FAQ

HOW TO USE YOUR GRADING TOOL

  1. Place your card in the Black Label Metrics Centering Tool. (If your card does not fit do not force it into the tool. You may have a improperly cut card. In this instance we recommend using just the centering frame with the card in a top loader).

  2. Center Pre-Grading Grid over the card that is inserted into the base. (please note there will typically be play in the card slot and the centering frame. Rest assured these are there intentionally)

  3. Check the numbers at the left/right (L/R) and top/bottom (T/B) grid marks.

  4. Find the matching grid numbers on the centering percentage sheet to determine centering percentages.

  5. The worst measurement (L/R or T/B) determines the final centering percentage.

  6. If your centering percentage is in bold (55/45 or better), it has strong potential for a top grade.

  7. Cross-check against your desired grading companies standards to understand grading potential.

___________________________________________________________________________

HOW CENTERING PERCENTAGES ARE CALCULATED

Centering is determined by comparing the left/right (L/R) and top/bottom (T/B) margins of the card. The formula used to calculate the centering percentage is:

The centering ratio (e.g., 60/40, 55/45) is calculated using the following steps:

  1. Measure the Left and Right Borders (or Top and Bottom)

    • Example: If the left border is 3mm and the right border is 2mm, the total width is 5mm.

  2. Calculate the Percentage for Each Side

    • The left border is (3mm ÷ 5mm) × 100 = 60%.

    • The right border is (2mm ÷ 5mm) × 100 = 40%.

    • This results in a centering ratio of 60/40.

  3. Compare the Worst Measurement (L/R or T/B)

    • The worst axis (most off-center side) determines the final centering grade.

Important: The big three grading companies measure border thickness only, while the Black Label Metrics tool estimates image placement. This means a 6-5 reading on the tool may still qualify as 55/45 centering depending on actual border thickness.

___________________________________________________________________________


IMPORTANT NOTES:

  • The Card Slot and Centering Frame are designed with a small amount of movement to prevent card damage and allow for precise adjustments. To accurately evaluate centering, simply align the frame with the card’s borders before taking measurements.

  • The big three grading companies measure only border thickness; the Black Label Metrics tool estimates full image placement.

  • Any equal grid values (e.g., 1-1, 2-2, ... 10-10) indicate perfect centering (50/50).

  • The larger the difference between numbers (e.g., 1-10, 2-9), the more off-center the card will be.

  • Bolded values (55/45 or better) indicate strong grading potential.

  • Centering is one of four grading factors—corners, edges, and surface also impact the final grade.

  • This chart provides a guideline only to help pre-grade your cards before submission.

____________________________________________________________________________