Photo print dimensions in pixels
Multiply each finished print dimension in inches by the target pixels per inch. For example, an 8 × 10 inch photo at 300 PPI needs at least 2,400 × 3,000 pixels at its final crop. If your lab asks for a different target resolution, use that figure. The numbers assume the image fills the paper to the stated dimensions before any extra bleed or trimming the lab specifies.
| 180 PPI | 240 PPI | 300 PPI | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 × 6 in | 720 × 1,080 | 960 × 1,440 | 1,200 × 1,800 |
| 5 × 7 in | 900 × 1,260 | 1,200 × 1,680 | 1,500 × 2,100 |
| 8 × 10 in | 1,440 × 1,800 | 1,920 × 2,400 | 2,400 × 3,000 |
| 11 × 14 in | 1,980 × 2,520 | 2,640 × 3,360 | 3,300 × 4,200 |
| 16 × 20 in | 2,880 × 3,600 | 3,840 × 4,800 | 4,800 × 6,000 |
Worked example for an 8 × 10 photo from a 3,000 × 4,500 file
The file has a 2:3 portrait shape. The paper has a 4:5 shape. To fill the width at eight inches, use all 3,000 pixels across. That gives 375 pixels per inch. At that scale, ten inches takes 3,750 pixels of height, so 750 of the original 4,500 height pixels are cropped. That is 16.67% of the source area because the width stays the same.
A centered crop would remove about 375 pixels from each end. If the subject is near the top, move the crop instead of centering it. To keep the full image, fit it inside the print area and allow borders. At ten inches tall, an uncropped 2:3 portrait fills about 6.67 inches of the eight-inch width.
Check both pixel count and composition
Start by choosing the intended crop and orientation. Enter your source file’s width and height in the same orientation. The effective resolution to fill the print is the smaller of source width divided by print width and source height divided by print height. This finds the edge that limits how much detail the image carries at that size. The crop percentage describes the amount removed, regardless of whether you center the crop or move it.
When a buyer orders several frame sizes from one photograph, prepare crops for the different shapes. An image printed at 4 × 6 and 8 × 12 shares a 2:3 ratio, while an 8 × 10 and a 16 × 20 share 4:5. Review each export after cropping and check that important content stays inside the trim area.
Common print preparation mistakes
Check the real pixel count after any crop or export. A PPI value saved in the file’s metadata does not add pixels. Avoid enlarging a gallery preview when the original is available. Ask your lab about its image guidelines and minimum resolution, especially for a large print seen at a distance or a print with fine lettering.
Frequently asked questions
Is 300 PPI required for every print?
Follow your lab’s recommendation for the process and viewing distance. The table gives several targets to compare.
Can I use the chart for landscape photos?
Swap the width and height in the table. Use matching landscape dimensions for both photo and print in the calculator.
Why does a border preserve more of the image?
Fitting the whole source inside the paper leaves empty space along one axis when the shapes differ. A fill crop removes part of the source to cover the paper edge to edge.
Should I enter finished dimensions or paper size?
Enter the area the image will occupy. For a matted photo, that may be smaller than the paper itself.