Grading Standards
The 100-point SWRL Score
Every swirl is evaluated across four weighted categories that add up to 100: Visibility (5), Completeness (35), Placement (30), and Aesthetic Impact (30). Completeness and placement carry the most weight — a full, well-placed swirl beats a barely-visible one every time.
How the process works
The SWRL Grading sheet is built to rank unique cards among themselves — not to compare every swirl in the hobby head-to-head.
Same-card comparisons
Each card is graded against other copies of the same artwork — for example, how swirls on different Rocket’s Mewtwo ex #99 compare to each other. The scale is not meant to crown the “best swirl” across unrelated cards, because artwork and foil coverage vary.
Cosmo foil only
This procedure applies to cards printed with a cosmo foil pattern. Cards with no visible swirl are returned unscored.
One swirl per card
If a card has more than one swirl, only the highest-ranked swirl is graded.
Your card never ships
We grade entirely from your holo video, so the card stays in your collection. Once the SWRL Score is locked, we mail you a swirl sticker with application instructions and publish a permanent page on collectswirls.com.
Score breakdown
Four categories, four rubrics — scored from the holo video, then totaled for the final SWRL Score out of 100.
Visibility
/5How clearly the swirl can be seen under normal lighting — no flashlight hunting required.
- 1–2 Barely visible / fragmented
- 3 Visible but faint or partially obscured
- 4 Strong visibility
- 5 Extremely crisp and bold
Completeness
/35How much of the spiral is fully intact without interruption from borders or artwork.
- 1–17 Less than 50% visible
- 18–26 50–75% visible
- 27–34 75–99% visible
- 35 100% complete swirl
Placement
/30Where the swirl sits on the card — weak edge placements score lower; swirls that interact with the Pokémon score highest.
- 1–8 Weak (cut off / near border / text box)
- 9–18 Neutral background placement
- 19–24 Dynamic placement (near the Pokémon)
- 25–30 Premium (swirl interacts with artwork)
Aesthetic Impact
/30Does the swirl enhance the artwork? The top band is reserved for swirls that “tell a story” — halo, combat, bubble gum, and similar interactions.
- 1–8 Does not enhance the artwork
- 9–18 Neutral interaction
- 19–24 Enhances the artwork
- 25–30 Major visual impact — tells a story
Sticker tiers
Your SWRL Score determines your sticker tier — each tier has its own swirl sticker design.
Cosmic Diamond
Platinum label — the pinnacle. A swirl so perfect it bends light around it.
Iridescent Swirl
Lavender label — exceptional swirls with commanding presence.
Premium Swirl
Gold label — strong, clean swirls that stand out in any collection.
Weak Swirl
Red label — an authenticated swirl with limited visibility or completeness.
Frequently asked questions
›Does SWRL Grading replace PSA, BGS, or CGC?
No. We grade the swirl, not the card. Your existing grade stays on the slab and is displayed alongside your SWRL Score on the card's page. Raw cards are welcome too.
›Do I need to ship you my card?
No — your card never leaves your hands. We grade entirely from your holo video, and once your swirl is scored we mail you a swirl sticker with application instructions.
›What cards are eligible?
Cosmo-foil Pokémon cards with at least one visible swirl. Cards with no visible swirl are declined unscored.
›Why is a video required with my submission?
Swirls only fully reveal themselves in motion — and your video is what our graders score. A clear capture of the holo moving through the light is essential to an accurate SWRL Score.
›What do I receive after grading?
A swirl sticker mailed to you with application instructions, plus a permanent card page with your SWRL Score, category breakdown, and holo video.