How record condition grading works
5 min read
Condition is the single biggest factor in what a record is worth. Two copies of the same pressing can differ in value many times over purely on condition, so knowing how to grade — and grade honestly — matters whether you’re buying, selling or simply cataloging your collection.
Grade the media and the sleeve separately
Every record has two things to grade: the media (the disc, tape or other playable item) and the sleeve (the cover, jacket or case). They wear differently and are valued separately, so always give each its own grade.
A common shorthand you’ll see on Discogs is “VG+/VG”, which means the media is Very Good Plus and the sleeve is Very Good.
The grading scale
The standard scale, from best to worst, is: Mint (M), Near Mint (NM or M-), Very Good Plus (VG+), Very Good (VG), Good Plus (G+), Good (G), Fair (F) and Poor (P).
Mint is reserved for a perfect, often still-sealed item and is used sparingly. Near Mint is the realistic top grade for a played record that looks and plays as new. Most well-kept second-hand records land in the VG+ to VG range — clearly used but sound. Good and below means visible, audible wear that affects play.
Be conservative — and consistent
When in doubt, grade down. Buyers remember an over-graded record, and an honest grade builds the trust that repeat sales depend on. Inspect under good light: for vinyl look for scratches, scuffs, ring wear and warping; for CDs, scratches and hub cracks; for sleeves, creases, seam splits and ring wear.
Grade the same way every time. The value of a collection’s records — and any decision to sell — rests on the grades being applied consistently.
How Kollektion helps
Kollektion stores the media and sleeve grade for every copy you own, on the same standard scale, so your whole collection is graded consistently. You can also let it suggest a grade from photos you take — a starting point you review and adjust — and see a live guide value for the condition you’ve chosen.