Everyone has pictures, and over the course of your life you’ll have an endless number of them, about life and work. Especially with the popularity of digital photo taking devices, beautiful moments are left behind almost anytime and anywhere. When it comes to photography and printing, picture sizes play a crucial role in ensuring that images are properly framed, displayed, and compatible with various mediums. From family portraits to professional prints, each region has its own standard picture sizes based on historical and cultural preferences.
We are listing the most popular picture sizes globally. Please kindly understand that we have researched and categorized as many of the world’s popular photo sizes as possible. You are welcome to let us know if there is something that is not exhaustive.
Standard Picture Sizes
Standardized picture sizes have become the norm due to their compatibility with frames, photo albums, and printing formats. These are the sizes commonly found worldwide.
4 x 6 inches
- Inches: 4 x 6
- cm: 10.16 x 15.24
- mm: 101.6 x 152.4
- Pixels: 1200 x 1800 (at 300 DPI)
The 4 x 6 size is one of the most commonly used picture sizes, especially for photo albums. It’s widely recognized as the “standard” size in many regions, particularly in the United States and Europe.
5 x 7 inches
- Inches: 5 x 7
- cm: 12.7 x 17.78
- mm: 127 x 177.8
- Pixels: 1500 x 2100 (at 300 DPI)
A slightly larger alternative to the 4 x 6, the 5 x 7 size is popular for framing and desk displays. It is a versatile format used for portraits and event photography.
8 x 10 inches
- Inches: 8 x 10
- cm: 20.32 x 25.4
- mm: 203.2 x 254
- Pixels: 2400 x 3000 (at 300 DPI)
The 8 x 10 size is ideal for professional portraits and larger photo frames. It is particularly common in studio photography.
11 x 14 inches
- Inches: 11 x 14
- cm: 27.94 x 35.56
- mm: 279.4 x 355.6
- Pixels: 3300 x 4200 (at 300 DPI)
Often used for wall art, this size offers a balanced ratio for both landscapes and portraits. It is a standard size for gallery displays.
16 x 20 inches
- Inches: 16 x 20
- cm: 40.64 x 50.8
- mm: 406.4 x 508
- Pixels: 4800 x 6000 (at 300 DPI)
This size is ideal for large prints and is a popular choice for canvas art and posters. It’s also used for commemorative photography, such as weddings.
20 x 24 inches
- Inches: 20 x 24
- cm: 50.8 x 60.96
- mm: 508 x 609.6
- Pixels: 6000 x 7200 (at 300 DPI)
Large enough for high-impact visuals, the 20 x 24 size is typically reserved for special occasions, professional photography, or wall displays.
Standard Picture Sizes Table
Here’s a table summarizing the standardized picture sizes and their measurements.
| Picture Size | Inches | cm | mm | Pixels (at 300 DPI) |
| 4 x 6 | 4 x 6 | 10.16 x 15.24 | 101.6 x 152.4 | 1200 x 1800 |
| 5 x 7 | 5 x 7 | 12.7 x 17.78 | 127 x 177.8 | 1500 x 2100 |
| 8 x 10 | 8 x 10 | 20.32 x 25.4 | 203.2 x 254 | 2400 x 3000 |
| 11 x 14 | 11 x 14 | 27.94 x 35.56 | 279.4 x 355.6 | 3300 x 4200 |
| 16 x 20 | 16 x 20 | 40.64 x 50.8 | 406.4 x 508 | 4800 x 6000 |
| 20 x 24 | 20 x 24 | 50.8 x 60.96 | 508 x 609.6 | 6000 x 7200 |
This should give a clear comparison across various units of measurement and the typical uses for each picture size.
Popular Picture Sizes by Region
Different regions of the world adopt specific picture sizes based on historical, cultural, and technological factors. Here are the popular regional preferences.
United States and Canada
The United States and Canada follow the imperial measurement system, favoring sizes in inches.
Common Sizes:
- Wallet size: 2.5 x 3.5 inches (6.35 x 8.89 cm | 63.5 x 88.9 mm | 750 x 1050 pixels)
- 4 x 6 inches (Standard print size)
- 5 x 7 inches (Framing)
- 8 x 10 inches (Studio portraits)
The dominance of inches-based sizes here traces back to the early adoption of photographic standards in imperial measurements.
