Diamond & Cardboard

Grading ROI Template

How to Use the Card Grading ROI Sheet
Fill in Set, Player, Raw Price, PSA 9, PSA 10, and your baseline grading cost. The sheet calculates net value and profit/loss automatically.
STEP 1: Import the Template
  1. Open Google Drive
  2. New → File upload and upload the template
  3. Right-click the file → Open with → Google Sheets
  4. (Optional) File → Save as Google Sheets
STEP 2: Fill in Columns A–F (one row per card)
  • Set (example: 2018 Topps Update, 2022 Bowman)
  • Player
  • Raw Price (use a sold comp, not an asking price)
  • PSA 9 Price (recent sold comp)
  • PSA 10 Price (recent sold comp)
  • Grading Cost (Baseline) (your realistic all-in per-card cost)

Tip: include grading fee + shipping/insurance share + supplies. Underestimating this is the #1 ROI mistake.

STEP 3: The Sheet Calculates Columns G–J
  • PSA 9 Net = PSA 9 − Grading Cost
  • PSA 10 Net = PSA 10 − Grading Cost
  • PSA 9 P/L = PSA 9 Net − Raw Price
  • PSA 10 P/L = PSA 10 Net − Raw Price
GREEN CELL MEANS:

(PSA value − grading cost) ≥ Raw Price

Grading does not destroy value at that grade.

RED CELL MEANS:

(PSA value − grading cost) < Raw Price

You’re paying to lose money at that grade.

STEP 4: Interpret the Results
  • PSA 9 red but PSA 10 green → “Gem-or-bust” submission (only worth it if you truly expect a 10)
  • Both green → strong grading candidate
  • Both red → sell raw / hold / skip grading
STRATEGY TIP

For consistent results, prioritize cards that are at least break-even as PSA 9s. That’s how you reduce downside and build a repeatable grading pipeline.

Download the Diamond & Cardboard ROI Tool
Instantly calculate grading profit, loss, and gem-or-bust risk.
Download the Diamond & Cardboard ROI Tool

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