Φ

Φ is a science-based card grading algorithm developed by a PhD scientist in Toronto, Canada. Where traditional grading relies on human visual inspection, Φ uses objective, reproducible measurements to evaluate pokemon cards.

What Φ measures

Φ (phi, photoangular harmonic index) is a high precision surface index built on laboratory-grade 3D surface scanning technology and current scientific methods. It combines the following empirical measures to calculate a composite, multi-dimensional Φ score:

• Surface and edge quality: indentations, scratches, and angular irregularities quantified at micrometer resolution.
• Centering and alignment: measured at ~0.09–0.17mm precision.

In the Φ reports

• Continuous Φ scores for surface, edge, and overall condition. More precise and transparent than a binned grade (e.g., 8, 9.5, 10).
• A rank against all graded cards in the dataset that will only get better with more cards graded and more references added. Rankings are periodically recalculated, ensuring every card is always evaluated against the current market using the most current methodology.

Contact

Please feel free to reach out to phi.grading[at]gmail.com for all questions and inquiries.