PSA 10 vs PSA 9: What Really Sets These Grades Apart - and Why Centering Matters

How PSA Defines PSA 10 and PSA 9 Grades

PSA 10 (Gem Mint) requires nearly perfect cards. Centering on the front must be approximately 55/45 to 60/40 or better, and the back must be 75/25 or better. All corners, edges, and surfaces must be sharp and clean. PSA 9 (Mint) allows slightly more tolerance: roughly 60/40 front and 90/10 back, with allowance for one minor flaw. Always check PSA’s current published standards for the latest details.

Why Centering Is So Critical

Centering is one of the most common reasons cards that look flawless elsewhere receive a PSA 9 instead of a 10. Even if corners, edges, and surface are pristine, off-center printing can cap your card at a 9. PSA does not print subgrades, so you won’t know the exact reason for a lower grade - measuring centering yourself is the only way to avoid surprises.

How to Measure Your Card’s Centering

• Use a ruler or digital tool to compare the distances from the card’s border to the artwork on all sides, front and back.
• Calculate the centering ratio (e.g., 55/45 means one border is 55% of the total, the opposite is 45%).
• The free-to-start Midpoint app (iOS and Android) can automatically measure exact front and back centering from a photo, helping you check if your card meets PSA’s standards before you submit.

Other Factors That Affect PSA Grades

Remember, centering is only one of four key subgrades. Sharp corners, clean edges, and a blemish-free surface are also required for a PSA 10. A card with perfect centering but a dinged corner or minor surface flaw will not achieve a Gem Mint grade.