What are the dimensions of a 5:7 ratio photo? Some people need to know exact measurements to determine whether the output will fit their existing frame. Meanwhile, others require this information for printing or displaying purposes. Regardless, this blog will provide detailed answers to your inquiries. Check it out!
The Origins Of The 5×7 Size
5×7 photos are probably no strangers to users who love classic cameras. They were originally designed for black-and-white cameras, such as 35mm lenses. They then came as a handy alternative to 4×5 pictures, offering improved display quality.
Even when film cameras become less popular over time, the 5×7 continues to be a standard photo size in the photography industry. Its consistent print quality and flexibility contribute to its unwavering appeal. Plus, its portable dimensions make it convenient for easy-to-control printing.
How Big Is A 5×7 Photo?
A 5×7 picture is 5 inches wide and 7 inches high, equivalent to 0.42×0.57 feet. In metric measurement, it is 12.7 x 17.78 cm or 128 x 178 mm. The number of pixels depends on its resolution, but the most common is 1500 x 2100 pixels at 300 ppi.
Further variations may be found in some countries due to differences in measurement systems. Remember that any display follows a single format: width x height. The numbers may change, but the size will never.
In Inches
How many inches is 5×7? This size indicates a width of 5 inches and a height of 7 inches. To illustrate, 5:7 in inches is comparable to a standard index card.
In Feet
Do you know the conversion rate from inches to feet? If you’re unfamiliar, let us clarify: 1 foot equals 12 inches. With that ratio, we can calculate the 5×7 size in feet as follows:
Width = 5 inches / 12 = 0.42 feet
Length = 7 inches / 12 = 0.58 feet
To sum up, a 5×7 photo measures 0.42 x 0.58 in feet. As you can see, this unit is not commonly used for small-sized images. In our experience, professional photographers and print shops utilize it for larger-scale displays like banners or advertising billboards.
In Centimeters (cm)
Let’s begin with the basic conversion ratio: 1 inch = 2.54 cm. To get the 5×7 photo size in centimeters, simply multiply each edge by that conversion rate:
Width = 5 inches x 2.54 = 12.7 cm
Length = 7 inches x 2.54 = 17.78 cm
Thus, the physical size of 5×7 in centimeters is 12.7 x 17.78 (usually rounded up to 13 x 18 cm).
In Millimeters (mm)
Another metric system unit, the millimeter, is used to enhance the precision of measurements. Refer to this formula:
1 inch = 2.54 cm and 1 cm = 10 mm
=> 1 inch = 25.4 mm
We then do simple math as follows:
Width = 5 inches * 25.4 = 127 mm
Length = 7 inches * 25.4 = 177.8 mm (or 178 mm)
In Pixels
You might not know this, but the number of pixels is not cut-and-dry. Instead, it varies with the number of megapixels per unit length (PPI), also known as the expected resolution. Once you have decided on the desired resolution, multiply it by each edge to find the photo print sizes.
There are three common sizes for different print qualities:
| Purpose | Resolution | Image Quality | Photo Dimension In Pixel (Width x Height) |
| For art prints | 300 ppi | High | 1500 x 2100 pixel |
| 240 ppi | Good | 1200 x 1680 pixel | |
| 180 ppi | Medium | 900 x 1260 pixel | |
| For screen display | 72 ppi | – | 360 x 504 pixel |
Aspect Ratio
The aspect ratio refers to the relationship between the length and width of a picture. In this case, a 5×7 picture features the proportions of 5:7 or 3.5:2.5.
Comparing 5×7 To Other Photo Sizes
4×6
It is easy to notice that 4×6 is physically smaller than 5×7. The latter may give a stronger impression depending on your intended presentation. Meanwhile, 4×6 shines when you want to create a photo album.
Another competitive advantage is the availability of 2:3 aspect ratio on digital cameras and smartphones. This ratio eliminates the need for zooming, cropping, or adjusting layouts to achieve the desired size.
Unfortunately, the 5×7 size lacks this functionality. It would be best to use an editing tool for your existing materials, as it may change the layout and overall quality.
8×10
The 8×10 size is significantly larger than the 5×7. With its 4:5 aspect ratio, it offers ample space for display. It is a go-to choice for framing and hanging on walls, especially artwork and portraits.
11×14
This size is 2 times larger than 5×7. The generous layout shows off all the details, capturing viewers’ attention. This makes it the popular choice for art galleries or printing companies regarding posters or presentation displays. Whenever you crave a statement piece, opt for the 11×14 dimensions.
Common Uses Of 5×7 Photos
The 5×7 photo is one of the popular sizes for diverse applications in everyday life. Below are a few common uses:
Display frame
5×7 suitable for indoor display. It offers enough room to show all the details while adding a touch of elegance to your surroundings.
Photo album and scrapbook
Like other small sizes, 5×7 is also a good choice for capturing cherished moments for photo collections. It is easy to find albums compatible with this size.
DIY projects
The 5×7 size leaves extra space for decorations, making it a go-to choice among scrapbook enthusiasts. Even if you work on an A5-sized piece of paper, the generous dimensions allow you to bring your ideas to life.
Similarly, 5×7 images are also used for custom greeting cards as an attachment. It is meaningful, convenient, and cost-effective for senders to convey their hearts.
Educational purposes
5×7 is often used for presentations. The full display size on the projection screen is sufficient to insert other elements into the slide and capture the attention of the audience.
How To Convert Any Photo To 5×7 Size
Cropping The Image
The easiest way to convert other photos to 5×7 size is to use the crop function on your smartphone. Set the ratio to 5:7 and select an ideal resolution to your heart’s content. However, consider the cut-out parts and the overall composition of the picture.
One of the biggest drawbacks is the loss of some sections on both edges. Consequently, the photo loses some details or deviates from the original version. Hence, the crop line should be set carefully to get the most proportional result.
Add Borders
If you do not want to affect image quality, consider adding margins. Depending on the available color palette or your taste, choose a colored border for extra flairs or a white one to highlight the image content. Consider the size of the initial version and arrange the margins to create an aesthetically pleasing final product.
Which Is The Best Resolution For Printing 5×7 Pictures?
There is no one-size-fits-all option for this question. It depends on the type of printer and your preference. In other words, what level of detail do you want? As far as we’ve seen, the minimum resolution should be 150 ppi, corresponding to 750 x 1050 pixels.
However, you’d better aim for higher print quality. At 300 ppi, the output is an image size of 1500 x 2100 pixels with better sharpness.
FAQs
Do Cameras Support A 5×7 Photo?
Unfortunately, NO. Most cameras offer three common aspect ratios, including 3:2, 4:3, or 1:1. If you want to create a 5×7, use cropping tools instead.
Is 5×7 The Same As 7×5?
Absolutely, No. The former is vertical with a width of 5 inches and a height of 7 inches, while the latter is horizontal with a width of 7 inches and a height of 5 inches.
Conclusion
As mentioned above, the 5×7 picture size is suitable for many daily applications. Even though this aspect ratio is unavailable on smartphones, a cropping tool can always help. Next time you want to make creative projects, experiment with this common photo size for cost-effective and aesthetic products.
