We're the Perfect Print team. "How different are 4x6 and 5x7?" "How big is a square print?" Once you go to print, the number of sizes gets confusing — the names alone don't tell you the actual size. This article lays out the real dimensions (in inches) of the photo sizes you'll actually use, how to pick by use, and how to print a phone photo at the size you want.
Standard photo print sizes
Here are the common print sizes with real dimensions. When you're unsure, use this table to get a feel for the size. These are typical figures; they can vary slightly by service and print method.
| Size name | Dimensions (in) | Common use |
|---|---|---|
| 4x6 | 4 x 6 in (10 x 15cm) | The standard. Everyday snapshots |
| 5x7 | 5 x 7 in (13 x 18cm) | Desk frames, greeting cards, gifts |
| 8x10 | 8 x 10 in (20 x 25cm) | Portraits, headshots, framing |
| Wallet | 2.5 x 3.5 in (6.4 x 8.9cm) | Small prints to carry or share |
| Square | 5 x 5 in (13 x 13cm) | Social-style, albums |
| Postcard (5x7) | 5 x 7 in (13 x 18cm) | Holiday cards, mailers |
Lined up, you can use 4x6 as the baseline: a 5x7 is a step up for display, an 8x10 is the classic portrait, and the square is the social-media look. Wallet prints are small and made to hand out, while an 8x10 has presence on a wall or shelf.
How to choose by use
Picking a size is easy once you ask "how will I use it." For an album, match the pocket — 4x6 or square. To display on a wall or shelf, go bigger with 5x7 or 8x10. To hand to friends or tuck in a planner, a wallet print fits. For a holiday card or mailer, the postcard/5x7 size works. Work backward from where it'll live and how you'll share it, and the right size follows naturally.
Print a phone photo at the size you want
Once the size is set, it's just a matter of printing at those inches. But sending a phone photo straight to print, it auto-fits the standard size, and an aspect-ratio mismatch can clip the edges. With Perfect Print you can place the photo at the exact inches you want inside the paper, leave margin so nothing is cut, or lay several sizes on one sheet. Enter the sizes from the table and you can build 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, wallet, or square at real size.
Print the finished data at home or upload it to a print service. When you want to hold the size, print at actual size (100%). For how to print at a store and avoid cropping, see our dedicated guide.
Perfect Print
A free app that places and prints photos at any size (in inches). Works for 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, wallet, and square. No sign-up, iPhone / Android.
Learn more about Perfect PrintFrequently asked questions
What size is a 4x6 photo?
A 4x6 is 4 x 6 inches (about 10 x 15cm), the standard everyday snapshot size. A 5x7 is the next step up at 5 x 7 inches, good for display.
How big is a square print?
A common square print is 5 x 5 inches (about 13 x 13cm). Because it's square, it suits printing a social-media photo at the same composition you posted.
Can I print a phone photo at any size?
Yes. Set the photo's width and height in inches in Perfect Print to place and print it at 4x6, 5x7, 8x10, wallet, square, or any size you want. You can add margin so the edges aren't clipped.
My print changes size or composition.
An aspect-ratio mismatch triggers auto-crop, and the print setting may scale it. Set the layout first in the app and print at actual size (100%) to get the result you intended.