What is the Standard Photo Size? Common Photo Sizes in Canada

What is the standard photo size after all? In this article, our printing specialists bring all their expertise to bear on the question!

The most common photo print size is 4x6 inches, which gives a 3:2 aspect ratio. This size is popular for framed photo prints, postcards and greeting cards. Other standard sizes include 5x7, 8x10, 11x14, 16x12 and 20x16.

The format that will work best for you depends on what you intend to do with your image. Let's look at the most popular options and how they’re used:

4x6 Inches: The Timeless Classic

This is the undisputed king of photo prints. 4x6 photos are about the same size as a standard postcard and will fit in most photo albums. The 4x6 dates from the early days of commercial printing, when it became popular due to its compatibility with printing equipment and ease of handling.

The size corresponds to a 3:2 aspect ratio, matching the viewfinder of many cameras. Note that modern smartphones tend to default to a 4:3 ratio – so photos taken with this ratio will need to be cropped before you can print them in 4x6.

Perfect for:

• Photo albums or scrapbooks

• Displaying in frames

• Sharing with friends and family (think classic holiday prints)

• Ordering photo prints quickly

5x7 Inches

The 5 by7 size, at a 3.5:2.5 aspect ratio, provides enough space to appreciate the finer details of a photograph while still being compact enough to fit in common photo frames and albums. It’s slightly wider than the 4x6 photo size.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a popular format for cabinet cards, a type of photographic print mounted on cardboard widely used for portraiture.

Many greeting cards, invitations, and flyers are designed around this size, making it easy to find complementary stationery and frames. You might need to crop your smartphone snaps with a photo editor to fit the 5x7 size before printing.

Perfect for:

• Displaying on a desk or tabletop

• Greeting cards and personalized gifts

• Showcasing photos in more detail

8x10 Inches

The 8x10 size is large enough to be a statement piece on its own, but not so big that it overwhelms a smaller space. It’s about equivalent to the Letter paper size (or the global A4 size).

In the early days of photography, the 8x10 print size gained popularity in professional studio portraiture. Its larger dimensions allowed for detailed and striking portraits, making it a preferred choice for formal portraits and headshots.

With its aspect ratio of 4:5, the 8x10 print size is fairly common, and you shouldn't run into problems finding frames for your photos.

Perfect for:

• Creating a gallery wall

• Gifting a high-quality print

• Showcasing landscapes or group photos

Square Prints

Square photo prints, such as 5x5 or 8x8 inches, offer a distinct and nostalgic look. Their 1:1 aspect ratio makes them ideal for printing Instagram photos and other square-format images.

Square prints harken back to the days of vintage photography, particularly popularized by the iconic Polaroid instant cameras. The resurgence of square prints can be attributed in part to the rise of social media platforms like Instagram.

Easy to frame and arrange, square photo prints such as the 8x8 inch MIXPIX® are great for portraits, landscapes, and abstract art, providing a balanced and symmetrical appearance that makes for striking wall decor.

Perfect for:

• Creating photo grids on walls

• Printing Instagram photos

• Stylish and trendy presents

Large Prints (11x14, 16x12, 20x16 and more)

Large photo prints, such as 11x14, 16x12, 20x16 and 20x30 inches, make a powerful statement. The expansive dimensions allow for incredible detail and clarity, bringing out the best in landscape photography, portraits, and fine art prints.

For a show-stopping statement piece, consider a larger format such as acrylic photo prints (available up to a stunning 40x30" here at BESTCANVAS) You'll need to use a photo with a high resolution (pixel count) for a print this size.

Note that our system will analyze your photo upload automatically – and you'll only be offered the print sizes appropriate to its resolution.

Perfect for:

• Beautiful family group portraits

• Detailed landscape and wildlife photography

• Transforming empty walls into stunning visual displays

Beyond Print Size: Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio refers to the proportional relationship between the width and height of your photo. The most common aspect ratios you'll encounter are:

• 3:2: matches the viewfinder of many analog cameras and is ideal for portraits and everyday photos.

• 4:3: common with smartphone photos and works well for landscape shots.

• 16:9: a wide-angle format often used for mobile videos, great for panoramic photos or images meant for digital display.

Choosing the Right Photo Size: It's All About Your Needs

There's no single "correct" answer when it comes to photo size. Consider these factors to make your decision:

• How will you display the photo? Is it for an album, a frame, or a wall display?

• What kind of photo is it? Portraits might look better in 5x7, while landscapes might shine in 8x10.

• What's your budget? Larger prints typically cost more, so look for print services such as BESTCANVAS offering great bargains for even the largest print sizes.

Bonus Tip: Many online printing services offer handy cropping tools that can help you ensure your photo fits the chosen size perfectly.

Capturing Memories in Style

Choosing the right photo print size is crucial if you want to show your image to its best advantage. From the compact convenience of standard 4x6 prints to the commanding presence of 16x20, each size offers unique advantages.

With a little knowledge about standard photo sizes and aspect ratios, you're well on your way to transforming your digital memories into beautiful physical keepsakes. Check out our framed photo prints for a one-stop photo and frame ordering experience.