Standard Photo Print Sizes: Complete Guide (Inches, CM & MM)
The 14 standard photo print sizes range from 3x5 inches (76x127 mm) to 24x36 inches (610x914 mm). The most widely used size is 4x6 inches, which matches the native 2:3 aspect ratio of most digital cameras. Below is the complete reference with every standard size converted to inches, centimeters, millimeters, and the minimum pixel dimensions required for a 300 DPI print.
Complete Photo Print Size Chart
| Size Name | Inches (W x H) | CM (W x H) | MM (W x H) | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Aspect Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x5 | 3 x 5 | 7.6 x 12.7 | 76 x 127 | 900 x 1500 | 3:5 |
| 4x6 | 4 x 6 | 10.2 x 15.2 | 102 x 152 | 1200 x 1800 | 2:3 |
| 5x7 | 5 x 7 | 12.7 x 17.8 | 127 x 178 | 1500 x 2100 | 5:7 |
| 8x10 | 8 x 10 | 20.3 x 25.4 | 203 x 254 | 2400 x 3000 | 4:5 |
| 8x12 | 8 x 12 | 20.3 x 30.5 | 203 x 305 | 2400 x 3600 | 2:3 |
| 10x13 | 10 x 13 | 25.4 x 33.0 | 254 x 330 | 3000 x 3900 | 10:13 |
| 10x20 | 10 x 20 | 25.4 x 50.8 | 254 x 508 | 3000 x 6000 | 1:2 |
| 11x14 | 11 x 14 | 27.9 x 35.6 | 279 x 356 | 3300 x 4200 | 11:14 |
| 12x18 | 12 x 18 | 30.5 x 45.7 | 305 x 457 | 3600 x 5400 | 2:3 |
| 16x20 | 16 x 20 | 40.6 x 50.8 | 406 x 508 | 4800 x 6000 | 4:5 |
| 16x24 | 16 x 24 | 40.6 x 61.0 | 406 x 610 | 4800 x 7200 | 2:3 |
| 20x24 | 20 x 24 | 50.8 x 61.0 | 508 x 610 | 6000 x 7200 | 5:6 |
| 20x30 | 20 x 30 | 50.8 x 76.2 | 508 x 762 | 6000 x 9000 | 2:3 |
| 24x36 | 24 x 36 | 61.0 x 91.4 | 610 x 914 | 7200 x 10800 | 2:3 |
Use our DPI calculator to check whether your specific image file meets the resolution requirements for any of these sizes.
Which Photo Print Size Should You Choose?
The right print size depends on the intended use, viewing distance, and display location. Here is a breakdown by purpose.
Everyday and Sharing
- 4x6 — The default choice for casual prints, photo albums, scrapbooks, and mailing in standard envelopes. Nearly every photo lab and drugstore prints this size.
- 3x5 — Less common today but still used for index-style photo collections and compact albums.
- 5x7 — A step up from 4x6 for greeting cards, desk frames, and small wall displays. For the exact metric conversion, see our 5x7 in cm reference.
Framed Prints and Wall Display
- 8x10 — The most popular framed photo size in the US. Fits readily available frames from all retailers. Check 8x10 in cm for metric dimensions, and browse our picture frame sizes guide for compatible frames.
- 8x12 — Preserves the full 2:3 frame from DSLR cameras without cropping. Less common in retail frames.
- 11x14 — A good mid-size wall print. Works well grouped with other sizes in a gallery wall arrangement.
Large Wall Art
- 16x20 — Suitable for living rooms and offices. A significant visual presence without dominating a wall.
- 16x24 — Maintains the 2:3 ratio at a large display size.
- 20x24 and 20x30 — Statement pieces for feature walls. Recommended viewing distance is 3-5 feet.
- 24x36 — The largest standard photo print, equivalent to a small poster. Ideal for feature walls, galleries, and professional displays. Also available as a canvas print.
Panoramic and Specialty
- 10x20 — A 1:2 panoramic ratio, well-suited for landscape photography and cityscapes.
- 10x13 — A less common size that provides a slightly elongated format for portraiture.
- 12x18 — Matches the 2:3 ratio at a size that bridges the gap between desk prints and wall art.
Minimum Image Resolution Per Print Size
At 300 DPI, every inch of print requires 300 pixels. The table below summarizes the minimum megapixel count your camera or image file needs for each standard size at full 300 DPI quality, and the acceptable minimum at 200 DPI (suitable for prints viewed from 2+ feet away).
