1. Introduction
Understanding a photo size chart—what it is and how it works—is an important part of any photo-related project. If you want to create an enticing look for any type of photography, photo size matters the most. Photo size matters to achieve the best results from your photography.
● Definition and Importance
What are photo size charts?
The term photo size describes the height and width of a photo in pixels. It is the dimension, length, and width of a photo in digital format. When photo sizes are organized in a chart according to their size and features, this is called a photo size chart. It includes photo pixels, resolution, and other dimensions accordingly.
● The importance of understanding photo sizes for various applications
The correct dimension of a photo will help you avoid pixelated photos as well as stretched or distorted images for your project. Your photos should have a shape that best fits the subject of your photography. Using the correct size can ensure that size. Moreover, when you’re working with photo printing, framing, or any kind of digital photo, you must have knowledge of photo sizes for the perfect output of the photo.
● Purpose of the Guide
So, maybe you are passionate about photography. But you don’t have any idea about standard photo sizes image size charts, how to choose the right photo size, common mistakes related to photo size, etc. Now, I’ll guide you through these kinds of issues and their explanations. Let’s dive into the discussion!
2. Standard Photo Size
The most important thing you should know is the accurate size of the image you are using when designing it for printing or editing images. It’ll be the worst experience if you work on a photo for printing and realize that the photo has become pixelated or misshapen. So, find out the appropriate photo sizes.
● Common photo sizes
You’ll soon come across a dizzying list of photo sizes when printing photos online. You have no idea exactly what you need, and you’ll not be completely happy with yourself if you end up with photo prints inevitably.
In this case, I’m going to help you with some common photo sizes that are right for you.
● List of standard photo sizes chart in inches
4×6” photo prints
This one is the most common and popular print size for photos.
5×7” photo prints
This size is a little larger and features a white border around the edges occasionally.
8×10” photo prints
An even more impactful photo size is 10×8”. This size is a fantastic choice for high-quality photos.
11×14” photo prints
This size is most common for photo prints, artwork, and posters.
16×20” photo prints
For photo poster prints and photo canvases, this size is very popular.
20×24” photo prints
You can make wall art or large canvases with your cherished images at this size.
● Description and typical uses for each photo size chart
Here are descriptions of each size and their typical uses:
4×6” photo prints
If you choose a photo of this size to design or print, you won’t have to crop out any of the images to make it fit. For greeting cards, framed photos, and postcards, this size is ideal. To print with the best quality, the pixel length should be 1200 × 1800 pixels.
5×7” photo prints
You’ll need to crop a little of your photo to get the best results and ensure that it fits this size. Make sure your photo is 1500 × 2100 pixels and gets a perfect fit and quality when printing.
8×10” photo prints
To get the most from this photo size, you’ll need to crop the long side of your photo. So you should remember that there’s nothing important at the bottom or top while capturing the photo. Make sure the photo is 2400 × 3000 pixels to fit this printed size if you’re resizing it.
11×14 photo prints
A common size for photo prints, artwork, and posters is 11 × 14” photo prints. You’ll need at least 792 × 1008 pixels to get the best print result for this size.
16 × 20” photo prints
You should only print high-resolution images in 16 × 20”, due to the significantly bigger size. Usually, a minimum of 1600 × 1200 pixels is recommended for this size. Try to capture photos with this inevitable cropping in mind, because just like in a 10 × 8 print, you’ll need to significantly crop images at the sides.
20 × 24” photo prints
A common size for photo prints, artwork, and posters. You should print a high-resolution image, as it’s a larger size. The best prints will result in at least 1440 × 1728 pixels and, ideally, 6000 × 7200 pixels.
● Aspect Ratios for Photos
The ratio of an image’s width to its height is called the aspect ratio. Mainly, it gives us an idea of what shape the photo is going to take.
For example, if the width and height of an image are the same, it creates a square image, which means it has an aspect ratio of 1:1. Similarly, a 3:2 ratio means the width is greater than the height. And it’s creating a rectangular image.
