TLDR
- Target MTG proxy card size (trim): 63 × 88 mm (about 2.48 × 3.46 in). People often say “2.5 × 3.5,” because the official rules describe it approximately that way.
- If your proxies print slightly too small: your PDF viewer is probably scaling to “Fit” or “Shrink.” Print at Actual Size / 100%.
- If you’re cutting at home: add bleed (extra image past the edge). Standard bleed is 0.125 in / 3 mm per side.
- Minimum image size to look good: aim for 300 DPI at final size. That’s roughly 744 × 1039 px (63 × 88 mm) or 750 × 1050 px (2.5 × 3.5 in).
- Print one test page before you print 200 cards. Printers can sense confidence and punish it.
If you’re here for the MTG proxy card size, you probably have one specific fear: your beautiful proxies will come out “almost right,” and “almost right” is the exact size of regret.
Let’s fix that.
MTG proxy card size cheat sheet
Here are the numbers you actually use in real life: trimming, cutting, and not getting called out by your deck box.
Standard MTG proxy card size (final trimmed card)
- 63 × 88 mm
- 2.48 × 3.46 inches (approx)
If you add standard bleed for cutting
- 69 × 94 mm (63 × 88 plus ~3 mm bleed on each side)
- 2.72 × 3.70 inches (approx)
Pixels at common print resolutions
These are “at-size” targets. Bigger is fine. Smaller is how you get fuzzy mana symbols.
| Target | Physical size | 300 DPI (pixels) | 600 DPI (pixels) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trim (Magic-ish) | 63 × 88 mm | ~744 × 1039 | ~1488 × 2079 |
| Trim (poker shorthand) | 2.5 × 3.5 in | 750 × 1050 | 1500 × 2100 |
| Full bleed (home cutting) | 2.75 × 3.75 in | 825 × 1125 | 1650 × 2250 |
Quick translation: 300 DPI is plenty for proxies that look clean in sleeves. 600 DPI is extra crisp, but your file sizes also get extra dramatic.
63 × 88 mm vs 2.5 × 3.5 in: why everyone argues about half a millimeter
You’ll see both numbers all over the internet, and yes, it’s confusing.
- The Magic Comprehensive Rules describe a “traditional Magic card” as approximately 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches.
- People who measure real cards (and people printing proxies who notice differences) often land on 63 × 88 mm as the practical target.
So what do you do?
My recommendation
- If you want proxies that feel right next to real cards: target 63 × 88 mm.
- If your template or tool only supports 2.5 × 3.5 inches: you can still make playable proxies, especially in sleeves, but pay extra attention to print scaling and do a side-by-side test.
This is one of those “both are usable” situations where your tolerance for tiny differences decides your fate.
Bleed, trim, and safe zone (print nerd stuff, in plain English)
We’re about to say the word bleed. This is thrilling if you work in print. Here’s what it means for you.
- Trim is the final card size after cutting.
- Bleed is extra image that extends past the trim. It exists so tiny cutting shifts don’t leave white slivers.
- Safe zone is where important stuff should stay (name line, mana cost, rules text). Keep it away from the edge so a slightly off cut doesn’t eat your card title.
The rule of thumb
- Use 0.125 in / 3 mm bleed on all sides if you’re cutting anything.
- Keep important text at least 2–3 mm inside the trim edge.
If you skip bleed, your printer will reward you with “mystery white borders” that appear only after you’ve already cut everything. Ask me how I know.
Print settings that keep proxies the right size
Most sizing problems are not “bad math.” They’re one checkbox buried in a print dialog that says something like: Fit to page (aka “make it wrong”).
The 30-second checklist
- Print scaling: set to Actual Size / 100% (not Fit, not Shrink, not “Helpfully resize”)
- Paper size: match your document (Letter vs A4). Mismatches cause sneaky scaling.
- Borderless printing: only matters if you’re printing full-bleed sheets. For most proxy sheets, you want margins and you cut.
- Test print: print one page, cut one card, sleeve it next to a real card, then commit.
If you’re printing from a browser, your browser may also “help.” Browsers are very kind that way.
Cutting tips so your deck doesn’t feel like a homemade craft project
You don’t need industrial equipment. You need consistent cuts.
What works well
- A basic paper trimmer with a sharp blade beats scissors every time.
- Cut in batches: all vertical cuts first, then horizontal cuts. Less wobble.
- If you want rounded corners, a corner rounder around 2.5 mm radius gets you close to the typical MTG feel.
Your goal is not “perfect.” Your goal is “none of these feel different in a sleeve.”
Good, Better, Best: three ways to get MTG proxy card size right
Here’s a quick decision framework that reflects real tradeoffs.
| Level | What you do | Best for | What you give up |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Write the card name on a basic land (or slip paper in front of a land in a sleeve) | Fast testing, zero fuss | Not pretty, webcam readability can suffer |
| Better | Print to size on paper, cut carefully, sleeve over a real card | Most casual pods, budget friendly | Time spent cutting, slight cut variance |
| Best | Use print-ready files with bleed and consistent cutting (yours or a service) | Lots of proxies, cubes, consistent shuffle feel | More prep, or more cost |
Notice what is not on this list: “make it indistinguishable.” That’s not proxying. That’s a different thing, and it’s the wrong lane.
A quick note on tournaments and anti-counterfeiting
Two important realities can both be true:
- Proxies are normal in casual Magic (Commander nights, kitchen table, many unsanctioned events), as long as everyone agrees and the cards are readable.
- Sanctioned events require authentic cards, with limited exceptions where a judge may issue a proxy during the event for a card that becomes damaged.
Also, proxies should not be represented as real cards. If you’re printing proxies, be the kind of player everyone likes having at the table: clear, honest, and easy to play against.
If you’re new to proxy norms, start here: Let’s Proxy MTG proxy cards overview
FAQs
What is the exact MTG proxy card size?
For practical proxy printing and cutting, 63 × 88 mm is the most useful target. The rules describe traditional cards as approximately 2.5 × 3.5 inches.
What DPI should I print MTG proxies at?
300 DPI at final size is the sweet spot for crisp text and symbols. 600 DPI is extra sharp, but files get bigger fast.
Why do my proxies print slightly too small?
Almost always: your print settings are scaling the document. Look for Fit to page, Shrink, or Scale to fit and switch to Actual Size / 100%.
Do I need bleed for MTG proxies?
If you are cutting them, yes. Bleed prevents white slivers when cuts drift slightly. Standard is 0.125 in / 3 mm per side.
Are MTG proxies legal at FNM or tournaments?
If it’s sanctioned, you generally need authentic cards, and proxies are only allowed when issued by a judge for specific situations during the event. For casual play, it’s a Rule 0 and organizer decision.
What corner rounder size matches MTG cards?
A 2.5 mm radius corner rounder is commonly cited as a close match. You can get away with nearby sizes, but 2.5 mm tends to look the most “normal.”