20+ Standard Photo Print Sizes

Printing digital photos might seem straightforward, but there are actually a few important things to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the standard photo dimensions for printing; keep scrolling to learn more!

What Are Standard Picture Print Sizes?

1. Typical Photo Sizes

a. 4×6

This photo size is the most common in the current photofinishing industry, primarily because it mirrors the common aspect ratio in most camera viewfinders. Hence, we are unsurprised by its incredible versatility and practicality for everyday usage. For example:

• Photo books to compile and preserve memories from family events, vacations, or special moments
• Fit into standard-sized frames to display around the home or office
• Create personalized greeting cards, invitations, thank-you notes, etc.
• Reliable physical backup for your digital images

b. 5×7

As you can see, the 5 x 7 photo size is slightly bigger than the standard 4 x 6, which translates to a higher aspect ratio and more space for intricate details to be captured and appreciated. As a result, it’s particularly suitable for both individual and family portraits (personal use) as well as desk displays and other professional options.

c. 8×10

8×10 is the biggest standard print size before we move on to more specialized large-scale print options. Given its ample space for presence and detail (without being overly cumbersome), this photo size is ideal for special events, family photos, and formal portraits, such as:

• Graduation
• Wedding
• Professional portraits
• Anniversary
• Get-together
• Meetings

Plus, it fits well into larger frames and can be hung in living rooms, hallways, or offices without requiring extra matting. 

2. Square-sized Photo Prints

Common options: 5×5, 10×10, 12×12, 16×16, 20×20, 30×30

Square photo prints offer a unique and modern aesthetic that works beautifully for decorative and creative purposes. 

For instance, you can use them to print social media photos (especially from platforms like Instagram, where the square format is standard) or produce Polaroid-style photos to add a nostalgic touch to your image collection.

Another common choice is to decorate spaces with photo walls arranged in a grid or mosaic pattern. The various square sizes also allow you to mix and match different dimensions for a cohesive yet dynamic display!

3. Large-sized Photo Prints

Common options: 10×13, 10×20, 11×14, 12×18, 14×22, 16×20, 18×24, 20×24, 20×30

Here’s where you can find the biggest “Wow” factor, thanks to the high-resolution images transformed into stunning wall art for offices, bedrooms, and living rooms. Some photographers even use 20 x 30 or 16 x 20 prints as focal points for their gallery walls and mix different sizes to create a more dynamic display.

Long story short, their bold statement can easily draw attention and add personality to any space. You should also use them for art prints and detailed photographs that require larger formats for viewers to appreciate the intricacies.

4. Panoramic Print Sizes

Common options: 5×15, 8×24, 12×36

Lastly, the panoramic prints are designed to capture wide, sweeping views of expansive scenes (seascapes, landscapes, cityscapes, etc.). They are also perfect for extremely large group photos, ensuring everyone is captured without crowding the frame. Feel free to hang them in hallways or long wall spaces to add a more immersive design element to your home decor! 

Other Factors to Consider

1. Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the relationship between a photo’s width and height, displayed as two numbers with a colon in between. Common aspect ratios are 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, and 16:9.

Print size aside, choosing the right aspect ratio should also be your priority since it affects whether your picture will fit perfectly on that selected print size. Here’s a simple explanation:

• A photo with a 3:2 aspect ratio will fit perfectly on 3:2 paper and completely fill the frame.
• On the contrary, a 4:3 image printed on 3:2 paper will either not fill the frame or get cropped to fit.

2. Print Quality

Secondly, the type of paper you choose also impacts the final look of your printed picture. For a smooth and glossy finish, opt for high-quality photo paper. But if you’re printing larger images with lower resolution, using a rougher or textured material (e.g., stationery paper) can help achieve a better result.

3. Frame Size

Many people also want to frame their prints, so if you do, consider the width of the frame’s border. Suppose you want an 18 x 24 photo with a 0.75 border; then you should order a 19.75 x 25.75 print. This extra space ensures your photo fits perfectly within the frame without being cropped.

How to Choose The Right Photo Print Dimensions

1. Purpose and Placement

The intended purpose and location of your print significantly influence the optimal size.

