ACE Centering Standards: Tolerance Guide for Each Grade

ACE Grading requires strong front and back centering for top grades. Confirm their current published standards and measure your card’s centering before submitting.

Understanding ACE Grading’s Centering Requirements

ACE Grading, based in the UK, evaluates trading cards on a 1-10 scale. Centering is a key subgrade alongside corners, edges, and surface. To achieve the highest grades, your card needs excellent centering on both the front and back. ACE’s exact centering tolerances may change, so always confirm their latest published standards before submitting.

How ACE Grades Centering

Front Centering: Top grades require highly even borders left-to-right and top-to-bottom. Cards with noticeable shifts may not qualify for the highest grades.
Back Centering: The back is also evaluated, though some graders allow slightly more leeway. ACE expects strong centering on both sides for its best grades.
Note: ACE does not publicly publish specific centering percentages for each grade. Always check their official resources for updates.

How to Measure Your Card’s Centering

Accurately measuring centering is essential before submitting to ACE. The Midpoint app (iOS and Android) analyzes a photo of your card and calculates the exact front and back centering ratios (for example, 55/45). This helps you compare your card’s centering to ACE’s requirements, so you can make informed submission decisions.

Tips to Meet ACE Centering Standards

Always measure both front and back centering with a reliable tool like Midpoint.
Review ACE’s latest published standards before submitting.
Remember that centering is only one factor. Corners, edges, and surface also impact your final grade.
For top grades, select cards with visibly even borders and minimal shift.

Measure your card's exact front and back centering in Midpoint - free to start - so you know its grade before you pay to submit.

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FAQ

What centering is needed for a top ACE grade?

ACE requires excellent, even centering front and back for its highest grades. Confirm ACE’s current published standards for specifics and measure your card’s centering in Midpoint.

Does ACE publish exact centering ratios for each grade?

ACE does not publicly list specific centering percentages for each grade. Always refer to their latest official documentation for up-to-date standards.

Is back centering as important as front centering with ACE?

Yes, ACE evaluates both front and back centering. Strong centering on both sides is needed for the best grades.

How can I check if my card meets ACE’s centering standards?

Use the Midpoint app to measure your card’s exact front and back centering, then compare your results to ACE’s published requirements.

Does centering alone determine my ACE grade?

No. Centering is one of several subgrades. Corners, edges, and surface quality also affect your final ACE grade.