How Big Is a 4×6 Photo: Complete Size Guide in Inches, cm, mm & Pixels

4×6 photo sizes are the most popular and highly used, and one of the most standard photo sizes.

It’s highly connected with our daily lives; we use 4×6 size for family photos, travel snapshots, weddings, postcards, and others.

Have you ever wondered how big a 4×6 photo is?  If yes, this article provides the answer.

Here, we explain 4×6 photo measurements in units, their use cases, tips for resizing, and the printing process.

What is a 4×6 photo size?

The standard photo size 4×6 is a measurement of photo size in inches that is 4 inches in width and 6 inches in height.

People use it for both personal and professional use. Highly used on photographs, albums, scrapbooks, and postcards.

4×6 image sizes are popular worldwide, and people use them heavily for printing their photos. Many printers and digital films use a 4×6 size by default.

Why are 4×6 standard photo sizes so popular?​

4×6 photo sizes are most common for printing. It was introduced by Kodak in 1934 with a 3:2 aspect ratio. The 35mm film by Kodak used a 3:2 aspect ratio, and the 4×6 photo size has the same aspect ratio.

The 4×6 photo size captures image details precisely but is small in size, so there is no need for any big space for storage, display, or framing.

It also best fits with the printing size. Printers come with a 2:3 aspect ratio by default.

Digital cameras and smartphones also come with a 3:2 aspect ratio camera.

Here I have discussed it in more detail.

• Aspect ratio: Aspect ratio is a relationship between a photo’s width and height.  A 4×6 photo size has an aspect ratio of 2:3. The ratio 3:2 is most common for many smartphones, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras.
• Set with album and frame: 4×6 photo sizes are highly suitable for a photo album and frame. People choose the 4×6 size to print their album photos and use them in photo frames.
• Best size: A 4×6 photo size is the best size compared to other photo sizes. It is not too large to cut space and is enough to capture many details.
• Affordable to print: 4×6 sizes are a medium size, not too small and not too large, so that the 4×6 photo size doesn’t need much money to print.

How big is a 4×6 photo in different units?

4×6 photo sizes are popular for printing.  We use it for daily needs, but we don’t know how big a 4×6 photo is in different units. We know only the measurement of 4×6 photo sizes in inches.

Let’s take a quick look at the 4×6 photo sizes in other units. Like CM, MM, and Pixels.

How big is a 4×6 photo in inches?

The 4×6 photo size is measured in inches with image width and height.

That means the size is

• Width: 4 inches
• Height: 6 inches

So it’s 4×6 in inches. 6×4 is also the same as 4×6, but the difference is that one is big vertically, and the other is horizontally.

How big is a 4×6 photo in cm?

To know the size of a 4×6 photo in cm, we have to just convert from inches to cm.

Let’s do it:

We know 1 inch = 2.54 cm.

So the width is 4 x 2.54 = 10.16 cm.

In sum, the 4×6 photo is 10.16 x 15.24 cm.

How big is a 4×6 photo in mm?

Let’s convert a 4×6 photo with MM.

We know 1 inch = 25.4 mm.

So, the width is 4 x 25.4 = 101.6 mm.

Height is 6 x 25.4 = 152.4 mm.

The size of a 4×6 photo is approximately 101. 6×152.4 mm.

How big is a 4×6 photo in pixels?

To know how big a 4×6 photo is in pixels, first we have to know about dimensions.

Dimension is the size of an image expressed by pixels; you can see it in the image details section. The image resolution matters for the image dimension; the more dimensions, the more image details and resolution.

As we know, pixels = inches x DPI.

Here, I have shown the pixel size using the common standard 300 DPI.

Width: 300 x 4 = 1200 pixels

Height: 300 x 6 = 1800 pixels

So, the 4×6 photo is 1200×1800 pixels with 300 DPI.

Here, I have provided a table of pixels with all popular DPIs.

Keep in mind, if your image quality is with high resolutions, you will get the image with more pixels.  You can use a smartphone to shoot; many phones come with high resolution.

What is the aspect ratio of 4×6 photos?

The aspect ratio of 4×6 photos is 3:2. The first use of the 3:2 aspect ratio was in 35mm film.

8×12 and 16×24 photos are also the same as 3:2.

Most digital cameras and smartphone cameras have aspect ratios of 3:2. It comes as a default setting. If not on your device, you can change the aspect ratio from settings.

Using the 3:2 aspect ratio on a live shot, you will get original images that are 4×6 in size, and you don’t need to resize.

Difference between 4×6 and other photo sizes

Photos come in many sizes, such as a 4×6 photo. But every size has its own use cases, like some are used for family photos, some are for wallets,  banners, and others.

Here, I have explained the difference between 4×6 and other popular photos and their sizes.

3×5 vs 4×6

• 3×5 photos are slightly smaller than 4×6 photos.
• It’s used to keep next to the bed or in dorm rooms.
• People use 3×5 photos in small apartments, dorm rooms, toilets, and bedrooms if there is not enough space.
• 3×5 comes with a 1.43 aspect ratio.

