes its own authoritative standards and scale. These links open the provider’s own site.
This overview is educational and describes commonly-examined factors in our own words. It is not a substitute for any provider’s official standards, and Poké-Trade is not affiliated with or endorsed by a grading provider unless specifically stated.
