Estimating a PSA grade before you submit can save you money, reduce disappointment, and help you set a realistic “Expected Grade” when using a grading calculator. This guide shows a simple, collector-friendly process to estimate PSA 8 / PSA 9 / PSA 10 potential at home.
Why most cards don’t hit PSA 10 (even pack-fresh)
A lot of collectors assume “pack-fresh = PSA 10”, but many cards miss Gem Mint due to tiny issues you can’t always see at first glance — subtle surface marks, micro whitening, or centering that’s just slightly off. The difference between PSA 9 and PSA 10 can be small… but the price gap can be huge.
If you’re unsure between PSA 9 and PSA 10, use PSA 9 in your calculations. If it comes back PSA 10, that’s upside — but building your decision on PSA 10 often leads to poor ROI.
What PSA looks at when grading
PSA grading is typically judged across four areas. One weak area can drop the grade, so it helps to check each part deliberately (and under good lighting).
How to do a quick at-home inspection
- Use bright, direct light (desk lamp or phone torch).
- Change angles — surface issues appear when the light catches them.
- Check front and back — don’t assume the reverse is perfect.
- Be strict — the stricter you are, the more accurate your estimate will be.
A realistic PSA grade checklist (quick self-test)
Use this “honest collector” checklist to pick a realistic expected grade. If you see any of these issues, assume a lower grade before you spend money grading.
Choosing an “Expected Grade” for the calculator
When using a grading calculator, it’s best to choose an expected grade you can defend with a strict inspection. Here’s a simple rule that works well for most collectors:
Grade vs sell raw: a simple decision flow
This quick flow helps you decide what to do next without overthinking it:
Useful 120HP links
- Browse Pokémon TCG expansions
- Shop sealed Pokémon TCG products
- Shop graded cards
- Is it worth grading? (calculator)
FAQ
Can pack-fresh cards still grade PSA 9?
Yes. Print lines, centering, and tiny edge whitening can happen straight out of the pack.
What should I assume if I’m unsure between PSA 9 and PSA 10?
Assume PSA 9. If it comes back PSA 10, that’s upside — but don’t base your decision on a perfect outcome.
Is centering more important than surface?
Both matter. Centering is easiest to spot quickly, while surface flaws are often the hidden reason cards miss PSA 10.
This guide is for collector education. Grading outcomes can vary between submissions and graders.