Vinyl record grading scale: a practical guide

Record grading is a shorthand for physical condition. Sellers often describe the media and the sleeve separately, because a clean record can come with a worn jacket or a pristine jacket can protect a noisy disc.

The grades you will see most often

• Mint (M): essentially new and rarely used.
• Near Mint (NM): very clean with minimal signs of handling.
• Very Good Plus (VG+): light wear is present, but playback should remain strong.
• Very Good (VG): visible wear or surface noise may be expected.
• Good and below: substantial wear can affect playback and presentation.

Grading language is a description, not a guarantee. Sellers may apply standards differently, so read the notes and inspect photos when they are available.

Media and sleeve grades are separate

A listing that says NM/VG+ usually describes media first and sleeve second. Ask which order a seller uses if the listing is ambiguous. This distinction is one reason the price alone is not enough when you compare records.

Read how condition affects price and then Search VinylData for a record for the release you are considering.