Football Cards Centering: What Good Centering Looks Like and How to Measure It

Good centering on football cards means the borders are as even as possible around the card's artwork. Accurate centering is crucial for grading, and measuring it helps you predict how your card will score.

What Does Good Centering Look Like on Football Cards?

For modern football cards, especially from Panini brands like Prizm, Donruss, and Mosaic, good centering means the artwork and design elements are evenly spaced from the card's edges. Both the front and back of the card are graded for centering. Even small shifts in print or cutting can make centering noticeably off, especially with bold borders or Prizm finishes. The ideal is equal border thickness on all sides, but minor variations are common due to manufacturing tolerances.

Why Centering Matters for Grading

Major grading companies (PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, TAG) use centering as a key subgrade when evaluating football cards. Off-center cards can receive lower grades even if corners, edges, and surface are flawless. Since grading standards and tolerances can change, always check the latest published requirements from your chosen grader. Remember, centering is just one part of the overall grade - corners, edges, and surface condition are also critical.

How to Measure Centering Accurately

Visually compare the left/right and top/bottom borders on both sides of the card.
Use a ruler or calipers to measure border thickness, but this can be tricky and imprecise.
For precise measurement, use the Midpoint app (iOS and Android). Upload a photo and the app detects borders, giving you the front and back centering percentages (like 55/45), so you know how your card stacks up before submitting for grading.
Always measure both the front and back, as both affect grading outcomes.

Tips Before Submitting Your Football Cards

Review published grading standards for your chosen company to understand current centering tolerances.
Measure your card’s exact centering in the Midpoint app for a clear, objective assessment.
Don’t forget to also check corners, edges, and surface for flaws.
Cards with poor centering may be better suited for personal collections rather than grading submission, depending on your goals.

Measure your card's exact front and back centering in Midpoint - free to start - and stop guessing whether it will grade.

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FAQ

How is centering graded on football cards?

Grading companies assess how evenly the artwork and borders are spaced from the card's edges, both front and back. Each company has its own published standards.

Can I measure centering at home?

Yes, you can measure centering using a ruler or calipers, but for more accuracy, use the Midpoint app to get exact centering percentages from a photo.

Does centering affect the grade as much as corners or edges?

Centering is one of several subgrades. Even with perfect corners, edges, and surface, poor centering can lower the overall grade.

Are front and back centering both important?

Yes, grading companies evaluate centering on both the front and back of football cards. Both can impact your final grade.

What centering is considered 'good' for grading?

Good centering means borders are as even as possible. Always check your grader’s current published standards, as exact tolerances can vary.