| Print Size (in) | Min Pixels @ 300 DPI | Megapixels @ 300 DPI | Min Pixels @ 200 DPI | Megapixels @ 200 DPI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x5 | 900 x 1500 | 1.4 MP | 600 x 1000 | 0.6 MP |
| 4x6 | 1200 x 1800 | 2.2 MP | 800 x 1200 | 1.0 MP |
| 5x7 | 1500 x 2100 | 3.2 MP | 1000 x 1400 | 1.4 MP |
| 8x10 | 2400 x 3000 | 7.2 MP | 1600 x 2000 | 3.2 MP |
| 8x12 | 2400 x 3600 | 8.6 MP | 1600 x 2400 | 3.8 MP |
| 10x13 | 3000 x 3900 | 11.7 MP | 2000 x 2600 | 5.2 MP |
| 10x20 | 3000 x 6000 | 18.0 MP | 2000 x 4000 | 8.0 MP |
| 11x14 | 3300 x 4200 | 13.9 MP | 2200 x 2800 | 6.2 MP |
| 12x18 | 3600 x 5400 | 19.4 MP | 2400 x 3600 | 8.6 MP |
| 16x20 | 4800 x 6000 | 28.8 MP | 3200 x 4000 | 12.8 MP |
| 16x24 | 4800 x 7200 | 34.6 MP | 3200 x 4800 | 15.4 MP |
| 20x24 | 6000 x 7200 | 43.2 MP | 4000 x 4800 | 19.2 MP |
| 20x30 | 6000 x 9000 | 54.0 MP | 4000 x 6000 | 24.0 MP |
| 24x36 | 7200 x 10800 | 77.8 MP | 4800 x 7200 | 34.6 MP |
For prints 16x20 and larger, most photographers shoot at 200-250 DPI because viewing distances are typically 3 feet or more. Read our DPI guide for a deeper explanation of how resolution, viewing distance, and print quality interact. You can also verify your exact file dimensions with our DPI calculator.
Aspect Ratios and Cropping
Aspect ratio mismatches are the most common cause of unexpected cropping in photo prints. Understanding which ratios align with which print sizes prevents lost heads, cut-off edges, and awkward framing.
Common Camera Aspect Ratios
- 2:3 — Standard for 35mm film and most DSLR/mirrorless cameras (e.g., 6000x4000 pixels).
- 3:4 — Standard for Micro Four Thirds cameras and many smartphones.
- 4:5 — Used by some medium-format cameras; matches Instagram’s portrait format.
- 16:9 — Widescreen video format; also a common phone shooting mode.
- 1:1 — Square format, common on social media.
Print Sizes Grouped by Aspect Ratio
2:3 ratio (no crop from standard DSLR images): 4x6, 8x12, 12x18, 16x24, 20x30, 24x36
4:5 ratio (slight crop from 2:3 images): 8x10, 16x20
5:7 ratio: 5x7
Other ratios: 3x5 (3:5), 10x13 (10:13), 10x20 (1:2), 11x14 (11:14), 20x24 (5:6)
When your image aspect ratio does not match the print size, you have two options: crop the image yourself before ordering (recommended, so you control what is removed) or let the print lab auto-crop (which centers the crop and may cut important content).
For a detailed explanation of how aspect ratios affect print layouts, see our full aspect ratios for print guide.
How to Convert Between Inches, CM, and MM
All conversions use these exact factors:
- 1 inch = 25.4 mm = 2.54 cm
- Pixels = Inches x DPI (e.g., 4 inches x 300 DPI = 1200 pixels)
For the most commonly searched conversions:
- 4x6 in cm — 10.2 x 15.2 cm
- 5x7 in cm — 12.7 x 17.8 cm
- 8x10 in cm — 20.3 x 25.4 cm
Tips for Ordering Photo Prints
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Always check your file’s pixel dimensions before ordering. Open the image properties or use our DPI calculator to confirm you meet the minimum resolution for your chosen size.
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Crop to the target aspect ratio yourself. This gives you full control over composition and avoids auto-cropping surprises.
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Use sRGB color space. Most consumer print labs expect sRGB files. Sending Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB images without conversion can result in muted or shifted colors.
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Save as JPEG at maximum quality (level 10-12 in Photoshop, or 90-100% in other editors). TIFF is technically superior but most online labs accept JPEG and the quality difference is negligible at max settings.
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Order a test print at a small size first if you are printing a critical image for the first time at a new lab. This verifies color accuracy and paper quality before committing to a large, expensive print.
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Consider the frame when choosing a size. Standard picture frame sizes are built around these print dimensions. Choosing a non-standard print size may require custom framing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common photo print size?
The most common photo print size is 4x6 inches (102x152 mm). It matches the 2:3 aspect ratio used by most digital cameras and is the standard size for everyday prints, photo albums, and greeting cards.
What resolution do I need for a good quality photo print?
For a sharp photo print, you need a minimum of 300 DPI (dots per inch). This means a 4x6 print requires at least 1200x1800 pixels, an 8x10 requires 2400x3000 pixels, and a 24x36 requires 7200x10800 pixels.
Will my phone camera photos print well at large sizes?
Modern phone cameras (12 MP and above) produce images of 4000x3000 pixels or more, which is sufficient for quality prints up to about 10x13 inches at 300 DPI. For larger sizes, 150-200 DPI is often acceptable when viewed at normal distances.
Why does my photo get cropped when I order a print?
Cropping happens because your image's aspect ratio does not match the print size ratio. For example, a 2:3 camera image fits a 4x6 print perfectly but must be cropped to fit an 8x10 (4:5 ratio) or 5x7 (5:7 ratio) print.
What is the difference between 8x10 and 8x12 photo prints?
An 8x10 has a 4:5 aspect ratio and is the standard frame size in the US, while an 8x12 has a 2:3 aspect ratio that matches most digital camera sensors. Choosing 8x12 avoids cropping on images from DSLR and mirrorless cameras.