PSA 10 Centering Requirements: The Complete Guide
Understanding PSA's centering requirements is crucial for anyone aiming for that coveted Gem Mint 10 grade. This guide covers the exact tolerances, measurement techniques, and common pitfalls that prevent cards from achieving PSA 10.
PSA 10 Centering Requirements at a Glance
Front Centering
55/45 or better
Maximum 55% on any single edge (left-right and top-bottom)
Back Centering
75/25 or better
Maximum 75% on any single edge (more lenient than front)
Understanding Centering Ratios
Centering is measured as a ratio between opposing borders. A 55/45 ratio means one border is 55% of the total combined border width, while the opposite side is 45%. Perfect centering would be 50/50.
Example Calculation
If a card has a 2.2mm left border and 1.8mm right border:
- Total border width = 2.2 + 1.8 = 4.0mm
- Left percentage = (2.2 ÷ 4.0) × 100 = 55%
- Right percentage = (1.8 ÷ 4.0) × 100 = 45%
- Result: 55/45 - Passes PSA 10 threshold
PSA Centering Thresholds by Grade
| Grade | Front Centering | Back Centering | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PSA 10 (Gem Mint) | 55/45 or better | 75/25 or better | Highest possible grade |
| PSA 9 (Mint) | 60/40 or better | 90/10 or better | Common result for slightly off-centre cards |
| PSA 8 (NM-MT) | 65/35 or better | 90/10 or better | Noticeable but not severe centering issues |
| PSA 7 (NM) | 70/30 or better | 90/10 or better | Visible centering issues |
Common Centering Mistakes
Only Checking One Axis
Both left-right AND top-bottom centering must meet requirements. A card with 50/50 horizontal but 60/40 vertical will not get PSA 10.
Ignoring the Back
Many collectors only check front centering. While back tolerances are more lenient (75/25), severely off-centre backs can still prevent PSA 10.
Eyeballing Instead of Measuring
Visual estimation is unreliable. A card that looks centred may be 58/42, which fails PSA 10. Always use precise measurement tools.
Borderless Cards Are Different
Full-art or borderless cards are measured differently. PSA uses the card edges relative to the artwork, not visible borders.
How to Check Your Card's Centering
Method 1: Manual Measurement
- Use a precision ruler or calliper (mm scale recommended)
- Measure left border width, then right border width
- Calculate percentages using the formula above
- Repeat for top and bottom
- Check both front and back of the card
Method 2: AI-Powered Analysis (Recommended)
Tools like Centrifyx can automatically measure centering from photos with sub-pixel precision. Simply upload an image or paste an eBay listing URL to get instant centering percentages and grade predictions.
Check Your Card's CenteringTips for Achieving PSA 10 Centering
1. Inspect Before Purchase
When buying raw cards, check centering first. Use photos from eBay listings to pre-screen cards before bidding.
2. Cherry-Pick Packs
Modern Pokemon and sports cards often have visible centering through pack windows. Look for well-centred cards before opening.
3. Consider Crossover Submissions
If a card graded PSA 9 due to centering, it may have other flaws. Check all grading criteria before resubmitting or crossing over.
4. Vintage Cards Have Variance
Older cards (1990s and earlier) often have worse centering due to manufacturing processes. PSA 10s are rarer for vintage sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What centering is needed for PSA 10?
For a PSA 10 Gem Mint grade, the front of the card must have centering of 55/45 or better (no more than 55% on any edge), and the back must be 75/25 or better. Both left-right and top-bottom centering must meet these standards.
What is 60/40 centering PSA?
60/40 centering means one side has 60% of the border while the opposite side has 40%. This centering would receive a PSA 9 grade at best, as it exceeds the 55/45 requirement for PSA 10.
Does PSA care about back centering?
Yes, PSA evaluates back centering, but with more lenient standards. For PSA 10, the back needs 75/25 or better centering, compared to 55/45 for the front. Back centering is still important but has wider tolerances.
Can a card with perfect centering still not get PSA 10?
Yes. PSA 10 requires near-perfection across all criteria: centering, corners, edges, and surface. A perfectly centred card with a small corner ding would likely receive PSA 9 or lower.
Check Your Card's PSA 10 Potential
Use Centrifyx to instantly analyse your card's centering and get PSA grade predictions before submitting for grading.
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