4x6 vs 5x7 Photo Size Comparison
4x6photo Engineering & Photography Team
Fact-Checked & Verified on Canon SELPHY & Lab Kiosks
Deciding between a **4x6 and a 5x7 photo print**? While they are both staple photo print dimensions, they differ significantly in **aspect ratio, printing costs, framing availability, and visual prominence**.
Visual comparison showing aspect ratio and size area differences: 3:2 (4x6) vs 7:5 (5x7).
Side-by-Side Sizing & Cost Summary
Here is a quick overview of how these two popular sizes compare in metric measurements, pixel requirements, and pricing:
| Feature | 4x6 Photo Size | 5x7 Photo Size |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions (Inches) | 4" × 6" | 5" × 7" |
| Dimensions (Centimeters) | 10.16 × 15.24 cm | 12.70 × 17.78 cm |
| Aspect Ratio | 3:2 (1.5:1) | 7:5 (1.4:1) |
| Surface Area | 24 sq. inches | 35 sq. inches (+45.8%) |
| 300 DPI Resolution | 1200 × 1800 px | 1500 × 2100 px |
| Average Pharmacy Cost | $0.15 - $0.39 | $1.99 - $3.49 |
| Primary Uses | Pocket albums, scrapbooks, mass wedding prints, fridge photos | Tabletop frames, greetings cards, graduation invitations, desk gifts |
1. Aspect Ratio and Cropping Implications
The aspect ratio is the proportion between the width and height of an image. This is a critical metric for cropping:
- 4x6 has a 3:2 Aspect Ratio: This is the exact native sensor ratio of most SLR and mirrorless cameras. If you shoot with a DSLR, your photos will print 4x6 without losing a single pixel on the edges.
- 5x7 has a 7:5 Aspect Ratio: This ratio is slightly taller and boxier.
- Smartphone Sensor Factor: iPhones and Android devices default to capturing images in a 4:3 aspect ratio. Converting a 4:3 photo to 3:2 (for 4x6 printing) requires cropping out 11% of the image. Surprisingly, converting 4:3 to 7:5 (for 5x7 printing) only crops out about 5% of the image. This means smartphone photos crop less when printed as 5x7!
2. Surface Area Difference
While a 5x7 print sounds only 1 inch larger on each side than a 4x6, geometry tells a different story. A 4x6 photo occupies 24 square inches of paper. A 5x7 photo occupies 35 square inches. This means **a 5x7 print is nearly 45.8% larger in total size**, making it much more visible across a room.
3. Print Cost Difference (The Bulk Factor)
If you are printing hundreds of photos, pricing is the ultimate filter. Retailers like Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart print 4x6 photos on continuous paper feeders, making them extremely cheap (often $0.15 with coupons). 5x7 prints are printed in lower volume on custom sheet feeders. As a result, a single 5x7 print often costs 6 to 10 times more than a 4x6 print.
Ready to Resize or Crop to 4x6?
Frame your mobile photos perfectly for standard 4x6 photo paper with our free 100% browser-based tool.