Is Pokemon Card Stock A35 Thick Standard? (2025 Collector’s Guide)

If you’ve ever wondered, Is Pokemon card stock A35 thick standard? — you’re not the only one. Many collectors and players get confused when they hear terms like A35 stock, 35pt thickness, or 300gsm.

The short answer is: Pokemon cards are very close to A35 thickness but are not printed on standard A35 stock. Instead, they use a special blue or black core-layered paper that makes them durable, opaque, and resistant to counterfeiting.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything about Pokémon card thickness, how A35 compares, and how to spot real vs fake cards based on stock.

What Is A35 Card Stock?

A35 is a printing industry term used to describe cardstock that’s roughly 0.3 mm thick (≈12pt / ~300 gsm). It’s widely used for:

• Trading card games
• Board game decks
• Custom-printed collectible cards

Property	A35 Card Stock Standard
Thickness	~0.3 mm (≈ 12 pt)
Paper Weight	~300 gsm
Core Type	Usually no core
Common Uses	Board games, playing cards, custom TCGs

So when someone asks “is Pokémon card stock A35 thick standard?”, they’re really asking whether official Pokémon cards are made from this same 0.3 mm material.

Is Pokemon Card Stock A35 the Official Standard?

Here’s the direct answer:

Pokémon uses custom multi-layered paper stock with a blue or black core sandwiched between sheets. This makes them more durable and opaque compared to plain A35.

No. Pokémon cards are not printed on plain A35 stock.

Yes, their thickness is very close to A35.

Feature	A35 Stock	Official Pokémon Cards
Thickness	~0.3 mm (A35-like)	~0.305 mm
Core Type	No core	Blue/Black core
Light Opacity	Lower (light passes through)	High (blocks light)
Durability	Moderate	Strong
Collectible Value	Low	High

So while Pokémon cards feel like A35, their secret is in the core layer.

Pokémon Card Size and Thickness Explained

The exact measurements of Pokémon cards are:

• Dimensions: 63.5 × 88.9 mm (2.5 × 3.5 in)
• Thickness: ~0.305 mm
• Card Weight Equivalent: ~300 gsm
• Corner Radius: ~3 mm

Conversion table for quick reference:

Unit	Pokémon Card Thickness
Millimeters	~0.305 mm
Inches	~0.012 in
Points (pt)	~12 pt
GSM	~300 gsm

A35 vs S33 vs S30 Card Stocks

Many collectors compare different card stocks. Here’s how they differ:

Stock Type	Thickness	Core	Feel
A35	~0.3 mm	No core	Thick, stiff
S33	~0.27–0.28 mm	Varies	Slightly thinner
S30	~0.25 mm	No core	Light, flexible
Pokémon	~0.305 mm	Blue/Black core	Thick + opaque

Pokémon is closest to A35 in thickness, but the blue/black core makes it stronger and less transparent.

Blue Core vs Black Core vs No-Core

• No-Core (A35 plain): Cheaper, more see-through, wears faster.
• Blue Core (Pokémon): Stops light leaks, increases card life.
• Black Core: Used in premium TCGs, even stronger opacity.

Example check: Hold a real Pokémon card up to light — you’ll notice little to no shine-through, thanks to the core.

Are Pokémon Cards 35pt?

This is a common misconception.

• 35pt is used for plastic top loaders (card protectors).
• Pokémon cards themselves are closer to 12pt (~0.3 mm), not 35pt.

So if someone says “Pokémon cards are 35pt,” they’re mixing up card stock with card protectors.

Best Protection for Pokémon Cards

Because Pokémon cards are ~0.3 mm thick, here’s the best protection setup:

Protection Type	Recommended Size
Sleeves	63.5 × 88.9 mm (standard)
Inner Sleeves	“Perfect Fit” sleeves
Top Loaders	35pt (fits sleeved cards)
Binders	9-pocket, PVC-free, acid-free

Pro Tip: Always sleeve before placing cards in top loaders to avoid scratches.

Linen Finish vs Smooth Finish

Card finishes affect feel and appearance:

• Linen Finish: Textured, shuffle-friendly, reduces glare.
• Smooth Finish: Glossy, sharper prints, vibrant colors.

Pokémon cards generally lean smooth with slight texture, offering clarity and playability.

How to Spot Fake Pokémon Cards Using Stock

Counterfeiters often fail to match Pokémon’s stock. Here’s what to check:

• Light Test: Real cards block most light (blue core).
• Thickness: Real cards ~0.3 mm. Fakes often too thin or too thick.
• Corners: Real = ~3 mm radius. Fakes = sharp or uneven.
• Finish: Real = professional sheen. Fakes = overly glossy or dull.

A35 in Other Games (Tarot, Oracle, Board Games)

If you’ve printed custom decks, you’ll know A35 is standard in many games:

• Tarot decks
• Oracle cards
• Custom board games

This is why collectors think Pokémon = A35, but the core sets them apart.

Conclusion

So, is Pokémon card stock A35 thick standard?

The answer is no — not officially. Pokémon cards are A35-like in thickness but use a custom multi-layered core stock. This small detail is what makes them durable, opaque, and collectible.If you’re printing custom cards, A35 is your closest match. But if you’re collecting Pokémon cards, remember: it’s the core, finish, and precision that make them unique.