One of the most commonly used photo sizes is the postcard size, which measures 10 x 15 cm, and is the standard size for photo printing.
The size of a photograph expresses its dimensions in a given unit of measurement that can obey two aspects:
- The measurement in centimeters, although we can also find it in inches, is the measurement used for printing or photographic development.
- The size in pixels, more focused on the resolution of the photograph, the more pixels it has, the higher its quality. This measurement is used to establish the size of digital photographs.
Most commonly used sizes for photo printing
In the following table we will see the main sizes in which we can print a photograph, in centimeters, pixels and inches:
| Centimeters | Pixels | Inches |
| 4 x 3 | 470 x 354 | 1,57 x 1,20 |
| 4 x 4 | 470 x 470 | 1,57 x 1,57 |
| 9 x 13 | 1063 x 1535 | 3,5 x 5 |
| 10 x 15 | 1181 x 1772 | 4 x 6 |
| 13 x 18 | 1535 x 2125 | 5 x 7 |
| 15 x 20 | 1771 x 2362 | 6 x 8 |
| 18 x 24 | 2125 x 2834 | 7 x 9,5 |
| 20 x 25 | 2362 x 2952 | 8 x 10 |
| 20 x 30 | 2362 x 3543 | 8 x 12 |
| 24 x 30 | 2834 x 3543 | 9,5 x 12 |
| 30 x 40 | 3543 x 4724 | 12 x 16 |
| 30 x 45 | 3543 x 5314 | 12 x 18 |
| 40 x 50 | 4724 x 5905 | 18 x 20 |
Depending on the size in which it is printed, the photograph can have different uses:
- The passport size (4 x 3 cm), used in identification documents such as passports.
- The postcard size (10 x 15 cm), is the size of photo that we usually print to keep inside the albums.
- The portrait size (18 x 24 cm), generally used for framing and decoration.
- The poster size (30 x 40 cm and above), larger prints intended for wall decoration.
Most used sizes in social networks
Within the digital sphere, the sizes of photographs vary depending on the platform we are going to use. Each social network can set the size that best suits the look of your website. Generally, more size is required than necessary to ensure a good online display.
Below we will see the sizes in pixels used in the main social networks.
| Social network | Profile picture | Cover photo | Publication image |
|
170 x 170 128 x 128 |
820 x 312 640 x 360 |
1200 x 630 1080 x 1080 |
|
| 110 x 110 | Not applicable |
1080 x 1080 1080 x 566 1080 x 1350 |
|
|
140 x 140 192 x 192 |
Not applicable | Not applicable | |
|
400 x 400 |
1500 x 500 |
440 x 220 1024 x 512 |
|
| 400 x 400 | 1584 x 396 |
1200 x 627 1200 x 1200 |
Measurements may vary depending on the device we use (computer, smartphone) or the format of the photo (square, horizontal, vertical).
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