Choosing the right toploader size is one of the most important parts of protecting trading cards properly. If a top loader is too tight, it can make insertion difficult and increase the risk of edge damage. If it is too loose, the card may move around more than it should.
Collectors often see sizes such as 35pt, 55pt, 75pt, 100pt, 130pt, and 180pt, but many are not sure what these measurements actually mean.
In this guide, we explain how toploader sizes work, what PT means, and how to choose the best size for different types of cards.
Toploader sizes usually refer to the thickness of the card they are designed to hold. This thickness is measured in points, often written as PT. The higher the PT number, the thicker the card the top loader is made for.
Standard trading cards such as most Pokémon cards, sports cards, and TCG cards usually fit into 35pt top loaders.
Thicker cards such as relic cards, patch cards, and memorabilia cards require larger sizes.
Using the correct size helps improve both protection and fit.
Many collectors also match top loader sizes with penny sleeves or perfect fit sleeves to help reduce surface scratches and card movement.
PT stands for points, which is a unit used to measure card thickness. In card protection, PT size helps collectors match a card to the correct top loader.
A standard card is typically around 35pt, while thicker premium cards may require 55pt, 75pt, 100pt, 130pt, or even 180pt protection.
This is why knowing the PT size matters before buying top loaders.
Here are some of the most common toploader sizes collectors use:
Not every collection needs all sizes, but knowing the range helps collectors choose properly.
As a simple reference:
Most modern standard trading cards use 35pt top loaders, while premium inserts and memorabilia cards often require thicker holders.
This gives collectors a quick starting point when selecting protection.
The best way to choose the right size is to know the thickness of the card before inserting it. Standard base cards almost always fit 35pt top loaders, but thicker premium cards need more space.
If you are unsure, it is better to check the card thickness first rather than forcing it into the wrong holder.
A proper fit keeps the card safer and reduces unnecessary handling damage.
Collectors sometimes use online PT thickness charts when working with patch cards, jersey cards, or unusually thick premium inserts.
Top loaders should usually be used together with soft sleeves. The sleeve adds an extra layer of surface protection and helps prevent scratches when inserting the card into the rigid holder.
Products such as the EVORETRO Top Loaders & Sleeves Package help collectors protect standard cards more effectively by combining both layers of protection.
This is one of the most common protection methods used by collectors.
Some common mistakes include:
These mistakes can lead to scratches, edge damage, or poor long-term protection.
Most standard Pokémon cards use 35pt top loaders.
35pt refers to the card thickness the top loader is designed to hold. It is the standard size for most regular trading cards.
Yes. Thicker cards such as relics, patches, and memorabilia cards require larger PT sizes such as 55pt, 75pt, 100pt, 130pt, or 180pt.
Understanding toploader sizes makes it much easier to protect cards properly. The right fit helps reduce movement, prevents damage, and improves the overall storage setup for your collection.
For most standard cards, 35pt will be the correct choice. For thicker cards, using the right PT size is essential.
For collectors who want better protection and fewer mistakes, learning top loader sizing is one of the most useful things to know.
If you want to learn more about Pokémon storage, display, and protection, these guides may also help:
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