Photo Print Sizes - Complete Guide
Standard photo print dimensions from wallet size to large format. Pixel requirements at 300 DPI for professional quality prints. Frame compatibility and aspect ratios included.
Quick Reference - Common Print Sizes
| Size Name | Inches | Pixels @ 300 DPI | Aspect Ratio | Common Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4×6" | 4×6" | 1200×1800 px | 2:3 | Most popular print size |
| 5×7" | 5×7" | 1500×2100 px | 5:7 | Frames, portraits |
| 8×10" | 8×10" | 2400×3000 px | 4:5 | Standard frame size |
| 11×14" | 11×14" | 3300×4200 px | 11:14 | Large wall prints |
| 16×20" | 16×20" | 4800×6000 px | 4:5 | Statement pieces |
Standard Photo Print Sizes
4×6 Inches
5×7 Inches
8×10 Inches
8×8 Inches (Square)
Medium & Large Prints
11×14 Inches
16×20 Inches
20×30 Inches
24×36 Inches (Poster)
Small & Specialty Prints
Wallet Size (2.5×3.5")
3.5×5 Inches
Panoramic (4×11", 5×15", 8×24")
Understanding Print Quality & DPI
What DPI Do You Need?
300 DPI (Dots Per Inch) is the gold standard for photo prints. This ensures sharp, professional-quality prints viewed at normal distances (12-18 inches).
DPI by Viewing Distance:
- 300 DPI: Close viewing (prints you hold or view up close like 4×6, 5×7, 8×10)
- 200-250 DPI: Desk/shelf viewing (11×14, 16×20)
- 150 DPI: Wall viewing at arm's length (20×30, 24×36)
- 100 DPI: Large format, viewed from across room (30×40+)
- 10-30 DPI: Billboards and banners (viewed from very far away)
Megapixel Requirements
Here's what camera resolution you need for common print sizes at 300 DPI:
- 4×6": 2.16 MP (any modern phone)
- 5×7": 3.15 MP (5+ MP camera)
- 8×10": 7.2 MP (8+ MP camera)
- 11×14": 13.86 MP (12+ MP camera)
- 16×20": 28.8 MP (24+ MP camera or medium format)
- 20×30": 54 MP (high-end DSLR or medium format)
What If Your Image is Too Small?
If you don't have enough pixels for 300 DPI:
- Option 1: Print at a smaller size
- Option 2: Accept lower DPI (200 DPI is still acceptable for most uses)
- Option 3: Use AI upscaling tools (Topaz Gigapixel, Adobe Super Resolution) to increase resolution
- Never: Simply stretch/upscale in Photoshop—this creates blurry, pixelated prints
Aspect Ratio Guide for Printing
Common Camera & Print Ratios
| Source | Aspect Ratio | Best Print Sizes (no crop) | Requires Cropping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most DSLRs | 2:3 | 4×6", 6×9", 8×12", 12×18", 16×24", 20×30" | 5×7", 8×10", 11×14" |
| Micro 4/3 Cameras | 4:3 | 6×8", 9×12", 12×16", 15×20" | 4×6", 5×7", 8×10" |
| Medium Format | 4:5 or 1:1 | 8×10", 16×20", 11×11", 20×20" | 4×6", 5×7" |
| Instagram / Phones | 1:1 or 4:5 | 8×8", 10×10", 12×12" (square) | Most rectangular prints |
| iPhone/Smartphone | 4:3 | 6×8", 8×10.67" | 4×6", 5×7", 8×10" |
Dealing with Cropping
Most DSLR cameras shoot 2:3, but many popular print sizes (5×7, 8×10) use different ratios. This means you'll need to crop:
- Shoot with space around your subject so you have room to crop later
- Use compositional safe zones in-camera to anticipate crops
- Review your crop before ordering to ensure important elements aren't cut off
- Consider custom print sizes that match your camera's ratio (e.g., 8×12" instead of 8×10")
Print Preparation Checklist
Check Resolution
Ensure your image has enough pixels for 300 DPI at your desired print size. Use our megapixel calculator to verify before ordering.
Use sRGB Color Space
Convert images to sRGB before sending to print labs. Most labs expect sRGB, not Adobe RGB or ProPhoto RGB. This prevents color shifts.
Soft Proof Your Print
Use Photoshop's soft proofing feature to preview how your image will look when printed. Adjust brightness and contrast if needed—prints often look darker than screens.
Sharpen for Print
Apply output sharpening before printing. Images that look sharp on screen often appear soft when printed. Use "sharpen for print" in Lightroom or Photoshop.
Check Aspect Ratio
Preview your crop before ordering. Standard print sizes may crop your image differently than you expect. Use print preview tools to see final framing.
Choose the Right Paper
Glossy shows vibrant colors and detail (best for landscapes), matte reduces glare (better for portraits), lustre/satin is a balanced middle ground.
Order a Test Print
For large or important prints, order a small test print (4×6 or 5×7) first to check colors, exposure, and cropping before committing to expensive large formats.
Save Master Files
Keep original high-resolution files in a lossless format (TIFF, PSD, or RAW). Export JPEGs at maximum quality for printing. Never print from social media downloads.
Consider Borders & Bleeds
Borderless prints fill the entire paper but may crop edges slightly. Bordered prints ensure nothing is cut off but add a white margin. Choose based on your composition.