Pokédex Binder Guide: How to Plan Your Pages and Order

A Pokédex binder is a collection with one card for every Pokémon, arranged in National Pokédex order. To build one, decide your rules (one card per species, which forms count), choose binders with enough space, plan pages so each generation starts cleanly, and fill gaps with placeholders until you find the card you want. With over 1,000 Pokémon, it is a long-term project, so good planning at the start saves a lot of reshuffling later.

Step 1: Check how many Pokémon there are

The Pokédex keeps growing as new games are released, and there are now over 1,000 Pokémon. Before you print a checklist or buy binders, check the latest count on the official Pokémon website or another up-to-date Pokédex, and remember that the number will rise again in future.

Step 2: Set your rules

Write your rules down before you start so you do not end up second-guessing every card:

• One card per species: the classic approach. One Bulbasaur, one Ivysaur, one Venusaur and so on.
• Forms and variants: decide whether regional forms, Mega Evolutions and other alternative forms get their own pocket or share their species' pocket.
• Card choice: favourite artwork, holo only, one set, a single language or simply whatever you pull first. Any rule works if it is consistent.
• Upgrades: allow yourself to swap a card for a better one later. This keeps the binder fun rather than stressful.

Step 3: Choose your binder setup

A 9-pocket page shows nine cards per side and 18 per double-sided page. That suits a Pokédex well, because the very first nine Pokémon, Bulbasaur to Blastoise, fill the first side exactly: three starter evolution lines in three neat rows.

Because the full Pokédex is larger than a single binder can comfortably hold, most collectors split it across several binders, usually by generation or groups of generations. Two features matter most:

• Capacity: count pockets before you buy. See how many cards fit in a 9-pocket binder.
• Ring or fixed pages: ring binders let you add and rearrange pages, which is very handy when new Pokémon arrive. Fixed pages are sturdier and avoid ring dents. Compare them in ring binder vs fixed binder.

Step 4: Plan the pages

1. Start each generation on a new page. Generation I has 151 Pokémon, which does not divide evenly into nines, so leave the remaining pockets on its last page empty or use them for an alternative form or a favourite promo.
2. Keep evolution lines together. National Pokédex order already groups most evolution lines, so rows of three often line up naturally.
3. Label each page. A small sticky note on the inside of the first pocket of each page, with the Pokédex numbers it covers, makes finding gaps much quicker.
4. Leave room at the end. Keep spare pages so a new generation can be added without moving everything.

Step 5: Use placeholders

Fill empty pockets with a slip of card or paper showing the Pokédex number and name. You can see at a glance what is missing, the page stays in order, and swapping a placeholder for a real card is very satisfying. If you trade, take a photo of your placeholder list so you know exactly what you need. Our guide to organising Pokémon binder pages has more tips.

Step 6: Protect as you go

• Sleeve holos and favourite cards before they go in the binder.
• Do not overfill pockets: one card (sleeved or unsleeved) per pocket.
• Store the binder upright or flat, away from damp and direct sunlight.

Which Binder Beast binder fits a Pokédex project?

The Dragon 9-Pocket Zip Binder holds up to 900 cards in top-loading 9-pocket pages on a D-ring, so pages can be added or rearranged as you go. That makes it a good main binder for several generations, with a second binder for the rest. The full zip and wrist strap make it easy to carry to trade days.

If you prefer one smaller binder per generation, the Sleek 9-Pocket Binder holds 360 cards on 20 fixed, double-sided pages, with side-loading pockets and acid-free, crystal-clear polypropylene pages. Generation I fits comfortably with plenty of room for forms and favourites. It comes in black or red, which is handy for colour-coding generations.

Planning a different kind of complete collection? Read how to plan a binder for a full set.

Conclusion

A Pokédex binder is one of the most rewarding collections you can build. Check the current Pokémon count, set clear rules, give each generation its own clean start, and use placeholders so you always know what is next on your list. Take it one page at a time and enjoy the hunt.