The 2025 card grading statistics confirm what many collectors felt throughout the year. The hobby is not slowing down. Instead, it is accelerating at a historic pace. According to year-end data from GemRate, more than 26.6 million cards were graded across major companies in 2025, marking a significant increase from 2024.
Moreover, the data reveals a major shift in collector behavior. While sports cards have long dominated submissions, trading card games have now taken the lead.
What the 2025 Card Grading Statistics Reveal
The 2025 card grading statistics highlight both growth and transformation. Total grading volume rose approximately 32 percent year over year, signaling strong demand across the hobby.
Additionally, multiple grading companies contributed to this expansion. PSA, CGC, SGC, Beckett, and TAG all saw activity increases, although growth rates varied widely.
For reference, the GemRate report can be viewed here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DTB0cfIDQy4/?img_index=1
PSA Continues to Dominate Volume
PSA remains the clear leader in grading volume. In 2025, PSA graded approximately 19.26 million cards, accounting for about 72 percent of the total market.
Furthermore, PSA maintained strength across both sports and TCG categories. This consistency reinforces its position as the primary choice for many collectors.
However, dominance in volume does not mean the market lacks diversity. Other graders are gaining ground in meaningful ways.
TCG Cards Overtake Sports Cards
One of the most important takeaways from the 2025 card grading statistics is the rise of TCG cards.
In 2025, about 16.8 million TCG cards were graded compared to roughly 10 million sports cards. Pokémon alone accounted for more than 16.1 million graded cards, making it the single most submitted category.
As a result, the hobby is evolving beyond traditional sports. Collectors are increasingly focusing on modern TCG sets, rarity tiers, and long-term demand.
Breakdown by Grading Company
Here is how major grading companies performed in 2025:
- PSA: 19.26 million cards graded, up about 26 percent
- CGC: 4.92 million cards graded, up over 121 percent
- SGC: 1.42 million cards graded, slight decline
- Beckett: 824,000 cards graded, moderate growth
- TAG: 440,000 cards graded, up about 83 percent
While PSA leads, CGC’s rapid growth stands out. Meanwhile, TAG’s continued expansion suggests increasing interest in newer grading approaches.
Why This Matters to Collectors
The 2025 card grading statistics are more than just numbers. They provide insight into where the hobby is heading.
First, demand is clearly shifting toward TCG. Therefore, collectors should consider how their portfolios align with this trend.
Second, higher grading volume improves population data. Consequently, collectors gain better visibility into rarity and grade distribution.
Finally, more grading options create strategic flexibility. Instead of defaulting to one company, collectors can now evaluate based on category, cost, and turnaround expectations.
What Collectors Should Do Next
Collectors should take a more intentional approach moving forward.
First, review current grading trends before submitting. This helps align your cards with market demand.
Next, analyze population reports to understand scarcity. In addition, compare grading standards across companies.
Finally, focus on preparation. Even the best card can lose value if it is mishandled before submission.
Where Preparation Quietly Shapes the Outcome
The data shows that millions of cards are being submitted. However, volume alone does not guarantee success.
In fact, the submission stage remains the most vulnerable point in the grading process. Cards are handled, sleeved, and packaged during this phase. Therefore, small mistakes can lead to surface damage, edge wear, or corner issues.
A structured prep and submit system helps reduce that risk. The Graders Choice submission kit is designed to guide collectors through this stage with consistency. It includes sleeves, semi-rigid holders, microfiber cleaning, foam protection, and a secure shipping box.
Rather than relying on loose supplies, collectors can approach submission with a more disciplined process.
Explore the system here:
https://graderschoice.com/product/card-grading-submission-kit/
Card Grading Guides for Collectors
If you are researching different grading companies, these guides walk through the full submission process for the most widely used grading services.
- PSA Card Grading Guide
- Beckett Card Grading Guide
- CGC Card Grading Guide
- TAG Card Grading Guide
- AGS Card Grading Guide
- SGC Card Grading Guide
- Arena Club Grading Guide
- More coming soon…
Comparing grading companies can help collectors decide where to submit based on grading standards, turnaround expectations, and market demand.
Conclusion
The 2025 card grading statistics reflect a hobby that is expanding and evolving at the same time. With over 26 million cards graded, the scale of participation is undeniable.
At the same time, TCG cards are now leading demand, and grading companies are competing more actively than ever.
For collectors, this creates both opportunity and risk. Understanding trends is important. However, how you prepare and submit your cards remains just as critical.