75/25 Centering: Meaning, Grading Impact, and How to Measure

What Does 75/25 Centering Mean?

Centering describes how evenly the card’s printed area sits within its borders. A 75/25 ratio means the narrowest border is 25% of the total, and the widest is 75%. This is a clear visual off-centering, with one side much thicker than the other.

Is 75/25 Centering Considered Good?

On the front of a trading card, 75/25 centering is not considered good by major grading standards. It is visibly off-center and generally lowers the card’s potential grade. On the back, however, many grading companies are more lenient. For example, PSA allows up to 75/25 centering on the back for a PSA 10, but front centering must be much better for top grades.

How Does 75/25 Centering Affect Grades?

• Front: 75/25 centering on the front will cap the grade well below gem-mint (such as PSA 10), regardless of other card qualities.
• Back: PSA’s published standards allow up to 75/25 centering on the back for a PSA 10, but always check current grader guidelines, as standards can change.
• Other Graders: BGS, CGC, SGC, and others have their own centering standards. Always confirm their published tolerances before submitting.

Remember, centering is only one part of a card’s grade. Corners, edges, and surface are also critical.

How to Measure Your Card’s Centering

To know your card’s exact centering, measure both the front and back. The Midpoint app (iOS and Android) can detect borders from a photo and calculate precise centering ratios like 75/25. This helps you understand grading potential before submitting to PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, TAG, and other graders.