What are the four things graders check on a trading card
When a collector submits cards for grading, graders inspect four physical factors that determine a card's grade. These checks apply to trading cards across baseball, basketball, football, hockey and soccer, and they are the same whether you use psa or another service.
Quick facts
- Factor
- Surface
- Factor
- Centering
- Factor
- Corners
The four factors graders look for
Graders concentrate on Surface, Centering, Corners and Edges. Each factor affects the card's final grade: Surface covers print defects and blemishes; Centering measures the image placement relative to the card borders; Corners are checked for sharpness and wear; Edges are reviewed for chipping or rough trimming. Grading applies the same checks to cards from any sport or set.
Surface: what graders inspect
Surface inspection looks for scratches, print lines, stains, discoloration, wax residue, or any other mark on the front and back. Graders check gloss consistency and ink registration. Surface issues are often visible in a high-resolution scan or photo and can reduce the grade even if corners and centering are excellent.
Centering: why it matters
Centering evaluates how evenly the printed image sits within the card borders on both front and back. Off-center cards have one side with a thinner border and that imbalance lowers the grade. For trading cards, consistent centering across both faces is an important tie-breaker between adjacent grades.
Corners and edges: separate but related
Corners are judged for roundness, dings, or softening at each point. Corners that are crisp and square help the grade; any softening reduces it. Edges are examined for chipping, paper loss, or rough cutting. A card may lose points for edges even when corners look fine.
How to prepare and submit cards
Handle cards with clean hands or gloves, place them in a clear sleeve and top loader, and include a clear scan or photo showing the card front and back plus an identifier such as the card number or player name. Use a stable shipping method and follow the grading company's instructions. For collectors who track many submissions, consider logging scans and identifiers before sending for grading. Slabbr can help organize scans and identifiers for your collection.
Common questions
- Will a tiny scratch always lower the grade?
- Small surface defects can lower a grade, but the impact depends on severity and on how the other three factors score. Graders weigh Surface alongside Centering, Corners and Edges to determine the final grade.
- Does centering on the back of the card matter as much as the front?
- Yes. Graders check centering on both faces. Poor centering on the back can affect the grade in the same way poor front centering does, because both faces contribute to overall balance.
- Can I clean a card to improve the Surface?
- Cleaning risks causing additional damage. Avoid liquids or abrasives; light dusting with a soft brush is safest. If you're unsure, do not attempt restoration before grading, as alteration can be noted and affect the grade.