The Toploader PT Decoder
A toploader's PT number rates the CARD it accepts, not the holder's own thickness. One point equals 0.001 inch (0.0254 mm), so a 35 pt toploader takes a card up to 0.035 inch. A modern base card is roughly 12-20 pt, which is exactly why 35 pt is the default - it leaves room for a penny sleeve.
The dataset
| PT rating | Max card thickness (in) | Max card thickness (mm) | What it fits | Note | Source | Source class |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 pt | 0.035 in | 0.89 mm | Standard base cards (roughly 12-20 pt), including one penny sleeve | The default size for modern base cards. A double-sleeved card may not fit. | PT unit definition + vendor fit guidance | standard reference + manufacturer spec |
| 55 pt | 0.055 in | 1.40 mm | Thicker inserts and lightly patched cards | First step up when a card will not seat in a 35 pt without force. | PT unit definition + vendor fit guidance | standard reference + manufacturer spec |
| 75 pt | 0.075 in | 1.91 mm | Jersey/relic and thicker memorabilia cards | Common for single-patch memorabilia. | PT unit definition + vendor fit guidance | standard reference + manufacturer spec |
| 130 pt | 0.130 in | 3.30 mm | Thick multi-patch and heavy memorabilia cards | Well above base-card thickness; oversized for ordinary cards. | PT unit definition + vendor fit guidance | standard reference + manufacturer spec |
| Reference: standard base card | 0.012-0.020 in | 0.30-0.51 mm | n/a - this is the card itself | A modern base card is roughly 12-20 pt, which is why 35 pt is the common default. | Industry reference | standard reference |
Download
toploader-pt-decoder.csv (latest) · toploader-pt-decoder-v1.0.csv (version-pinned, stable for citation)
License: CC BY 4.0 — free to use with attribution, including for commercial and machine-learning use.
How to cite
Sleeve Lab, “The Toploader PT Decoder”, version 1.0, 2026. Available at https://sleeve-lab.pages.dev/toploader-pt-decoder/ under CC BY 4.0.
Methodology & versioning
- The conversion is exact. 1 pt = 0.001 inch = 0.0254 mm. The millimetre column is that arithmetic, rounded to two decimals.
- Fit guidance is vendor guidance, not a measurement we performed.
- Base card thickness is a range, because stock varies by set and finish - it is recorded as a range rather than a single figure.
- Double-sleeving changes the answer. Combined sleeve thickness can push a card past a 35 pt holder's capacity.
- Versioning. v1.0 published July 30, 2026. The version-pinned CSV will not change; corrections ship as a new version with a dated note.
This is a supplies-specification reference, not investment, authenticity or grading advice. Verify current submission requirements directly with the grading company before shipping cards.