This post helps MTG players buy the right card sleeves the first time by explaining sleeve sizes, labels, and common pitfalls, so they can protect decks without wasting money on the wrong fit.
TLDR
- MTG uses “Standard” (poker) size sleeves. Look for Standard / 66 x 91 mm on the package.
- Avoid “Japanese/Small” sleeves (about 62 x 89 mm) unless you enjoy returning things.
- Double-sleeving: buy inner “Perfect Fit” sleeves (example: 89 x 64 mm inner sleeves) plus standard outer sleeves.
- Oversized MTG cards (some Commander/Planechase style oversized cards) need oversized sleeves (commonly for 3-1/2″ x 5″ cards).
- Commander tip: a 100-card deck means buying at least 110 sleeves, because reality happens.
You can absolutely play Magic without sleeves. You can also commute without a seatbelt. Lots of people do it. Lots of people are also wrong.
If you’re asking what size sleeves for MTG, you’re really asking: “How do I protect my deck without accidentally buying sleeves for a completely different game and then pretending it was a gift?” Let’s fix that.
What size sleeves for MTG?
The short answer
Magic: The Gathering cards use Standard size sleeves. On most brands, that means the sleeve size is about 66 mm x 91 mm, and it’s meant for cards like MTG and Pokémon.
If the package says:
- Standard
- Standard size
- Full size
- 66 x 91 mm
…you’re in the right aisle.
If it says:
- Japanese
- Small
- 62 x 89 mm
…you’re holding the wrong thing for MTG (unless you’re sleeving something like Yu-Gi-Oh! cards, or you’re intentionally collecting mistakes).
Why there are multiple “correct” numbers floating around
You’ll see MTG card size expressed as 2-1/2″ x 3-1/2″ (63.5 x 88.9 mm) in a lot of places, and you’ll also see manufacturers round it to 63 x 88 mm when talking about what sleeves “fit up to.” That isn’t a conspiracy. It’s just rounding and tolerance.
Common sleeve sizes you’ll actually see (and what they mean)
| What you’re buying | What the package usually says | Typical sleeve size | Use it for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular sleeves (single sleeve) | Standard / Full size | 66 x 91 mm | Most MTG decks |
| Inner sleeves (double sleeve inner layer) | Perfect Fit / Inner | 89 x 64 mm (inner sleeve size example) | Goes inside standard sleeves |
| Small sleeves (not for MTG) | Japanese / Small | 62 x 89 mm | Yu-Gi-Oh!, Vanguard, etc. |
| Oversized sleeves | Oversized / 3.5 x 5 | Fits up to 3-1/2″ x 5″ cards | Oversized MTG cards |
That table is basically the whole article. But since you’re here, let’s make it practical.
A quick “buy the right sleeves” checklist
When you’re standing in front of the wall of plastic at the game store (or doomscrolling listings online), check these:
- Size label: Standard / 66 x 91 mm
- Count: 100 for Commander, 60 for typical constructed decks, plus extras
- Finish: Matte backs usually shuffle better and glare less under lights
- Consistency: Buy one brand/type for a deck, mixing can feel weird
- If double-sleeving: add “Perfect Fit / Inner sleeves” to the cart
That’s it. That’s the spell.
Good, Better, Best: choosing sleeves without overthinking it
Good: Standard sleeves (single-sleeve)
Who it’s for: 90% of players, 100% of people who want to stop thinking about sleeves.
- Buy standard 66 x 91 mm sleeves.
- Pick a shuffle feel you like (matte is the common default).
- Replace them when they start feeling like sticky notes.
Tradeoff: Less protection against spills and grime than double-sleeving.
Better: Double-sleeve (inner + outer)
Who it’s for: Commander decks with expensive cards, cubes you handle constantly, anyone who’s watched a drink get placed too close to the playmat.
- Inner sleeves (“Perfect Fit”) go directly on the card.
- Standard sleeves go over the inner sleeve.
Tradeoff: Your deck gets thicker. Deck boxes get pickier. Your hands might file a complaint.
If you’re playing with proxies (the honest kind used for casual play and testing), consistent sleeving also helps keep everything uniform in the deck. If that’s your lane, our quick DIY method is here: How to Print MTG Proxy Cards | The Easiest Method.
Best: Double-sleeve + storage that matches
Who it’s for: People who like their cardboard to remain “cardboard” and not “paper smoothie.”
- Double-sleeve the deck.
- Use a deck box that’s actually built for a thicker stack.
- Consider a case or sturdy storage if you travel a lot.
Tradeoff: More cost, more bulk. But if the deck is valuable (money or sentiment), it’s usually worth it.
Double-sleeving without turning your deck into a brick
Double-sleeving is simple, but there are two practical notes:
- Orientation matters (a little).
Some inner sleeves load from the top, some from the side. Players often pair the directions so the card is more sealed up. Not “waterproof,” but “less likely to become soup.” - Deck thickness is real.
A 100-card Commander deck single-sleeved is already chunky. Double-sleeved can push you into “this deck box is lying to me” territory. If your current box barely fits now, it won’t be thrilled later.
Oversized MTG cards: what sleeves do those need?
Most MTG cards (including tokens) use standard sleeves. But MTG has also had oversized cards in certain products and casual formats.
If you have an oversized MTG card (often around 3-1/2″ x 5″), you need oversized sleeves made for that size. Regular standard sleeves will not “stretch,” because they are sleeves, not ambitions.
The mistakes everyone makes once (and then stores in a drawer forever)
Mistake 1: Buying “Japanese” sleeves for MTG
They are smaller. They will not fit MTG cards. You will stare at the package like it personally betrayed you. It didn’t. It warned you.
Mistake 2: Buying a 60-pack for Commander
Commander is 100 cards. Basic math, brutal consequences.
Mistake 3: Sleeving everything except the stuff you actually care about
If you’re only sleeving “the good cards,” at least sleeve the whole deck so shuffling feels consistent and you don’t accidentally mark the fancy cards by feel.
If you’re building binders or trade pages, clear sleeves are your friend. We’ve got a longer binder-specific breakdown here: What to Put in a Magic: The Gathering Trade Binder.
Mistake 4: Mixing sleeve brands within one deck
Sometimes it’s fine. Sometimes it feels like shuffling a deck made of two different materials. If you notice it, you will never un-notice it.
FAQs
What size sleeves for MTG Commander decks?
Standard size sleeves (66 x 91 mm). You’ll typically want 100 sleeves plus extras for splits, damaged sleeves, or the one that vanishes into the carpet dimension.
Are MTG sleeves the same as Pokémon sleeves?
Yes, they’re generally the same “Standard” size category.
What size are inner sleeves for MTG double-sleeving?
Inner sleeves are usually sold as Perfect Fit / Inner sleeves. One common example size is 89 x 64 mm for inner sleeves that fit standard cards.
Can I use Japanese size sleeves for MTG?
Not as the main sleeve. Japanese (small) sleeves are meant for smaller cards. For MTG, you want Standard.
What sleeves fit oversized MTG cards?
Look for oversized sleeves designed for cards up to 3-1/2″ x 5″ (common for oversized MTG cards used in some products).
https://support.ultrapro.com/en-US/small-standard-sleeves-380727
https://www.dragonshield.com/en-us/card-sleeves-tcg/standard-sized-sleeves