● Explanation of aspect ratios and their relevance to photo sizes
A proportional relationship between an image’s height and width is called an aspect ratio. Actually, it’s all about the image’s shape. Aspect ratios are written in a formula of width to height. For example, 3:2 (a rectangle-shaped image whose width is greater than its height).
● Common aspect ratios based on the photo sizes chart
3:2 aspect ratio
A common aspect ratio is 3:2, and it is often used in digital photography and film. It’s used so commonly because this is the aspect ratio of the original 35 mm film.
4:3 aspect ratio
This aspect ratio is used by some computer monitors, TVs, and digital cameras. If you’re creating photos that will fill a screen, 4:3 is the perfect aspect ratio to shoot film or photos as well.
16:9 aspect ratio.
A more common aspect ratio on most computer monitors and modern wide screens is 16:9. This ratio is slightly longer in width than a 4:3 aspect ratio.
● Metric vs. Imperial Measurements
The measurement system used in countries like the UK, Myanmar, Liberia, etc., where they use units like an inch, pound, ton, etc., is known as the imperial measurement system.
On the other hand, the decimal system of units based on meters, kilograms, and seconds as the units of length, mass, and time, respectively, is called the metric measurement system.
The main difference between metric and imperial systems is in the basic definitions of their respective units.
● Comparison of photo sizes chart in inches versus centimeters
Sometimes we look for standard photo sizes in inches. But sometimes we need to know the same size in centimeters. So here is a comparison table of standard photo sizes in inches versus centimeters:
Inches | The exact photo size in cm | Metric size (cm) |
4 × 6 | 10.2 × 15.2 cm | 10 × 15 cm |
5 × 7 | 12.7 × 17.8 cm | 13 × 18 cm |
8 × 10 | 20.3 × 25.4 cm | 20 × 25 cm |
11 × 14 | 27.9 × 35.5 cm | 28 × 35 cm |
16 × 20 | 40.6 × 50.8 cm | 40 × 56 cm |
20 × 24 | 50.8 × 60.9 cm | 50 × 61 cm |
● Conversion tips for metric to imperial measurements
Understanding how to convert the length is the first step in mastering metric to imperial conversions. Here are some useful tips to help you with this process:
- Converting millimeters to inches: 1 millimeter is equal to 0.03937 (approximate) inches; did you know that? So, if your photo has a length of 50 millimeters, you should multiply it by 0.03937 and get the equivalent measurement in inches.
- Centimeters to inches: Similarly, you may know that 1 centimeter is equal to 10 millimeters or 0.3937 (approximate) inches. To convert your photo measurement in centimeters to inches, multiply the number of centimeters by 0.3937 and get the measurement.
Note: If you want to convert the measurements reversely (from inches to millimeters or from inches to centimeters), simply reverse the calculation (divide the measurements instead of multiplication).
3. Photo Sizes for Different Purposes
We need photos in almost every sphere of our lives. Sometimes we need to print photos, and sometimes we need to frame photos. In this era of digitalization, we need photos for social media, websites, IDs, passports, and so on. But the important thing is that not all the photos can be the same size. Each purpose for using a photo has its own dimensions and requirements.
● Printing
When you are thinking of printing a photo, the first thing you need to know is the correct size of the photo you want to print. Pixelated or misshapen printing photos really give a bad experience.
● Best practices for choosing photo size for printing
6×4” is the common ratio, and almost all cameras take photos with this ratio. This means that if you want to print all of your images, you will need to print at this rate. This ratio includes print sizes like 6×4”, 12×8” and 24×16”.
● Considerations for print resolution (DPI/PPI)
DPI: DPI means dots per inch. The term refers to the resolution value of a physical printer. Printers regenerate a photo by spitting out tiny dots. And then the amount of detail and overall print quality are affected by the number of dots per inch.
PPI: PPI means pixels per inch. This term refers both to the number of pixels that a screen can display and to the pixel density within a digital image.
