How to Choose the Right Sleeve Size for Any Board Game

Quick answer

Measure your card's width and height in millimeters, then match those numbers to a sleeve's stated dimensions. Standard poker-size cards (63.5 × 88 mm) fit 63.5 × 88 mm sleeves; mini cards, square cards, and oversized cards each need their own size. Always measure a sample card from your game rather than trusting the box or a generic size chart.

You just bought a new board game, and the cards feel flimsy. You want to sleeve them, but the box doesn't list card dimensions, and the local shop only has a few sleeve sizes in stock. Choosing the wrong size means either cards that won't fit or sleeves so loose they slide off during shuffling. This guide walks you through a reliable process to find the right sleeve size for any game, using just a ruler and a few minutes of your time.

Step 1: Measure a card from the actual game

Pull one card from the deck you plan to sleeve. Use a ruler or digital caliper that measures in millimeters. Record the width (short edge) and height (long edge) to the nearest half-millimeter. For example, a common poker-size card measures 63.5 mm wide by 88 mm tall. Write both numbers down; you will need them for the next step. Do not rely on the game's box or online listings, because print runs can vary slightly and some games include multiple card sizes in one box.

• Measure at least three cards from different parts of the deck to account for slight cutting variations.

Step 2: Match your measurements to standard sleeve sizes

Most board game sleeves are sold in a handful of standard sizes. The most common is 63.5 × 88 mm, often labeled as 'standard' or 'poker size.' Mini cards are typically 44 × 67 mm, while square cards (like those in some eurogames) are around 70 × 70 mm. Oversized cards can range from 80 × 120 mm up to 100 × 150 mm. If your measurements fall between two standard sizes, choose the larger sleeve only if the difference is 1–2 mm; otherwise, look for a brand that offers a closer match.

• Keep a sleeve size chart handy: 63.5 × 88 mm, 44 × 67 mm, 70 × 70 mm, 80 × 120 mm, and 100 × 150 mm cover most games.

Step 3: Consider sleeve thickness and fit

Sleeve thickness affects how the cards feel and how they fit in the box. Thicker sleeves (often measured in microns) offer more protection but add bulk, which can make a full deck too tall for the original insert. Thinner sleeves save space but may not protect against bent corners as well. Also check the sleeve's cut: a snug fit means the card stays in place, while a looser fit makes shuffling easier but can let the card slide out. If you plan to double-sleeve, you will need an outer sleeve one size larger than the inner sleeve.

• If your game box has a molded insert, measure the depth of the card well before choosing thick sleeves.

Step 4: Test with a single sleeve before committing

Buy or borrow one sleeve of the size you think you need. Slide a card in and check three things: the card should not bend, the sleeve should not be so loose that the card falls out when held upside down, and the open edge should not cover any important text or icon. If the fit is off by more than a millimeter, try the next size up or down. Once you confirm the fit, count how many cards you need to sleeve and order that many plus a few extras for spares or future expansions.

• Never force a card into a sleeve; you can damage the card's edge or the sleeve's seal.

Step 5: Account for non-standard cards and accessories

Some games include cards with unusual dimensions, such as tarot-size (70 × 120 mm) or square mini cards (45 × 45 mm). For these, you may need to search for specialty sleeves or accept that no perfect fit exists. If you cannot find a sleeve that matches exactly, choose the closest size that is slightly larger and use a small piece of tape or a snug inner sleeve to keep the card from sliding. Always measure before assuming a game uses a standard size, even if it looks like a typical card game.

• For games with multiple card sizes, buy separate packs for each size rather than trying to make one size work for all.

Your sleeve sizing checklist

1. Measure a card from the game: Use a millimeter ruler or caliper. Record width and height to the nearest half-millimeter. Measure at least three cards. Checkpoint: Write down both numbers before moving on.
2. Compare to standard sizes: Match your measurements to common sleeve sizes: 63.5 × 88 mm, 44 × 67 mm, 70 × 70 mm, 80 × 120 mm, 100 × 150 mm. If your card is between two sizes, pick the one that is 1–2 mm larger, not smaller.
3. Decide on thickness and fit: Thicker sleeves protect better but add bulk. Consider box insert depth and whether you plan to double-sleeve. Mistake to avoid: buying thick sleeves without checking if the deck still fits in the box.
4. Test one sleeve: Insert a card and check for bending, sliding, and text obstruction. Adjust size if needed. If the card falls out when held upside down, the sleeve is too loose.
5. Order enough sleeves: Count the cards you need to sleeve and add 10–20% extra for spares and future expansions. Buying in bulk often saves money, but only after you confirm the size.

Sleeve sizing in practice: examples from our catalog

• Vindication® Chronicles Expansion: The Chronicles expansion adds an additional narrative layer to many of the game's existing systems, with story prompts and narrative decision trees that add context and weight to each card in your tableau. If you sleeve your Vindication® base game cards, you will likely want to sleeve the expansion cards too so they shuffle consistently and wear evenly. Check that your chosen sleeve size matches the base game's card dimensions before buying.



• Unsettled® Survival Task Pack: This pack includes 1 new survival task (and the occasional surprise mystery cards) for each of the first six planets. Unsettled® Framework and planets 1-6 are required for play. Survival task cards are handled frequently during play, so they benefit from sleeves. Measure a task card from your Unsettled® set to confirm the size, as it may differ from standard poker-size cards.

Choosing the right sleeve size comes down to measuring your actual cards and matching them to a standard size. Take a few minutes to measure, test one sleeve, and then buy with confidence. Your cards will stay protected, and your games will shuffle smoothly for years to come.