Short answer: sort the lot into commons, uncommons and rares, count each group (weighing is fastest), and multiply by the rate you are offered. Put a store's offer and your own listing plan side by side in the bulk lot calculator. Bulk rates change by game and by month, so get a real quote rather than trusting a number online.
Count it fast: weigh it
A standard card weighs about 1.8 g (PokemonDB: how much do Pokémon cards weigh (1.7 to 1.8 g)), so 1,000 cards are about 1.8 kg. Count out 100 of your own cards, weigh them, and use that to turn the weight of each pile into a count. It is close enough for a bulk offer.
Sort before you sell
- Pull anything worth listing. Foils, rares and staples often sell for more as singles than the whole lot is worth.
- Group the rest by rarity. Buyers quote different rates for commons, uncommons and rares, often per 1,000.
- Keep games separate. A mixed box gets the lowest rate of the games in it.
Buylist or list it yourself?
A store or buylist pays today. Listing pays more per card but costs your time, TCGplayer's fees and postage on every order. For singles, check the real profit after fees with the flip profit calculator; for the rest, compare totals in the bulk calculator and decide what an hour of your time is worth.
FAQ
How do I count a big bulk lot?
Weigh it: about 1.8 g per standard card, so roughly 1.8 kg per 1,000 cards. Calibrate with 100 of your own cards.
What rate should I use?
The one you are actually offered. Rates change by game, rarity and month, so ask the buyer for a per-card or per-1,000 quote.
Should I pull cards before selling bulk?
Yes. Foils, rares and playable staples are often worth more as singles than the rest of the lot combined.
Sources
- PokemonDB: how much do Pokémon cards weigh (1.7 to 1.8 g) (checked October 24, 2026)