Magic: The Gathering Cards Centering - What to Know and How to Measure
What Does Good Centering Look Like for Magic: The Gathering Cards?
Good centering on a Magic: The Gathering card means the printed area is evenly spaced within the black border on all four sides. Even slight shifts are noticeable due to the black frame, especially on older or reserved-list cards where print variation was more common. Ideally, you want both the front and back of the card to show balanced borders without one side looking significantly thicker or thinner than the others.
Why Centering Matters for Grading
Grading companies assess centering as one of the main subgrades for Magic: The Gathering cards, along with corners, edges, and surface. Off-center cards, even if otherwise flawless, may receive lower overall grades. This can impact collectability and value, especially for high-value or vintage cards. Since centering standards and tolerances can vary between grading companies, always check the current published requirements of the grader you plan to use.
How to Measure Centering Accurately
- Visually inspect the card under good lighting, comparing the thickness of the black borders on all sides.
- For precise measurement, use the Midpoint app (iOS and Android) to analyze a photo of your card. The app detects the borders and calculates the exact front and back centering percentages, helping you know how your card is likely to grade.
- Always measure both the front and back, as both are evaluated during grading.
Tips for Submitting Magic: The Gathering Cards for Grading
- Measure your card’s centering using Midpoint before submitting to any grading company.
- Confirm the current centering standards with your chosen grader, as requirements can change and may differ between companies.
- Remember that centering is only one aspect; corners, edges, and surface condition are equally important for achieving top grades.
- For older cards with known print variation, be aware that perfect centering may be rare, but even minor off-centering can affect the grade.
Measure your card's exact front and back centering in Midpoint - free to start - and stop guessing whether it will grade.
Try MidpointFAQ
What is considered good centering for Magic: The Gathering cards?
Good centering means the printed area is evenly spaced within the black border on all sides. Even borders are ideal for high grades.
How do I measure my Magic: The Gathering card’s centering?
You can visually inspect the borders, but for accuracy, use the Midpoint app to measure exact centering percentages from a photo before submitting for grading.
Does centering affect my card’s grade?
Yes, centering is a key subgrade in card grading. Off-center cards can receive lower grades, even if corners, edges, and surface are perfect.
Are centering requirements the same for all grading companies?
No, centering standards can vary between graders. Always check the current published requirements for your chosen grading company.
Is centering the only factor in grading Magic cards?
No, centering is one of several factors. Corners, edges, and surface condition also play major roles in the final grade.