One of the most common questions collectors ask is, “What size toploader do I need for my cards?” (There’s no single universal size chart, but this guide covers the most common trading cards, Pokémon cards, and sports memorabilia you’ll run into.)
Understanding Toploader Sizes
Top loader sizes are measured in PT — a unit equal to 1/1000 of an inch. So, a 100PT card is one-tenth of an inch thick. If you are unsure what size you need, measuring your card’s thickness is the best way to match it to the correct PT size.
Toploader Size Guide
20PT
- Vintage sports cards (can be snug depending on the penny sleeve)
- Trading card games such as Pokémon cards, Magic, and Yu-Gi-Oh
- Can also fit into 35PT when paired with thicker soft sleeves
35PT - Pretty much all base sets from all sports
- Bowman Baseball
- Contenders
- Topps Baseball
- Score
- NBA Hoops
- Upper Deck
55PT - Generally the Premium releases
- Topps/Bowman Chrome
- Prizm or Mosaic
- Donruss Optic
- Select
- O-Pee-Chee Platinum
75PT
- Obsidian Base
- Allen & Ginter Relics
100PT
- Most jersey/memorabilia cards from base sets
- Topps Tribute
130PT
- Immaculate
- National Treasures
- Inception
- Thicker memorabilia and relic cards
180PT
- Immaculate
- National Treasures
- Flawless
- Impeccable
- Topps Five Star
- Upper Deck The Cup
260PT
These are pretty rare but certain cards such as Topps helmet cards need a holder this thick. Also good for shipping a small stack of cards.
360PT
These are mainly used to hold booklet cards when they are folded up and certain rare memorabilia cards with large game used items in them such as cleats.
Choosing the Right Toploader
- Standard trading cards from base sets usually fit in 35PT.
Pokemon cards fit in 20PT but 35PT also works with our thicker Easy Glide soft sleeves - Patch cards, jersey cards, and relic cards typically fall into the 100PT to 180PT range, depending on the set.
- If in doubt, measure your card and select the closest PT size. A snug but not overly tight fit will give your card the best protection. For more information on PT sizes, check out our article on what PT means for toploaders
Shop our full selection of toploaders
FAQ Section (Size Guide Edition)
What size top loader do I need for Pokémon cards?
Most Pokémon cards fit into 20PT top loaders, though 35PT can also work with thicker sleeves.
What does PT mean in trading card holders?
PT stands for point, which refers to the thickness of the card and represents 1/1000 of an inch. For example, a 35 PT card is 35 points thick, while a 75 PT top loader is designed to fit a 75-point-thick card. Collectors often just say "point," but it always refers to thickness.
What size should patch cards use?
Patch cards usually require 100PT, 130PT, or 180PT toploaders, depending on thickness.
Do jersey cards and relic cards need different sizes?
Yes, jersey cards and relic cards are thicker than standard trading cards. They most often fit into 100PT or 130PT toploaders.
How can I figure out the right size?
Measure the card’s thickness in PT (1 PT = 1/1000"). Then match it to the closest PT in the size guide.
Do I need a soft sleeve if I’m using a top loader?
Yes, they work best together. A penny sleeve protects the surface of your card from scratches, while the top loader adds structure and guards against bends.
Can one toploader size work for everything?
No. Standard cards need slim sizes like 20PT or 35PT, while patch cards, jersey cards, and relic cards need thicker toploaders.
Do rare cards need special protection?
Yes — the rarer (and usually thicker) the card, the more careful you want to be with fit. Ultra-thick relic cards, patch cards, and booklets often require oversized holders to avoid damage.
What’s the worst mistake people make with top loaders?
Jamming a card into a toploader size that’s too small which can damage corners and edges. Not using a soft sleeve to prevent scratches and using too big a toploader where your card can fall out and risk drop damage.