Generally, high-resolution prints are desirable. So, there are some practical considerations regarding DPI and PPI to keep in mind. More storage space is consumed for larger files with high resolutions, and it may take time to process, especially if the printing project is large-scale. Additionally, excessively high-resolution printing may not always result in a perceivable improvement in quality; resource usage leads to unnecessary.
● Framing
You may think choosing the photo frame size is tougher. But it’s easier than you think, as there are a lot of different photo sizes to choose from. The most popular sizes are 5×7 and 8×10, but with some careful design backing, both can be adapted to accommodate alternative-sized photos.
● How to choose the right size for framing
Navigating your way around with the measuring guide of a picture doesn’t have to be difficult at all. Now it is all that easier with various simple frame size guides. That means your photo doesn’t have to go in a frame that is completely similar to the photo’s dimensions.
Photos stand out from the crowd and allow your photo to shine in larger frames. The space in which you are thinking of displaying your photo should be carefully considered before deciding on the frame size.
● Matting options and how they affect the final size
The use of a thin, flat piece of material (usually mat board) refers to frame matting. The matting options surround the artwork within the frame. You may experience artwork surrounded by a colored or textured border before the actual frame begins. This textured or colored border is the mat.
● Digital Use
As we live in a digital world, almost everything is turning digital. Photos are also being digitally used day by day. For social media, websites, digital frames, and other digital aspects, the digital use of photos.
● Optimal sizes for digital display (social media, websites, digital frames)
As you know, the image’s size is integral to ensuring that it will fit on the digital platform without expanding. The use of the wrong-sized image may result in not landing the best presentation. Here are some optimal sizes for digital displays:
For the web: You can use 1920×1080, 1280×720, 1080×1080, full-width image size, and blog post image size for websites.
For social media:
○ You can use a 1200×630-pixel photo size for Facebook posts or stories.
○ The best size for Facebook cover photos is 820×312 pixels.
○ If you want to post a single photo on Twitter, the size can be 1200×675 pixels. And if you are going to post two or more photos, 700×800 pixels will be the best size.
○ A horizontal photo of 500×1500 pixels is recommended for Twitter cover photos.
○ Instagram photos show up square, so a 1×1 size image is perfect. The most popular size is 1080×1080 pixels.
● Understanding pixel dimensions and file sizes
Pixel dimensions are the measurements of both horizontal and vertical of a photo expressed in pixels. By multiplying both the width and height by the DPI, the pixel dimensions can be determined.
File size represents the physical size and resolution of a photo, which are measured in pixels. A higher image size means a bigger file size and a larger picture.
4. Special Photo Sizes
Here, the term special photo means the photos we use for official purposes. For example, an ID card photo, a passport photo, a visa photo, etc.
● ID and passport photos
An ID photo is the identity document of someone that includes a photograph of the holder. The photo usually only shows his or her face. A passport is the first thing that you need to travel abroad. It also includes the candidate’s face photograph.
Standard sizes for various countries
● Requirements and guidelines for taking ID photos
Here are some of the important requirements and guidelines for taking ID photos:
○ The photo should be in color.
○ The candidate should look straight at the camera.
○ Photos should be taken against a pale background.
○ Photo recency should not be more than one month.
○ A JPG-format photo is required.
○ No selfies are acceptable.
○ The photo must not contain any filters.
○ Proper lighting is a must.
○ Both eyes should be visible and fully open.
○ No hats or head coverings are allowed unless they are worn for religious or medical reasons.
○ Wear regular clothing.
● Square Photos
You can print square photos as wall art prints. That means your photos will be printed on thicker material. You can choose between a wooden or aluminum frame. Some square wall photos are in 6×6, 8×8, or 12×12 sizes.
● Popularity in social media and specific applications
Square photos are now a popular format on Instagram. Instagram shows square photos, and it gained popularity with Instagram’s rise. It provides a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing look, is ideal for grid layouts and mobile viewing, and is clear and without cropping.
