How to identify Pokémon card sets: complete guide to set codes and symbols

Ever found a Pokémon card and wondered which set it's from? You're not alone. With over 100 English sets released since 1999, identifying cards can be confusing. This guide will teach you exactly how to identify any Pokémon card set using three simple methods: set codes, set symbols, and card numbering.

Where to find the set information on a card

Every modern Pokémon card (from around 2000 onwards) has set identification information in the bottom right corner. You'll see something like "188/132 MEG" or "45/165 SSP". Let's break down what this means:

• First number (188): The card's number within the set
• Second number (132): The base set size (not including secret rares)
• Set code (MEG): The official abbreviation for the set name

Next to this numbering, you'll also see a set symbol – a small icon unique to that set. Older sets (1999-2000) only have symbols, not codes.

Common set codes and what they mean

Here are the most searched-for set codes and their full set names:

MEW – What set is MEW?

SSP – What set is SSP?

BLK – What set is BLK?

WHT – What set is WHT?

MEG – What set is MEG?

PAR – What set is PAR?

OBF – What set is OBF?

SVI – What set is SVI?

BS – What set is BS?

How to identify older sets without codes

Sets released before 2003 typically don't have printed set codes – they only have set symbols. These vintage sets include Base Set (Pokéball symbol), Jungle (flower symbol), Fossil (hand symbol), and the Neo series (various symbols). Check the comprehensive table below to see all set symbols and their corresponding sets, or visit our complete sets database for detailed card lists from every era.

Using card numbers to identify sets

The card number format (e.g., 45/102) can help narrow down which set a card is from. The second number indicates the base set size. For example, 45/102 is likely from Base Set, while 188/132 indicates a secret rare card (number exceeds base set size). Modern sets like Mega Evolution have base sets of 132 cards but include secret rares numbered up to 188. When the first number is higher than the second, you've found a special chase card!

Tools to help identify your cards

If you're still unsure about a card's set, try these methods:

• Check our sets database: Browse all sets with images of set symbols and codes
• Use the card number: Search for the card number and set code together
• Compare set symbols: Match the symbol on your card to our set symbol guide
• Check the copyright date: The year at the bottom of the card indicates when it was printed

Why knowing your set matters

Identifying the correct set is crucial for:

• Valuation: The same card from different sets can have vastly different values
• Collection organisation: Keep your binder organised by set
• Trading: Accurately describe cards when trading or selling
• Completing sets: Track which cards you're missing from each set
• Printing placeholders: Generate accurate placeholders for your binder

Complete list of all Pokémon TCG sets

Below is a comprehensive table of all English Pokémon TCG sets, including their symbols and release dates. Use this as a quick reference to identify any card in your collection. For the complete interactive list with all cards, visit our sets database.

Click any row to view that set's complete card list. This table includes all 221 English sets from 1999 to present.

Start organising your collection

Now that you know how to identify your cards, you can start organising your collection properly. Use our placeholder generator to create custom placeholders for missing cards, organised by set code. Keep your binder neat and always know exactly which cards you need to complete each set.

Browse our complete sets database to see all set symbols, codes, and card lists. Whether you're collecting MEW, SSP, BLK, or any other set, we've got you covered.