How to Grade Pokémon Cards for Free
Using PokeGrade's AI-Powered Grading System
Professional grading (PSA/CGC/etc.) costs money and time. If you want a free, fast, realistic "pre-grade" first, you can do it with PokeGrade's AI-powered grading and a simple at-home inspection process.
This guide shows you how to grade Pokémon cards for free in a way that matches the same core categories used across the hobby: Centering, Edges, Surface, and Corners. PokeGrade is built around those pillars and provides a free daily scan so you can make smarter decisions before you spend on paid grading.
What "Free Grading" Actually Means
A free grade won't replace an official slab, serial number, or authentication from a third-party company. What it can do is help you:
- ✓ Decide if a card is worth submitting to a paid service
- ✓ Sort a collection by condition consistently
- ✓ Catch problems (scratches, whitening, off-centering) early
- ✓ Build confidence when buying/selling raw cards
PokeGrade's free tier includes 1 free grading per user each day.
Step 1: Photograph the Card Correctly
This matters more than most people think. AI grading is only as good as the images you submit.
Photo Guidelines
- • Use a flat, neutral background
- • Shoot top-down with the card straight and centered
- • Avoid glare (no flash; use natural/soft light)
- • Ensure sharp focus (text and borders should be crisp)
- • Don't use filters or edits
- • Capture front and back, plus close-ups of corners/edges and any visible flaws
Best Results Tip
If you have access to a scanner, use a flatbed/card scanner at 300-600 DPI for the most consistent grading outcomes.
Step 2: Run Your Free PokeGrade Scan
Once your photos are ready, submit your card for a free pre-grade.
PokeGrade breaks results into the four grading pillars and provides an overall score on a 10-point scale, similar to what collectors are used to seeing elsewhere.
Step 3: Understand the Four Pillars
Even if you rely on AI, you'll get better results if you understand what actually drives a grade.
1. Centering
Measures how evenly the artwork sits within the borders. Off-centering is one of the most common reasons "pack fresh" cards don't hit top grades.
Quick check: Compare left vs. right border thickness, then top vs. bottom, on both front and back.
2. Edges
Looks for whitening, chipping, fraying, and dents along the perimeter—especially noticeable on darker-backed or older cards.
Quick check: Tilt the card under light and scan all four edges slowly.
3. Surface
Where holos often lose points: scratches, print lines, stains, dents/impressions, and other marks.
Quick check: Angle the card in strong indirect light and look across the holo/foil area.
4. Corners
Evaluates sharpness and integrity. Even tiny whitening dots can move a card down.
Quick check: Use your phone camera zoom or a magnifier to inspect each corner tip.
Step 4: Do a "Sanity Pass" Before Trusting Any Grade
Free tools are great—but you still want to double-check the two things that most often cause surprises:
A) Hidden Surface Damage
Light scratches and dents can vanish in one angle and jump out in another. Always tilt the card in at least 2-3 directions.
B) Authenticity
If a card is fake or altered, grading conversations become pointless fast.
Step 5: Use Your Free Result to Decide Your Next Move
After your scan, you typically have three smart options:
Option 1: Keep it Raw
If the grade estimate is mid/low or flaws are obvious, you may be better off keeping it raw for a binder, trade, or budget sale.
Option 2: Re-shoot and Re-check Tomorrow
If your photos weren't perfect, fix lighting/angle and try again on your next free daily scan. One free grading per day is included.
Option 3: Scale Up
If you're running inventory, pricing lots, or grading in bulk, PokeGrade offers paid credits that unlock more volume and features beyond the free tier.
FAQ: Common Questions About Free Grading
Can a free AI grade guarantee a PSA/CGC grade?
No. A free pre-grade is best used as education + triage—a way to estimate condition, identify flaws, and decide whether paying for professional grading makes sense. PokeGrade positions its standards content as educational guidance and encourages referring to official companies for final outcomes.
Why does image quality matter so much?
Because centering, edges, corners, and surface defects all depend on clarity, lighting, and angle. Blurry photos and poor lighting can affect accuracy—that's why scanners are recommended for best results.