Photo printing reference

Photo Print Sizes and Required Pixels

Choose a print size, confirm the minimum pixel dimensions, then check the crop ratio. Pixel count and composition both matter.

240 and 300 PPICrop ratios includedNo upload required

Common photo print pixel dimensions

4 × 6 in · 2:3960 × 1440 px at 240 PPI · 1200 × 1800 px at 300 PPI
5 × 7 in · 5:71200 × 1680 px at 240 PPI · 1500 × 2100 px at 300 PPI
8 × 10 in · 4:51920 × 2400 px at 240 PPI · 2400 × 3000 px at 300 PPI
8.5 × 11 in · 17:222040 × 2640 px at 240 PPI · 2550 × 3300 px at 300 PPI
11 × 14 in · 11:142640 × 3360 px at 240 PPI · 3300 × 4200 px at 300 PPI
12 × 18 in · 2:32880 × 4320 px at 240 PPI · 3600 × 5400 px at 300 PPI
16 × 20 in · 4:53840 × 4800 px at 240 PPI · 4800 × 6000 px at 300 PPI
20 × 30 in · 2:34800 × 7200 px at 240 PPI · 6000 × 9000 px at 300 PPI

Check a local photo against standard sizes

Why the lab crops the image

Many cameras produce a 3:2 image. That ratio fills 4 × 6, 12 × 18, and 20 × 30 without changing the composition. It does not fill 5 × 7, 8 × 10, 11 × 14, or 16 × 20.

For example, a 6000 × 4000 pixel image is 3:2. To fill an 8 × 10 print in landscape orientation, the required ratio is 5:4. Keeping the full 4000-pixel height means cropping the width to 5000 pixels, so 500 pixels are removed from each side if the crop is centered.

  1. Duplicate the master image before cropping.
  2. Set the crop tool to the print ratio, not a pixel count.
  3. Move the crop to protect faces, text, and important edges.
  4. Check the remaining pixels after the crop.
  5. Disable automatic “fill” cropping at checkout if you want borders instead.

The full 8×10 crop guide also covers 4:3 phone photos, exact crop percentages, and when borders are the safer choice.

240 PPI or 300 PPI?

Use 300 PPI when the lab asks for it or the print will be viewed closely. A good source image can also produce a strong photo print at 240 PPI, but acceptance depends on the lab, paper, sharpening, and image content.

Do not change a file from 72 to 300 PPI and assume it gained detail. Without resampling, the pixel dimensions stay fixed and only the proposed physical size changes. With resampling, software invents additional pixels; it cannot recover missed focus or true subject detail.

Technical reference: Adobe: printed image resolution ↗

A pre-order check that prevents most problems

  • Open the final exported file, not only the editing document.
  • Confirm its pixel dimensions after cropping.
  • Preview the lab's crop on every edge.
  • Check faces and text at 100% zoom for blur and compression blocks.
  • Turn off image enhancement only if you have already prepared color and sharpening for that lab.
  • Use the lab's color-space and file-type requirements.

For a custom size, use the Image Print Size Calculator. For large wall prints, use the poster pixel dimensions guide.

Frequently asked questions

How many pixels are needed for an 8 × 10 print?

Use 1920 × 2400 pixels at 240 PPI or 2400 × 3000 pixels at 300 PPI.

Why does 8 × 10 crop a camera photo?

Most camera photos are 3:2, while 8 × 10 is 4:5. Filling the paper requires cropping the long edge.

Is the PPI value stored in the file enough?

No. The decisive values are the actual pixel dimensions and the chosen physical print size.

Reviewed: August 15, 2026.