● sizes and aspect ratios for square photos
Some popular square-sized photo prints are 5×5”, 10×10”, 12×12”, 16×16”, 20×20”, and 30×30”. These sizes are found in corresponding framed prints as well as in a print shop.
Aspect ratio formulas are written from width to height, like 3:2. For example, an image has an aspect ratio of 1:1 since the height and width are the same. And it’s a square-sized photo.
5. Choosing the Right Photo Size
Imagine that one of your close friends has a birthday next Friday. You are planning to give him some memorable memories of you together. So, you decided to print some of your photos so that your friend could showcase them. But what size photos will you print?
● Factors to consider
Before thinking about printing photos, make sure where your photos are going to be shown. You have to consider some factors according to the place, the viewing distance, and some other factors.
● Purpose of the photo
If you are planning to gift it to your friend, he or she will probably put it on the wall on the wall as wall art. It will enhance the entire room’s beauty.
● Viewing the distance and space where the photo will be displayed
Make sure you know where your friend is going to put the photo prints. Are they going to be framed for your mantelpiece or large poster-like prints on the wall? They can be landscape or portrait layouts, too.
● Quality and resolution of the original image
Make sure that your photos have the right resolution to be viewed and resized correctly for a family portrait. Start by getting the resolution, quality, and format right to get your desired photos printed.
● Practical Tips
Here is a practical tip for choosing the right size for your photo. You can resize photos to get the desired photo size. Resizing photos is a well-known task for photographers, designers, and anyone related to visual works.
● How to resize photos without losing quality
Consider the following best practices to resize an image while minimizing the loss of quality:
○ Use high-resolution source images. These images have more information available to work with during the resizing process.
○ Resize incrementally. It minimizes the chance of introducing noticeable artifacts.
○ Maintain the original aspect ratio. It keeps the proportions maintained and prevents distortion.
○ Use WordPress plugins. It simplifies the resizing process of an image by using a plugin.
○ Employ command-line tools. These are great time-saving tools since they allow for bulk.
● Using photo editing software for resizing
You can resize your photo accordingly by using Photoshop. Just adjust the pixel dimensions and get your photos ready without quality loss.
Also, you can use Adobe Express. It’s a go-to free image resizer. Crop the image, change its aspect ratio, scale it, and resize it to a custom dimension.
6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Sometimes you can make some common mistakes while researching photo sizes and understanding them. They can mislead your photo sizes. So, these mistakes should be avoided.
● Common Pitfalls
I have made a list of some common mistakes here. Also, I have a solution on how to avoid these mistakes.
● Misunderstanding aspect ratios
It’s crucial to maintain the aspect ratios of width to height while resizing a photo. If you misunderstand the aspect ratios and drag the corners of a photo to resize, it can make your photo distorted and blurry to look at.
● Ignoring resolution requirements for printing
If you ignore the resolution requirements while printing, your photo can appear blurry or pixelated. Especially when someone comes close to the photo to view it. So, experts always recommend using high-resolution images.
● Tips to Avoid Mistakes
Some tips to help you avoid the common mistakes that are usually made are:
- Double-checking size and resolution
Double-check your photo size and resolution before printing. It will make you confirm that there are no mistakes related to the size and resolution of the photo.
- Consulting with printing professionals
It’s best to consult a photo printing professional before printing your photo. He or she will provide guidelines that will help you get an accurate-sized photo.
Moreover, you can print your photo with professional photo editing services to avoid mistakes. They will print photos for you according to your requirements on time. Though it will cost some money, it is worth it.
Conclusion
In the discussion above, I have provided a lot of detailed information about photo size charts, aspect ratios, photo sizes for different purposes, how to choose the right photo size for any purpose, and so on. Hopefully, you will find it helpful in the long run.
Final Advice
Use these guidelines as a reference when you are about to design or print a new photo. Do your job with patience to avoid little mistakes. Then get a photo that you wish for before designing or printing.
If you find this job problematic, contact us at Clipping Path Finder. We will provide you with the photo you have wished for!