How do I plan a Pokémon binder?
Updated 15 Oct 2026 · Prices: Cardmarket, 30-day average
You plan a Pokémon binder in three steps: decide what goes in (one set, a master set, the Pokédex or one Pokémon), work out how many pages that is (cards ÷ pockets per page, rounded up), and fix the order before the first card goes into a sleeve. Fill the gaps with printed placeholders and you never have to re-sort.
Step by step
- Pick a goal. One set by number, a master set with every variant, a Pokédex binder with one pocket per Pokémon, every card of a favourite Pokémon, or art pages. One binder, one goal — mixed binders get messy fast.
- Choose the format. 4, 9, 12 or 16 pockets per page are common. The standard is the 3×3 page with 9 pockets; a binder with 20 sheets has 40 pages and 360 pockets. Side-loading pockets hold cards better.
- Count the pages. Number of cards divided by pockets per page, rounded up. The newest set, 30th Celebration, has 161 cards: 18 pages with 9 pockets, 14 with 12.
- Fix the order. By set number, by Pokédex, by colour or by value — pros and cons are in the guide how to organise a binder. Think in spreads: left and right page always show 18 cards together.
- Plan the breaks. A new generation, a new rarity or the secret rares should start on a fresh page. Empty pockets at the end of a group beat shifted rows.
- Fill the gaps. Print a placeholder for every missing card (63 × 88 mm, black and white). Each new card then replaces exactly one placeholder.
How many pages do the newest sets need?
All cards per set, without reverse holo variants:
| Set | Cards | 9-pocket | 12-pocket | 16-pocket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30th Celebration | 161 | 18 | 14 | 11 |
| Pitch Black | 120 | 14 | 10 | 8 |
| Chaos Rising | 122 | 14 | 11 | 8 |
| Perfect Order | 124 | 14 | 11 | 8 |
| Ascended Heroes | 295 | 33 | 25 | 19 |
Plan your binder with Binderplan
In Binderplan you pick a template (master set, Pokédex, one Pokémon, one artist) or search cards one by one, place them pocket by pocket in a grid from 1×1 to 5×5 and see the pages side by side like a real binder, with the value of every page. Once the plan is done, you print the placeholders as a PDF. Planning is free and needs no sign-up.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards fit in a Pokémon binder?
A binder with 9 pockets per page and 20 sheets has 40 pages, so 360 pockets. There are also binders with 4, 12 or 16 pockets per page.
How many pages do I need for one set?
Number of cards divided by pockets per page, rounded up. Example: 30th Celebration has 161 cards, that is 18 pages with 9 pockets.
Should I sort by set number or by Pokédex?
By set number for a single set, by Pokédex for a collection across many sets. You can try both on screen before you sleeve a single card.
Is there an app to plan a Pokémon binder?
Yes, for example Binderplan: place cards pocket by pocket on binder pages, templates for master sets and Pokédex binders, Cardmarket prices and a placeholder PDF. Free, no sign-up.
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