How Can You Tell If A Baseball Card Should Be Graded

How do you know the quality of a baseball card? Is it suitable to be graded by companies like Beckett or PSA the 2 main grading companies?

Below are a few steps to learning what should get a good grade when you sent it out to be graded.

Mint (MT)
Four sharp corners - 55(%)/45(%) or better centering (i.e., centering of picture within border; left-right & top-bottom) - Smooth edges - Original color border & gloss

Near Mint - Mint (NRMT-MT)
60/40 or better centering - Relatively smooth edges - Original color border & gloss - One of the following very minor flaws is allowed: Sharp corners to the eye, but slight imperfections under intense scrutiny; A few minor print spots; A few focus imperfections

Near Mint (NM)
65/35 or better centering - In addition, one of the following minor flaws allowed: Very slightly fuzzy corners; Slightly rough edges; Very minor border discoloration; Noticeable print spots; Color or focus imperfections
Excellent - Mint (EXMT)
Centering no worse than 70/30 - No more than two of the following flaws allowed: Very slightly fuzzy corners; Slightly rough edges; Very minor border discoloration; Noticeable print spots; Color or focus imperfections
Excellent (EX)
Centering no worse than 75/25 - A touch of notching or a slight 'ding' on a corner is allowed. - May have other imperfections such as: Poor gloss; Poor focus; Noticeable print spots
Very Good (VG)
Centering 80/20 or better - Slightly rounded corners - Slight layering, noticeable chipping or notches on edges is allowed. - May also have: Minor scuffing; Hairline crease
Good (G) Fair (F) Poor (P)
Well worn or abused - Badly rounded, layered corners, scuffing - Some lack of original coloring - Serious crease