Europe
Europe predominantly uses metric measurements (centimeters and millimeters). Standardized paper sizes like A-series (A4, A3) also influence photo printing.
Common Sizes:
- 10 x 15 cm (4 x 6 inches equivalent): 100 x 150 mm | 1200 x 1800 pixels
- 13 x 18 cm (5 x 7 inches equivalent): 130 x 180 mm | 1500 x 2100 pixels
- 20 x 30 cm: 200 x 300 mm | 2400 x 3600 pixels
Asia
Asia, especially countries like Japan, China, and India, uses both metric standards and region-specific photo dimensions.
Common Sizes:
- L Size: 89 x 127 mm (3.5 x 5 inches) | 1050 x 1500 pixels
- 2L Size: 127 x 178 mm (5 x 7 inches) | 1500 x 2100 pixels
- 4R Size: 102 x 152 mm (4 x 6 inches) | 1200 x 1800 pixels
The L size is particularly popular for photo albums in Japan, while 4R and 2L are more common for general printing.
Australia and New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand closely follow European standards with slight variations in preferences.
Common Sizes:
- 4 x 6 inches: 10 x 15 cm | 100 x 150 mm | 1200 x 1800 pixels
- 5 x 7 inches: 13 x 18 cm | 130 x 180 mm | 1500 x 2100 pixels
- 8 x 12 inches: 20 x 30 cm | 200 x 300 mm | 2400 x 3600 pixels
The use of A-series sizes like A4 (21 x 29.7 cm) and A3 (29.7 x 42 cm) is also common for prints.
Africa and the Middle East
In Africa and the Middle East, preferences vary widely depending on the influence of nearby regions. Metric sizes dominate due to colonial histories and international trade.
Common Sizes:
- 10 x 15 cm: 4 x 6 inches | 100 x 150 mm | 1200 x 1800 pixels
- 15 x 20 cm: 6 x 8 inches | 150 x 200 mm | 1800 x 2400 pixels
- A4 Size: 21 x 29.7 cm | 210 x 297 mm | 2480 x 3508 pixels
A4 paper size is often repurposed for photo prints.
Large-Format and Specialty Picture Sizes
For professional and artistic purposes, larger and custom sizes are often used to make an impact.
Panoramic Sizes
Panoramic pictures are ideal for landscapes and wide-angle shots. Popular panoramic sizes include:
- 12 x 36 inches: 30.48 x 91.44 cm | 304.8 x 914.4 mm | 3600 x 10800 pixels
- 8 x 24 inches: 20.32 x 60.96 cm | 203.2 x 609.6 mm | 2400 x 7200 pixels
Square Sizes
Square formats are popular for social media platforms like Instagram. Common sizes include:
- 5 x 5 inches: 12.7 x 12.7 cm | 127 x 127 mm | 1500 x 1500 pixels
- 12 x 12 inches: 30.48 x 30.48 cm | 304.8 x 304.8 mm | 3600 x 3600 pixels
Custom and Poster Sizes
For marketing and promotional materials, custom and poster sizes are widely used:
- 18 x 24 inches: 45.72 x 60.96 cm | 457.2 x 609.6 mm | 5400 x 7200 pixels
- 24 x 36 inches: 60.96 x 91.44 cm | 609.6 x 914.4 mm | 7200 x 10800 pixels
Digital Photo Sizes
Digital photography introduces flexibility in resizing images. Here’s a quick guide to popular digital resolutions:
- HD (High Definition): 1920 x 1080 pixels (16:9 ratio)
- 4K UHD: 3840 x 2160 pixels
- Instagram Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels
How to Choose the Right Picture Size
When selecting a picture size, consider:
- Purpose: Framing, album storage, or digital display.
- Region: Adapt to local standards if printing abroad.
- Resolution: Always aim for 300 DPI for high-quality prints.
Facts about Picture Sizes
Understanding picture sizes is essential for photographers, designers, and anyone dealing with printed or digital images. By familiarizing yourself with these dimensions in inches, centimeters, millimeters, and pixels, you can ensure that your photos are displayed and shared exactly as intended, no matter where in the world you are. Whether you’re printing family snapshots, creating a gallery wall, or sharing images digitally, knowing the appropriate sizes will make all the difference.