Grading Guide

Pokemon card grading tips for modern cards

Simple grading tips for avoiding over-submission, missed back whitening, and unrealistic PSA 10 expectations.

Take the back photo as seriously as the front photo.

Do not count printed artwork as whitening.

Lower confidence should make you more conservative, not more optimistic.

Always compare expected profit after grading fees.

What is Gem Rate?

Gem Rate is PocketGrader.ai's proprietary pre-grade signal. It combines visible condition, centering, likely grade limiters, and value context to estimate how attractive a card is as a grading candidate.

Start with your card

Get a grade estimate, Gem Rate, and value spread.

Estimated pre-grade only. Not an official PSA or CGC grade.

Scan your card

Cards mentioned in this guide

Articuno

Paldea Evolved #167/193: raw, PSA 8, PSA 9, PSA 10, and Gem Rate.

Mew ex

Paldean Fates #232/091: raw, PSA 8, PSA 9, PSA 10, and Gem Rate.

Keep learning

Pokemon card grader

Scan cards and estimate grade outcomes.

PSA grade predictor

Estimate PSA 8, PSA 9, and PSA 10 outcomes.

Best cards to grade

Find cards with strong graded value upside.