Estimated Value:
A 1st Edition Charizard sold for $420,000 in 2024—but most Pokémon cards are worth under $10. Whether you're using a Pokémon calculator run and bun tool for gameplay or hunting rare cards, this guide will teach you exactly how to calculate Pokémon card values like a pro.
How to Calculate Pokémon Card Value (Formula + Examples)
The Pokémon Card Value Formula
Card Value = (Base Price × Condition Multiplier) + Grading Bonus
Variables Explained:
| Factor | Calculation Example |
|---|---|
| Base Price | Average sold price (TCGPlayer/eBay) |
| Condition Multiplier | See table below |
| Grading Bonus | PSA/BGS slabs add 20-300% value |
Condition Multiplier Table
| Condition | Multiplier | Example (Base Price: $100) |
|---|---|---|
| Mint (PSA 10) | 3.0x | $300 |
| Near Mint (PSA 9) | 1.5x | $150 |
| Light Played | 0.7x | $70 |
| Damaged | 0.2x | $20 |
Real-World Example:
- A Base Set Charizard (Ungraded, Near Mint) has a base price of $500.
- In PSA 9 condition, its value jumps to:CopyDownload$500 × 1.5 (PSA 9 multiplier) = **$750**
Best Pokémon Card Worth Calculators (2025)
| Tool | Best For | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
| TCGPlayer | Real-time market prices | ★★★★★ |
| PriceCharting | Historical eBay sales | ★★★★☆ |
| eBay Sold Listings | Actual sale prices | ★★★★☆ |
| PSA Population Reports | Graded card rarity | ★★★☆☆ |
Tools like the Pokémon Emerald Nuzlocke calculator help with gameplay challenges, but for card values, stick to TCGPlayer and eBay sold data.
Step-by-Step: How to Check Your Card’s Value
- Identify Your Card
- Look for the set symbol (e.g., Base Set, Jungle, Sword & Shield).
- Note the card number (e.g., Charizard 4/102).
- Determine Condition
- Compare to PSA’s grading standards.
- Mint = No flaws. Played = Scratches/whitening.
- Check Prices
- Search your card + set name on TCGPlayer.
- Filter eBay for "Sold Listings".
- Apply the Formula
- Example: *"Ungraded Near Mint Blastoise (Base Set) = $120 × 1.0 = $120."*
Common Valuation Mistakes
❌ Assuming ‘old = valuable’ → Most 1999 cards are worth <$1.
❌ Ignoring fees → eBay takes 13%, grading costs $25-$100/card.
❌ Overestimating condition → "Mint" means zero flaws under a magnifier.
FAQ
Are Pokémon Emerald Nuzlocke calculators useful for card values?
No—tools like the Pokémon Emerald Nuzlocke calculator track gameplay difficulty, not card prices. Use TCGPlayer instead.
What’s a ‘Pokémon calculator run and bun’ tool?
It’s a speedrunning term—unrelated to card values. For pricing, stick with eBay sold data.
How much is a PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator worth?
Over $5 million (yes, really). Most cards, however, are under $100.