Standard Photo Sizes

Printing stunning, high-quality images requires some knowledge about common picture sizes so you can make the right decision. The right photo print size can augment the quality of your images, resulting in a premium result.

What Is a Photo Print?

A photo print is an image on sensitive, high-quality photo paper. You can print photo prints on a traditional glossy or true matte substrate, like with Giclee printing.

Depending on your printer’s settings and capabilities, you can print photos in several sizes and dimensions. A professional printer can print photos in a diverse range of sizes and on various materials for the best results.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Print Size

Standard photo sizes come in different ratios and dimensions, and choosing the right size is important for several reasons. When a small image is blown up, its pixels increase, but the resolution remains the same, resulting in a low-quality picture. Selecting the right print size can help you avoid pixelated, blurry photos.

The right photo size can also complement any artwork you’re selling. Larger images are more eye-catching, but smaller print sizes suit certain art pieces. Selecting the right size is also essential for photo composition and placement in specific areas.

Which Aspect Ratios Are Good for Printing?

Aspect ratios refer to a picture’s size and shape, where the first number reflects its width and the second is its height. Rather than specific measurements, aspect ratios describe proportions.

Some common aspect ratios include:

• 1:1 aspect ratio: Square images are commonly used for small to mid-sized artworks and are incredibly popular on social media and in thumbnails.
• 3:2 aspect ratio: The 3:2 aspect ratio is commonly used in digital photography, where the rectangular shape captures more of the scene.
• 4:3 aspect ratio: This size is the ideal ratio for filming or shooting for screens, such as televisions and computers.
• 16:9 aspect ratio: Although 16:9 aspect ratios are popular with most movie screens and wide-screen TVs, they are less common in print.
• 4:5 aspect ratio: For printed photos, 4:5 is the most common aspect ratio, largely due to its compatibility with standard photo sizes.

What Is the Standard Photo Size Used for Prints?

Every image is unique, and how you print it is entirely up to your artistic vision. The best size for photo prints depends on the type of project, your desired frame and how you want the picture to look.

Here are the standard photo print sizes:

• 4 by 6 inches: These dimensions are the most common for small photos and fit perfectly within a 2:3 aspect ratio.
• 5 by 7 inches: Slightly larger than a 4-by-6, this size is excellent for framed photos or greeting cards.
• 8 by 10 inches: An 8-by-10 print is an excellent option for prints you want to display in mats or frames and is a perfect example of why 4:5 aspect ratios are so popular.
• 8.5 by 11 inches: Ideal for larger images like posters, this print size is closest to a 3:4 aspect ratio.
• 12 by 18 inches: This size also uses a 2:3 aspect ratio but is a much larger print for eye-catching displays.
• 18 by 24 inches: This is a large print, so fitting it to the 3:4 aspect ratio and ensuring it has 5,400 by 7,200 pixels is essential for receiving a quality print.
• 24 by 36 inches: An extra-large print like this would need 7,200 by 10,800 pixels and an aspect ratio of 2:3.

As print sizes get larger, the number of pixels becomes more important. Ensure your photos are large enough to maintain clarity and excellent resolution.

Print Sizes to Use If You Are Selling Your Work

Artists may choose photo print dimensions based on the intricacy of the work, available space, wall size, impact value or any other factor. If you’re selling artwork and looking for the ideal print size, your choice should depend on your artistic intent and client preferences. You can even offer the same photo in several sizes to suit individuals’ needs.

These are some common picture sizes some artists prefer using:

• 4 by 6 inches: This size is smaller but does well for standard prints.
• 5 by 7 inches: This option is another smaller size that works particularly well for portrait styles.
• 8 by 10 inches: This popular size is ideal if you prefer a larger photo that is also convenient to print.
• 11 by 14 inches: This size is a good option when you want larger but not oversized prints.
• 12 by 18 inches: This option suits artists who prefer big prints to capture essential details in the image.
• 13 by 19 inches: This large size produces impactful images and works in large areas with sufficient display space.

Large Photo Prints and Prints for Your Home

Large photographic print sizes for your home add style and make a statement. They serve as eye-acting centerpieces and are excellent for creating focal points on empty walls.

Regardless of your photo’s subject, you have an array of choices for large prints, including:

• 5 by 15 inches
• 8 by 24 inches
• 12 by 36 inches
• 16 by 16 inches
• 16 by 20 inches
• 20 by 30 inches

Order High-Quality Prints from Tribeca Printworks

If you’re looking to print your photos or designs, the team at Tribeca Printworks has the expertise to help you choose the best sizes. We can help you print professional-quality pictures for your personal artwork collection or for you to sell. Simply follow these easy steps:

1. Upload your photos: Upload the images into our online print studio. Add as many as you like and print them all or just a few.
2. Make edits to your photos: If you want to make significant changes to your pictures, we suggest doing so before the project. However, you can still make edits like cropping, resizing, adding borders and rotating on our platform while ordering the prints.
3. Choose a layout, image size and type: Here, you’ll start the creative process of choosing a layout and size. You’ll then drag your images into picture boxes.
4. Select your add-ons: Add-ons can be dates, names or any other information you’ll want to include behind your pictures. You can also select a matte or glossy finish.
5. Review and order: Once you’ve completed your add-ons, it’s time to check for any mistakes. Look for typos, cropped-out subjects, low resolution and anything else that seems off. If you’re happy with everything, add the prints to your cart, select your shipping and order size and wait for your high-quality prints.

If you need more information about standard photo sizes and what’s best for your project, contact us online today. We look forward to bringing your images to life.