Pokemon Card Calculator

How It Works

Grading a Pokemon card can multiply its value, but it only makes sense if the math works out. The key equation is simple: if the expected graded sale price minus grading cost minus marketplace fees is significantly more than the raw card's value, it's worth submitting.

Grading Cost Reference

Approximate costs as of 2024-2025. Prices vary by card value and service tier.

Shipping to the grading company and return shipping add $10-30 per submission. eBay takes approximately 13% in fees on the final sale.

Check a Card's Grading Potential

Search for a card below to see its detail page, where you can compare raw vs graded sold prices and PSA population data to evaluate whether grading is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth grading my Pokemon cards?

It depends on the card's raw value and its likely grade. Grading costs $20-150 per card depending on service level. As a rule of thumb, grading is worth it when the graded price at your expected grade is at least 2-3x the raw value plus grading cost. For a $10 raw card, a PSA 10 would need to sell for $60+ to justify the investment.

How do I estimate what grade my Pokemon card will get?

Look for four things: centering (the border should be even on all sides), corners (should be sharp with no whitening), edges (no nicks, dents, or whitening), and surface (no scratches, print lines, or indentations). Cards straight from pack to sleeve to toploader have the best shot at a PSA 10 or CGC 10.

What is the difference between PSA, CGC, and BGS grading?

PSA is the most recognized and generally commands the highest resale premiums, especially for vintage cards. CGC is newer but growing fast with competitive pricing. BGS (Beckett) uses a subgrade system that appeals to serious collectors, and BGS 10 Black Labels are extremely rare and valuable. Each service has different turnaround times and cost tiers.

How do I calculate profit on a Pokemon card flip?

Subtract your total cost from the expected sale price. Total cost includes: purchase price + grading fee + shipping to grader + eBay/marketplace fees (typically 13-15%) + return shipping. For example, if you buy a card for $30, grade it for $25, and sell the graded card for $150, your profit after ~15% fees is roughly $72.