News

Before ordering card sleeves for a board game, you need to answer two separate questions: which sleeve sizes fit the cards, and how many packs you need to cover every card.

The calculation may look simple, but games with multiple card sizes, expansions and different pack quantities can make it easy to buy too few—or far more than you need.

This guide explains how to count your cards and calculate the correct number of Mayday Games or Sleeve Kings packs.

The Card Sleeve Pack Formula

Use this formula for each card size in your game:

If the result includes a decimal, always round it up to the next whole number. You cannot order part of a pack, and every card still needs protection.

For example, 225 cards divided by 110 sleeves per pack equals approximately 2.05. You therefore need three packs.

Step 1: Separate Cards by Size

Do not count every card in the game as a single group until you have confirmed that they all use the same dimensions.

Many board games contain several formats. A game may use small cards for resources, standard cards for the main deck and oversized cards for characters or locations.

Place cards of the same dimensions together. Measure the width and height of one card from each group in millimetres, writing the width first.

If you have not confirmed the sizes yet, use our Card Sleeve Size Guide before calculating your pack quantities.

Step 2: Count Every Card You Want to Sleeve

Count the cards in each size group separately. Include every card that will be handled, shuffled or stored with the deck.

Remember to check the main game, current expansions, promotional cards, replacement cards and any additional decks you regularly combine with the base game.

You do not necessarily need to sleeve unused reference cards or advertising cards. Decide what will actually be used before calculating the total.

Step 3: Choose the Brand and Protection Level

Mayday Games EU offers card sleeves from both Mayday Games and Sleeve Kings. Many popular card sizes are available from both brands, but pack quantities and sleeve thickness can differ.

These quantities describe the common product lines, but individual products may vary. Confirm the selected size, protection level and quantity on the product page before placing your order.

Quick Pack Calculator

The following table shows how many packs are required for common card totals. It compares packs of 50, 55, 100 and 110 sleeves.

The calculator rounds up to the number of complete packs required. It does not automatically add an extra spare pack.

Example: A Game with One Card Size

Imagine a board game containing 248 cards, all measuring 63.5 × 88 mm.

With a 110-count Sleeve Kings Standard pack, 248 divided by 110 equals approximately 2.25. You need three packs.

With a 55-count Sleeve Kings Premium pack, 248 divided by 55 equals approximately 4.51. You need five packs.

With a 100-count Mayday Games Standard option, 248 divided by 100 equals 2.48. You need three packs.

With a 50-count Mayday Games Premium option, 248 divided by 50 equals 4.96. You need five packs.

Example: A Game with Multiple Card Sizes

Now imagine a game containing 180 Card Game cards, 72 Mini Euro cards and 12 Tarot cards.

Do not combine these into a total of 264 and buy one sleeve size. Calculate each group separately:

The remaining sleeves from one size cannot replace missing sleeves of another size, so each group must be rounded up independently.

Should You Buy Extra Sleeves?

You do not always need an additional full pack, but having spare sleeves can be useful.

Extra sleeves give you replacements if a sleeve becomes marked, split or damaged. They also allow you to add promotional cards or small expansions without resleeving the entire game with a new batch.

If the calculation already leaves a comfortable number of unused sleeves, another pack may not be necessary. For example, buying three 110-count packs for 248 cards leaves 82 spare sleeves.

If your total uses almost every sleeve in the final pack, consider adding another pack—especially if you expect expansions or want long-term replacements.

Should Expansion Cards Be Included?

Include expansions when you already own them or expect to combine them with the base game. Sleeving everything together at the same time helps the decks look and feel consistent.

If an expansion is not yet available or you are unsure whether you will buy it, check how many spare sleeves your current calculation leaves. That may be enough without ordering a separate pack now.

Remember that an expansion may introduce a new card size rather than simply adding cards to an existing deck.

What About Different Sleeve Batches?

When a deck must remain visually and physically consistent, it is often useful to order enough sleeves for the current game and its known expansions at the same time.

Minor differences in appearance or feel can occur between products and production runs. Mixing Standard and Premium sleeves in the same shuffled deck is also not recommended because the cards will feel different in the hand.

You can use different sleeve lines for separate card groups, but all cards shuffled together should use the same product.

Will All the Sleeved Cards Fit in the Box?

Sleeves increase both the height and volume of a deck. Premium sleeves and double sleeving increase the deck size more than thinner Standard sleeves.

A game with several hundred cards may no longer fit in its original insert after sleeving. Before choosing Premium sleeves for a large collection, consider how much storage space is available.

You may need to remove part of the insert, store decks in separate boxes or use a dedicated organiser.

Bundles Can Make Full-Game Sleeving Easier

If a compatible bundle is available for your game, it can remove much of the counting and pack calculation. A bundle groups the sleeve sizes and quantities intended for that game.

Always confirm that the bundle matches your edition and check whether it includes expansions or only the base game.

Browse Mayday Games Bundles Browse Sleeve Kings Bundles

Common Pack-Calculation Mistakes

Combining different card sizes: Calculate the packs required for each size independently.

Rounding down: Any decimal result must be rounded up to a complete pack.

Using the wrong pack quantity: Standard and Premium products may contain different numbers of sleeves.

Forgetting expansions: Include expansion and promotional cards that will be stored or shuffled with the game.

Assuming every edition is identical: Confirm the card size and count for your physical copy.

Ignoring storage space: Make sure the fully sleeved decks will fit in your planned storage solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many spare card sleeves should I keep?

There is no fixed requirement. The unused sleeves left after rounding up may already provide enough replacements. Frequently played games and collections with future expansions benefit from having more spares.

Do I need to sleeve every card in a board game?

No. You can sleeve only the cards that are frequently handled, shuffled or difficult to replace. However, all cards shuffled together should generally use the same sleeve product.

Can I mix Mayday Games and Sleeve Kings sleeves?

You can use different brands for separate decks or card sizes. Avoid mixing different brands, thicknesses or finishes within the same shuffled deck because differences in feel may be noticeable.

Are Standard sleeves sufficient for board games?

Standard sleeves are suitable for many board games and are especially practical for large card counts. Premium sleeves provide a thicker feel for players who prefer more substantial protection.

Do I need more packs when double sleeving?

Yes. Every double-sleeved card requires one compatible inner sleeve and one compatible outer sleeve. Calculate the required number of packs separately for each product.

Why does my game have a different card count from an online guide?

Card counts can change between editions, regional versions and expansions. Some online lists may also include or exclude promotional and reference cards. Count your physical copy whenever possible.

Calculate, Check and Sleeve

Separate the cards by size, count every card you intend to protect and divide each total by the pack quantity of your selected sleeve. Round up, check whether you have enough spares and confirm that the finished decks will fit in your storage solution.

Shop Mayday Games Sleeves Shop Sleeve Kings Sleeves

If you are unsure which products or quantities to choose, contact support@maydaygames.eu. Include the card dimensions, card counts and edition of your game whenever possible.