Printed the perfect photo, only to find it doesn’t fit the frame or looks cropped and blurry? You’re not alone. Finding the right standard photo print size is one of the most common issues people face when ordering prints.
Not every photo suits a 6x4, and getting the wrong size can ruin the final result. The right choice depends on how your photo was taken and where it will be displayed.
This guide breaks down the most common photo print sizes used in Australia, what each one is best for, and how to avoid sizing mistakes. Whether you’re printing a gift, creating a gallery wall, or framing a memory, our guide will help you take out the guesswork.
Quick Answer: What Is the Standard Photo Print Size?
In Australia, the most common standard photo print size is 4x6 inches (or 10x15 cm). This format suits most smartphone photos and is the go-to option for photo albums and everyday prints.
Here’s a breakdown of the most popular photo print sizes and what they’re best used for:
| Size | Best For |
| 4x6 inches (10x15 cm) | The most common standard photo size in Australia. Ideal for everyday photos, holiday snaps, and photo albums. Prints quickly and is compatible with most smartphone cameras. |
| 5x7 inches (13x18 cm) | Great for portraits, gifts, and framed prints. Slightly larger than 4x6, offering more detail and a cleaner, professional feel. Works well as a standalone desk or shelf display. |
| 6x8 inches (15x20 cm) | A good middle ground for gifts, group shots, or images that need more impact than a 4x6 without going oversized. |
| 8x10 inches (20x25 cm) | Common for home and office displays. Great for family portraits, school photos, or artwork. Easy to frame and looks polished without needing a mat. |
| 8x12 inches (20x30 cm) | Preserves the full image area from most DSLR and phone cameras. Perfect for scenic shots or photos you don’t want cropped |
| 11x14 inches (28x36 cm) | Often used for professional portrait sessions and high-end photography. Looks striking in matted frames or mounted prints. |
| 16x20 inches (40x50 cm) | A popular size for statement wall art. Needs high-resolution files for best results. Ideal for family photo centrepieces or feature photography |
| 20x30 inches (50x76 cm) | Large-format print for high-impact spaces like living rooms or offices. Best for professional or gallery-style photos. Requires strong image quality. |
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Photo Print Size
Choosing the wrong photo size doesn’t just waste money, it can ruin a meaningful gift, leave part of your image cut off, or result in a print that looks low quality.
Here are the most common mistakes people make, and how to avoid them:
- Cropping important parts of the image: Different print sizes have different shapes. If your original photo doesn’t match the print size, the edges may be cut off.
- Printing a low-resolution image too large: Enlarging a photo without enough pixels leads to blurry or pixelated prints. Always check that your image is high enough resolution for the size you want (keep reading to find out how).
- Assuming one size fits all frames: Not all frames match all print sizes. A 5x7 frame won’t fit a 4x6 print properly without borders or cropping.
- Choosing a size without thinking about display: Think about where the photo will go and how much impact you want it to make before choosing your size.
Aspect Ratio and Resolution: Why They Matter
Two things affect how your photo looks when printed: aspect ratio and resolution. They sound technical, but our top tips mean you can get it right when printing and framing.
Aspect Ratio
Aspect ratio is the shape of your photo, or how wide it is compared to how tall it is. If your photo’s shape doesn’t match the print size, parts of your image might get cropped.
Here’s what that means in practice:
| Aspect Ratio | Matching Print Sizes | Will My Photo Be Cropped? |
| 3:2 | 4x6, 8x12, 12x18, 20x30 | No – matches most phone and camera photos. |
| 4:3 | 6x8, 12x16 | Yes – may trim a small amount from the edges. |
| 5:4 | 8x10, 16x20 | Yes – cropping is likely unless you adjust it. |
| 7:5 | 5x7, 10x14 | Yes – May require slight adjustment, but overall very similar to 3:2 |
If your photo’s shape doesn’t match the print size you want, here’s how to fix it:
- Crop with care: Most phones and editing tools let you crop to common print sizes. Use this to centre the subject and avoid cutting off anything important.
- Add borders: If you don’t want to crop, add a white border to fit the full image without trimming.
- Choose a different print size: Simply pick a size that matches your photo’s original shape. It’s the easiest way to print the full image as-is.
Photo Resolution:
Resolution is the amount of detail in your photo, measured in pixels. The more pixels your image has, the clearer it will look when printed.
The table below shows the recommended resolution for common photo print sizes.
| Print Size | Minimum Recommended Resolution |
| 4x6 inches | 1200 × 1800 pixels |
| 5x7 inches | 1500 × 2100 pixels |
| 6x8 inches | 1800 × 2400 pixels |
| 8x10 inches | 2400 × 3000 pixels |
| 8x12 inches | 2400 × 3600 pixels |
| 16x20 inches | 4800 × 6000 pixels |
| 20x30 inches | 6000 × 9000 pixels |
Tip: These are minimums. If your image has more pixels, that’s even better. Going bigger than the minimum gives sharper, more professional results.
You can check your photo's resolution by;
· On iPhone: open the Photos app, select the photo you want to print, tap the “i” icon or swipe up, check the dimensions (e.g. 3024 x 4032 pixels)
· On Android: open the image in your gallery, tap the three-dot menu or “more”, tap ‘details’ or ‘info’ and look for the resolution
· On a computer: right-click the file, select properties, then details tab, then find the dimensions (or on Mac, right-click the file, then get info, then find the dimensions)
If your photo is smaller than the recommended size for printing:
· Choose a smaller print size. A lower-res image will look much better when printed smaller.
· Don’t upscale the image. Enlarging it in editing software often reduces quality further.
· Use the original photo file. Screenshots, compressed images, or downloads from social media usually aren’t high enough quality for printing.
Print and Frame Without the Guesswork
Choosing the right photo size can feel confusing, but it doesn’t have to be. At Print Frame Send, we take care of everything for you.
You can choose from our timber print and frame options for a versatile look, or our HD Metal Printing frames for a bold, modern feel. Just choose your size, upload your photo, and we’ll print, frame, and deliver it to your door, professionally finished and ready to display.
Whether it’s a gift, a keepsake, or something for your wall, we’ll make sure it looks just right. Contact us online today and enjoy high-quality prints, made easy.
