4×6 vs 5×7 Photos: Size, Cropping & Print Resolution

A 4×6 print measures 4 by 6 inches; a 5×7 measures 5 by 7 inches. The 5×7 gives you about 46% more paper area, but it also has a different shape. Enlarging a 4×6-shaped photo to fill a 5×7 print requires a small crop.

4×6 and 5×7 side by side

Detail	4×6	5×7
Inches	4 × 6	5 × 7
Centimeters	10.16 × 15.24	12.70 × 17.78
Aspect ratio (portrait)	2:3	5:7
Paper area	24 square inches	35 square inches
Pixels at 300 PPI	1,200 × 1,800	1,500 × 2,100
Pixels at 240 PPI	960 × 1,440	1,200 × 1,680
Pixels at 150 PPI	600 × 900	750 × 1,050

Swap width and height for landscape prints. The pixel figures are calculated by multiplying each dimension in inches by the chosen PPI; they are targets, not guarantees that an image will look sharp.

What gets cropped when 4×6 becomes 5×7?

Consider a landscape photograph that is exactly 3,000 × 2,000 pixels, a 3:2 ratio. To fill a landscape 7×5 print without stretching, its usable width becomes 2,800 pixels at the same height. That removes 200 pixels across the width: 100 from each side for a centered crop.

Red edges = cropped area

Illustration of a 3:2 frame changing to 7:5. About 6.7% of the original area is removed. The photograph is shown as a layout example.

If a face or signature sits near an edge, move the crop before ordering. To keep the entire photo, fit it within the print and accept borders. The print size calculator estimates the area lost for other image dimensions and print sizes.

Will your image have enough pixels?

A 1,800 × 1,200 image matches a landscape 6×4 print at 300 PPI. Filling a 7×5 print with the same image yields 240 PPI after the aspect-ratio crop. It may still suit your use, but it does not meet a 300 PPI target at that larger size.

Adobe describes 300 PPI as a common standard for detailed prints, while also relating resolution needs to printing conditions. Check your lab’s own requirements. Focus, compression, and the original camera capture still matter. See Adobe’s print-resolution guidance.

Choose for the frame or album you actually have

Filling a pocket album: measure the pockets first. A 5×7 print will not fit a 4×6 pocket without trimming, which can remove part of the photograph.
Framing one favorite: choose the frame and any mat before ordering. The outer frame size can differ from the visible opening.
Planning a wall arrangement: cut paper rectangles in both sizes and place them where the prints will go. This is more useful than judging size on a zoomable screen.
Comparing prices: ask the same lab for both sizes using the same paper and finish. There is no universal price difference.

Does a border change the photo area?

Yes. A 5×7 sheet with a half-inch border on every side leaves a 4×6 image area. The paper is still 5×7, so it requires a frame or pocket that accepts that sheet size. Confirm whether a print provider’s listed dimensions describe the paper, the image, or the visible area inside a mat.

A quick choice

Choose 4×6 when you want a compact print that matches a 3:2 image or an existing 4×6 pocket album. Choose 5×7 when you want a larger individual print and can accommodate its shape. Before ordering a batch, make one test print of a photo with both fine detail and faces.

For broader page planning, read the album print-size guide or compare different album formats.

Put the ideas into practice

Explore the free photo tools or download an album outline to start your own story.