Having a photo printed starts with one important choice: the size. Do you go for a classic 13x18 for a frame, a 30x40 as an eye-catcher on the wall, or a photo in poster format? In this blog, we list all photo sizes for you, explain exactly how the measurements work, and help you choose the size that best suits your photo and your wall.
Photo sizes are indicated in centimetres: first the short side, then the long side. Printing a photo in 20x25 therefore means a print of 20 by 25 centimetres. These are the most popular sizes and what they're best suited for:
| Size | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|
| 10x15 | 10x15 | The classic photo size: albums, photo boxes, perfect for giving away |
| 13x18 | 13x18 | Slightly larger than standard, ideal for frames on a desk or sideboard |
| 15x20 | 15x20 | Portraits and frame sizes, widely used by photographers |
| 20x30 | 20x30 | The boundary between small and large: perfect as your first piece of wall decor |
| 30x40 | 30x40 | A true wall format, beautiful in a photo frame or as a series |
| 60x80, 60x90 and larger | 60x80, 60x90 and larger | Poster format for maximum impact, up to an impressive 120x180 |
Torn between two sizes? Then choose the larger one. A photo on the wall quickly looks smaller from a distance than you might think, a common misjudgement when designing a photo wall.
Good to know: photo paper was traditionally measured in inches. We convert those measurements to whole centimetres, which means the actual size of your print may differ slightly. A 10x15, for example, actually measures 10.1 x 15.2 cm.
Many people search for a photo print in A4, because this paper size is so familiar. But be aware: A sizes and photo sizes are not the same. An A4 measures 21 x 29.7 cm and an A3 measures 29.7 x 42 cm – slightly different from the photo sizes 20x30 and 30x40.
If you want to print an A4 photo, choose the photo size 20x30: the difference of a few millimetres disappears completely in a frame with a passe-partout. For an A3 photo print, 30x40 is the logical choice.
The size of your print doesn't just depend on the paper, but also on the ratio in which you shoot. A DSLR or mirrorless camera usually shoots in 2:3, while a compact camera or smartphone often shoots in 3:4. That ratio determines which photo sizes fit seamlessly:
Doesn't your photo's ratio match the chosen print size? Then you can set the crop yourself in the designer. That way, you decide which part of the photo ends up on the print.
Would you like to find out more about proportions, resolution and file submission? Read our tips for the best print results.
Printing a large photo is the way to turn a special image into genuine wall art. From 30x40 onwards, we speak of large format. If you want a photo as a poster on the wall, the 60x40 format is large enough to carry the space without claiming an entire wall.
If you want to order photo posters for maximum impact, we offer sizes up to an impressive 120x180 cm. All large formats are photochemically exposed on professional Fujifilm paper or printed on museum-quality Fine Art paper, such as Hahnemühle. This way, even an enlargement in poster format gets the sharpness and colour depth you expect from a photo print – a fundamental difference compared to a standard printed poster.
There's plenty to choose from at the other end of the spectrum too. Printing a photo in a small format (think 10x15 or 13x18) is perfect for photo albums, keepsake boxes or giving away. Small square prints such as 20x20 have a modern, Instagram-style look and are ideal for a playful photo wall with several images side by side.
From a handy 10x15 to an imposing 120x180: at Profotonet you can print photos in any size, always on professional photo paper and with great care for colour and finish.