4×6 vs 5×7

• 5×7 is 1 inch bigger than 4×6 in width and height.
• It is used for professional portraits, occasion photos, and gifts.
• 5×7 comes with a 5:7 aspect ratio.
• A 5×7 needs more space to keep than a 4×6 photo.

8×10 vs 4×6

• 8×10 photos are bigger than 4×6 photos.
• Best for the living room wall, professional portfolio, and office desk.
• 8×10 photos come with a 4:5 aspect ratio.

11×14 vs 4×6

• 11×14 is such a big photo. It’s more than double the size of a 4×6 photo.
• Highly used for artistic photos, landscapes, and detailed close-up photos.
• Comes with an 11:14 aspect ratio.
• It’s not as popular as a 4×6 photo.

Common use of the 4×6 photo size.

4×6 photos are a standard photo size; it is used in our everyday photography and printing.

We use it for personal and professional photos. Here is the list of common uses of 4×6 photos.

Scrapbook and album: Most scrapbooks and albums have a standard size of 4×6. So, the 4×6 photo fits with scrapbooks and albums.

Family portraits: People highly use 4×6 photos for family portraits. These are single or small group photos.

Single portraits: For personal and professional photos, people capture their single portraits. Also, kids, pets, and candid photos highly use the 4×6 size.

Wedding photography: 4×6 is used on wedding photoshoots, for portraits, and for any other unique photoshoot.

Postcards: For business needs, people use 4×6 photo prints for their postcards and other ad campaigns. This helps to promote business.

Home decor: 4×6 photos are easy to put on the front of the desk; it should be your portraits or a photo of your favorite one.

How to resize photos to a 4×6 photo size?

You can resize a 4×6 photo using photo editing software, like Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, GIMP, Affinity Photo, and others.

Here, I have provided the resizing process with the simple steps using Adobe Photoshop (other software is also similar to Photoshop).

1. Open Photoshop and upload your prepared image.
2. Select the image width and height from the right side.
3. Change the unit section as you need (inches or pixels), then click OK.

Try to use an original, not compressed, image to get a high-quality image.

If you want to resize on your smartphone, follow these steps on an iPhone or smartphone:

Go to the Photos app and open the chosen image.

Click on the edit button, then go to the crop option and select the 3:2 option.

Press the save button. This will resize/crop your image.

Tips and tricks to print 4×6 photos

When you’re ready to print the 4×6 photo, follow these tips that will help you to print a high-quality image.

• Use the original product image; avoid compressed or screenshot images.
• Decide how to print borderless or with a border.
• Crop to adjust it to a 4×6 photo size.
• Pick the right paper: glossy for vibrant color and strong contrast; use matte/luster paper for softer reflections and fewer fingerprints.
• Enhance the photo by adjusting white balance, color correction, and correcting exposure and saturation.

Final words

4×6 photos are the most common photo size for printing. It is cheap and affordable due to its size and availability.

Many printers come with the 4×6 size as the default setting. If your printer does not come with a 3:2 aspect ratio, adjust the setting to 3:2.

Remember, don’t forget to check the print size, aspect ratio, and printing settings. If your settings have a problem, you can’t get a high-quality image.

FAQs

How do I set my camera or phone to shoot in the 2:3 aspect ratio for 4×6 prints?

Many smartphone cameras have a 3:2 aspect ratio option available. To set the ratio on the iPhone, go to camera settings. You will see some options like 4:3, 1:1, and 16:9. Set the 4:3 ratio, then crop it from the edit option with a 3:2 ratio. On a smartphone, set the ratio to 3:2, then take a photo.

Which is best for 4×6 photos, home printers, or printing services?

Home printers are best if you need to print 4 to 10+ per week. Otherwise, you can use printing services from the nearest providers.

How do I choose between glossy, matte, or other paper types for my 4×6 prints?

Use glossy paper to soften reflection and reduce fingerprints. Use matte/luster paper if you need vibrant color and strong contrast.

Why do my 4×6 prints come out blurry or with poor color?

If your printer has low-level toner or ink, your image comes out blurry or with poor color. Also, due to low-quality paper and lower resolution, the photos come out blurry.

How can I fix common printing issues like cropping or borders not matching?

Crop the image to a 4×6 photo size and change the margin setting to the same for all sides before printing. This will fix common printing issues with borders not matching.

What are some creative ways to incorporate 4×6 photos into scrapbook layouts?

First, crop all photos to a 4×6 photo size. Then edit, like adjust white balance, exposure, and saturation to enhance the image. Use some googly eyes and flowers. Then insert it into a 4×6 scrapbook file.

Where can I find affordable 4×6 printing services suitable for scrapbooking?

You can search Google for the nearest printing service if they provide a low price, and use their service. Otherwise, you can get affordable printing services from online service providers like Walmart Photo, Snapfish, Shutterfly, CVS Photo, and Walgreens Photo.

How can I use 4×6 photos specifically to promote my business or products?

You can use 4×6 photos to provide thank you cards, testimonials, gifts, mood boards, and storytelling postcards. This will help you to promote your business or product.