For example, a compact print such as 4×6 or 5×7 inches would be well-suited for a small, intimate photo destined for a bedside table or a bookshelf. Conversely, a large-scale print, like 11×14 or 16×20 inches, is better suited for a prominent wall space, as it commands attention and becomes a focal point in the room.

2. Subject

And don’t forget that the photographer’s subject matter also plays a role. A simple example:

• A portrait (emphasizing facial features and expressions) might benefit from a square format highlighting the subject’s individuality.
• A landscape photograph (which often showcases expansive vistas) can be enhanced by a panoramic format that captures the breadth and depth of the scene.

3. Image Resolution and Quality

No matter your photo size preference, image quality should never be compromised! Only high-resolution images (characterized by a large number of pixels) allow for significant enlargement without noticeable pixelation or blurriness.

So, if your image is not high quality, do not consider larger printing unless you want it to appear grainy or pixelated on purpose. Before printing, we suggest using online tools and calculators to estimate the optimal print size based on the image’s resolution. You can also try using an image upscaler by Depositphotos

4. Cropping

In certain cases, cropping the image may be necessary to fit a specific print size or to focus attention on a particular element within the photograph.

However, excessive cropping can result in the loss of essential details and impact the overall composition! Regardless of the nature of your project, you MUST consider the importance of the cropped elements, as well as their contribution to the image’s storytelling. Feel free to consult someone experienced if needed.

5. Budget

Naturally, the desired print size will influence the overall cost: larger prints might call for more materials and labor at a higher price, for example. So, do not forget to set a budget upfront to narrow the options and prevent unpleasant surprises when the printing services eventually tell you the total expenses required.

Aside from traditional paper prints, consider alternative materials such as:

• Canvas: Providing a textured, gallery-wrapped look
• Metal: Modern and reflective surface
• Acrylic: Stunning, almost three-dimensional effect

They offer unique visual/ tactile qualities and may fit within different budget constraints, so do your research before deciding.

6. Personal Taste

At the end of the day, it’s YOUR personal preference that matters most! Keep in mind your overall decor and intended audience (a.k.a your artistic vision), then experiment with different sizes and formats until you discover the perfect presentation for your cherished photographs.

Ideal Photographic Sizes for Different Purposes

1. For The Web

Want to make sure your photos look great on the website without quality loss or distortion? That’s another reason you must pay attention to the standard photo dimensions! Here are some pointers for you:

• Television, photography, and social media cover: 1920 x 1080 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
• Advanced photography or film: 1280 x 720 pixels with a 16:9 aspect ratio
• Social media posts (e.g., Instagram): 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Banners or main images that span the full width of a webpage: 1500 pixels (minimum) x 2560 pixels (maximum) with a 16:9 aspect ratio. These options ensure the browsers do not crop out the important parts.
• Blog posts: To keep your blog posts looking neat and consistent, use images that match the width of your content area. For example, if this blog content section is 800 pixels wide, use images 800 pixels or less in width. Larger images than that will be resized automatically, which can reduce quality.

2. For Printing

We have already discussed some commonly used picture print sizes. But in case you still need more suggestions, let us help:

• Passport photos: 2 x 2 inches is ideal
• General photo printing: Sizes like 5 x 7 or 4 x 6 inches are common for artistic photos or greeting cards.
• Poster printing: 8.5 x 11 inches works well for larger prints, especially with a 4:3 aspect ratio and 3400 x 4400 resolution for best results.

3. For Social Media

Remember that different social media platforms have specific requirements for optimal image sizes:

• Facebook posts & stories: 1200 x 630 pixels (Posts), 1080 x 1920 pixels with 9:16 ratio (Stories)
• Facebook covers: 820 x 312 pixels
• Twitter posts: 1200 x 675 pixels (Single photo), 700 x 800 pixels per image (Two photos)
• Twitter covers: 500 x 1500 pixels
• Instagram photos: 1080 x 1080 pixels with a 1:1 ratio (standard images). If your pictures are larger, resize them to avoid quality loss.

Conclusion

Our article covered the most common printing purposes and included ideal photo sizes for other tasks, such as blogging and social media. If you have any questions or need further help, please get in touch!