Vinyl Record Grading Scale

Mint (M)

• Record: Perfect. Sealed or unplayed. No scuffs, scratches, warps, spindle marks, or signs of handling.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

• Record: Played rarely, if ever. Surfaces are glossy with no visible marks. Sound is clean, with no audible surface noise.

Excellent (EX / VG++)

• Record: Still shiny and well-cared-for. May have light paper scuffs or faint marks that don?t affect playback. Plays close to NM with only minimal surface noise in quiet passages.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

• Record: Shows some signs of play and handling. Light scratches or scuffs are visible but not deep. Some surface noise, especially in quiet passages, but still a good listening copy. 

Very Good (VG)

• Record: Noticeable signs of wear. Surface has scuffs, scratches, or groove wear that produce background noise. Music still plays through without skips, but sound is less dynamic.

Good Plus (G+)

• Record: Heavy play wear. Surface noise is present throughout, with clicks, pops, or distortion. May have minor warping that doesn't affect play. Still playable, but only as a filler copy.

Good (G)

• Record: Very rough condition. Significant scratches, groove wear, and heavy noise throughout. May skip in spots. Generally only valuable if extremely rare. 

Poor (P) / Fair (F)

• Record: Unplayable or nearly so. May be cracked, warped, or heavily scratched.

Vinyl Record Sleeve Grading Scale

Mint (M)

• Absolutely flawless.

• Still sealed in shrink-wrap, no corner dings, seam splits, ring wear, or discoloration.

• Very rare - almost never used unless factory sealed.

Near Mint (NM or M-)

• Looks almost brand new.

• Bright colors, no ring wear, no writing, no tears.

• Corners may have the tiniest touch of wear but not obvious unless inspected closely.

Excellent (EX / VG++)

• Very light handling wear.

• May have faint ring wear, a tiny crease, or slight corner rubbing.

• No major splits, stains, or writing. Attractive and collectible.

Very Good Plus (VG+)

• Some shelf wear visible.

• Minor ring wear or slight edge/corner wear.

• A small seam split (1/2") or light writing/sticker is acceptable.

• Still solid and presentable.

Very Good (VG)

• Noticeable wear and aging.

• Heavier ring wear, more obvious edge/corner rubbing.

• Several small splits or one longer split.

• Writing, price tags, or discoloration more common.

Good Plus (G+)

• Heavily worn but intact.

• Large ring wear, significant seam splits, heavy edge damage.

• Tears, tape, or larger stains may be present.

• Artwork is still identifiable, but sleeve is rough.

Good (G)

• Very worn and damaged.

• Major seam splits (possibly all three sides).

• Extensive writing, heavy water damage, or missing chunks.

• Only kept for rarity - not for display.

Poor (P) / Fair (F)

• Sleeve is barely holding together or incomplete.

• Missing panels, destroyed artwork, severe water/fire damage.

• Usually not collectible except for extremely rare records