A card box that is a millimeter too tight tears its flaps when players pull the deck out, and one that is too loose lets the deck rattle and the corners wear. Getting the size right takes three numbers: card size, card count and card thickness. This guide gives standard card sizes, shows how to work out box depth, and lists what to send your box maker.
Standard card sizes
| Card type | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| Poker | 2.5 × 3.5 | 63.5 × 88.9 |
| Bridge | 2.25 × 3.5 | 57 × 89 |
| Tarot | 2.75 × 4.75 | 70 × 120 |
| Mini / patience | 1.75 × 2.5 | 44 × 63 |
| Euro game cards | 2.32 × 3.62 | 59 × 92 |
| Square | 3.5 × 3.5 | 89 × 89 |
How thick is a deck?
Playing card stock usually measures about 0.30–0.35 mm per card, depending on the paper and coating. Multiply by the card count:
- 54 poker cards × 0.32 mm ≈ 17.3 mm (about 0.68 in)
- 78 tarot cards × 0.35 mm ≈ 27.3 mm (about 1.07 in)
- 110-card game deck × 0.30 mm ≈ 33 mm (about 1.3 in)
The most reliable method is still to stack a printed deck and measure it with calipers, because coatings and edge gilding add thickness.
Working out the tuck box size
Add clearance to each card dimension so the deck slides in and out smoothly:
- Width: card width + about 1.5–2 mm
- Height: card height + about 1.5–2 mm
- Depth: measured deck thickness + about 1 mm
| Deck | Typical inside box size |
|---|---|
| 54-card poker deck | about 2.6 × 0.75 × 3.6 in |
| 54-card bridge deck | about 2.35 × 0.75 × 3.6 in |
| 78-card tarot deck | about 2.9 × 1.15 × 4.9 in |
These are inside dimensions. Your box maker adds board thickness when drawing the dieline, so always say which one you are giving.
Parts of a card tuck box
- Tuck flap: the top flap that closes the box. A straight tuck design keeps the front panel seamless.
- Dust flaps: small side flaps under the tuck that keep the deck from sliding out.
- Thumb notch: a half-moon cut-out at the opening so you can grip the deck.
- Glue flap: joins the box along the back or side.
- Seal: an optional sticker across the top for shrink-free tamper evidence on collector decks.
More on closure styles in our straight vs reverse tuck guide.
Finishes that survive handling
Deck boxes get pulled from pockets and shuffled on tables. A laminated surface (matte, gloss or soft-touch) protects the print from scuffs. On top of that, gold or silver foil, embossing and spot UV give limited and collector editions their look. Inside printing is a cheap way to add a surprise when the box opens.
Sleeved decks and extra contents
Card sleeves add a lot of thickness. A deck in standard sleeves can be twice as thick as the unsleeved deck, and double-sleeved decks even more. If your players sleeve their cards, or you sell a sleeved edition, measure a sleeved stack. The same goes for a rules sheet, a promo card or a gilded-edge edition: measure the finished contents, not the plain deck.
When to choose a different box
- Two-piece (lid and base) box: for tarot or oracle decks with a guidebook, or collector editions.
- Magnetic rigid box: premium limited editions, often with a foam or card insert.
- Sleeve and tray: a slide-out reveal for multi-deck sets.
- Two-deck box: a wider tuck box with a divider for bridge and canasta sets.
Common questions
What is the standard poker deck box size?
About 2.6 × 0.75 × 3.6 inches inside for 54 cards, but measure your own deck: stock thickness changes the depth.
Do I give the box maker inside or outside dimensions?
Inside dimensions, based on your deck. The box maker adds board thickness to draw the dieline. Always say which one you are sending.
What board is used for tuck boxes?
Usually 14–18pt SBS paperboard, laminated for durability. Metallic paper gives a mirror-like base for foil-heavy designs.
How many boxes can I order?
Our tuck boxes start at 100 units, which suits small print runs, prototypes and crowdfunding tiers.
What to send your box maker
- Card size (or a printed sample deck)
- Card count and card stock, such as 310 gsm black core
- Any guidebook, rules sheet or extra cards that go in the box
- Finishes you want (foil, embossing, soft-touch)
- Quantity per edition or per crowdfunding tier
Order custom card boxes
We make box-only orders for decks printed anywhere, from 100 units. Every box is drawn to your stock and card count and shown on a 3D proof before printing. See playing card tuck boxes, tarot card boxes and the full tuck box range, or request a quote.