PSA 10 vs BGS 10: The Real Difference and the Role of Centering
PSA 10 and BGS 10 are both top trading card grades, but their standards - especially for centering - differ. Here’s how centering can determine which grade your card gets.
PSA 10 vs BGS 10: What’s the Core Difference?
Both PSA 10 Gem Mint and BGS 10 are highly sought-after grades, but they’re not equally hard to achieve. PSA 10 is slightly more forgiving, especially on centering. BGS 10, particularly the Black Label, is stricter and requires near-perfect centering, with sub-grades displayed separately. Understanding these standards is crucial before submission.
How Centering Standards Compare
- PSA 10: Allows roughly 55/45 to 60/40 or better centering on the front. PSA does not display sub-grades, so only the overall result is shown.
- BGS 10: Demands centering that is extremely close to perfect - around 50/50 - for a centering sub-grade of 10. Beckett displays sub-grades for centering, corners, edges, and surface, so you know exactly where your card stands.
Since BGS grades centering separately and more strictly, cards with slight centering flaws might get PSA 10 but not BGS 10.
Why Centering Often Decides Your Grade
Centering is one of the most common reasons cards miss out on a top grade. Even if corners, edges, and surface are flawless, off-center cards will not achieve BGS 10 and may be borderline for PSA 10. Measuring your card’s centering before submission can save money and disappointment.
How to Check Centering Before Submitting
To avoid surprises, measure your card’s exact centering using the Midpoint app (available for iOS and Android). The app detects borders and calculates your card’s centering percentages on both front and back, helping you compare your results to the published standards for PSA, BGS, and other graders. Always confirm current centering requirements with the grading company before submitting.
Remember: Centering Is Only One Factor
Even with perfect centering, cards must have flawless corners, edges, and surfaces to get a PSA 10 or BGS 10. Always inspect all aspects before deciding where to submit.
Measure your card's exact front and back centering in Midpoint - free to start - and know which grade tier it can actually reach.
Try MidpointFAQ
Is it harder to get a BGS 10 than a PSA 10?
Yes, BGS 10 is generally harder to achieve, especially for centering, which must be nearly perfect. PSA 10 allows slightly more off-center cards.
What centering is needed for PSA 10 vs BGS 10?
PSA 10 requires roughly 55/45 to 60/40 or better front centering. BGS 10 demands near-perfect centering for a 10 sub-grade. Always check the latest grader standards.
How do I measure my card's centering?
Use the Midpoint app to measure exact front and back centering percentages from a photo, then compare to the published standards for each grader.
Does centering guarantee a PSA 10 or BGS 10?
No. Centering is just one sub-grade. Cards must also have perfect corners, edges, and surface to achieve a top grade.
Do both PSA and BGS show reasons for missed grades?
BGS displays sub-grades, so you see which area fell short. PSA does not provide sub-grades, so the reason is not shown on the label.